25 things to do in Kingston during the holidays

This season, feel the warmth of festivities and holiday fun with workshops, markets, and live performances. From the annual Santa Parade to holiday markets, Kingston is filled with the spirit of the holiday season.

1. Holiday Fun at the Museum

• Holiday activities, games and crafts

• Included with price of museum admission

• Book tickets online

2. Christmas Light Tour

• Take a trip through Kingston to view Christmas lights in a heated red trolley

• Approximately 75 minutes round trip

• Book tickets online

3. Festive Friday

• Downtown Kingston holiday shopping crawl

• Scan the special ornament at all participating businesses for a chance to win a prize

• Learn more online

4. Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show

• Live music ensemble

• Holiday concert

5. A Miss Emily Christmas

• Live music performance

• Holiday concert

6. WinterLight

• Crafting stations, nature education booths, and interactive displays

• Pre-registration required, three timeslots available

• Book tickets online

7. Fat Goose Craft Fair

• Over 50+ artisans from the region and beyond

• $2 admission cash or card (free from 2–4 pm)

• View the 2025 vendor line up online

8. Kingston Potters' Guild Holiday Sale

• Handmade functional and decorative pottery by over 20 talental local artists

• Free admission

• Learn more online

9. Castagnata Christmas Market

• Traditional Italian social event and Christmas market

• Carolers, prizes, cocoa, and more

• Learn more online

10. Stars on Ice Holiday Tour

• Figure-skating holiday performance

• Featuring skating legend, Elvis Stojko

• Learn more online

11. MacKinnon Holiday Market

• Walk-ins welcome for Santa photos

• Over 50 local artisan & food vendors

• $10 cash admission at the gate (free for kids 12 & under)

• Learn more online

12. Candlelight Christmas

• Live music performance

• Presented by Kingston Symphony and Kingston Choral Society

• Book tickets online

13. Neon New Year's Eve

• New Year's Eve silent disco

• Ring in the new year with dancing and festive lights

• Learn more online

14. Nexus Holiday Artisan Alley

• Over 20 local artists with handcrafted goods

• Learn more online

15. A Festive Celebration

• Candlelit concert

• Featuring a choral, harp, string, and piano ensemble

• Book tickets online

16. Good Lovelies Christmas Concert

• Live music performance

• Featuring the Good Lovelies and their Merry Men

• Book tickets online

17. CFB Craft Sale

• Located at Thompson Drill Hall, CFB Kingston

• $3 cash entry fee. Kids under 12 are free.

• Proceeds go towards the Military Veteran Program Plus

18. All Things Christmas Gifts & Art Sale

• Handcrafted goods by local artists and makers

19. Nighttime Santa Claus Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Catch the Santa Claus parade as it makes its way down Princess Street

• Ends at Springer Market Square, where Santa will light the tree

• Tree lighting at 7 pm

20. Santa Saturdays

• Stop by for a photo with Santa

• Located at Santa's Village outside City Hall

21. A Christmas Carol

• John D. Huston as Charles Dickens for A Christmas Carol

• Three available performances on December 21, 2025

22. The Kingston Holiday Market

• 60 vendors every weekend

• Located at The Malting Tower, The Rehearsal Hall, and The Gallery at the Tett Centre

• Free admission

23. Timeless Memories Christmas Gift Show

• Over 60 vendors available

• Free admission

24. Orchestra Kingston presents: Holiday Magic

• Beverages and snacks available for sale in the lobby

• Live performance with sing-along carols, silver bells and more

• Book tickets online

25. Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas

• Traditional Irish ensemble

• Live music performance

• Book tickets online

Events just in

• Printing for Giving | Rideau Building, 207 Stuart St. | Tuesdays, 11 November–2 December

• Jann Arden Christmas Tour | Kingston Grand Theatre | December 20