It’s about that time of the year where the colorful lights illuminate the streets and the yards of houses in the neighborhood, and the festive cheer and smell of hot cocoa are a wonderful reminder of the holiday season. Here are some exciting things to do during the Christmas season in the Kingston area, including markets, music events, and plays.
Santa Claus Parades & Light Displays
Nighttime Santa Parade 2023
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Parade | 5:00 PM @ Along Princess Street
Tree Lighting ceremony | 7:00 PM @ Springer Market Square
Along Princess Street to Springer Market Square, Kingston
Free
Christmas Lights Tour
Carol along to Christmas classics on a 75-minute Christmas light viewing trolley ride through Kingston. Experience the city lit up for the holidays. This tour is fun for the whole family.. Details
Thursday to Sunday, December 3 – 24, 2023 | 7:00 PM & 7:15 PM
Daily, December 25 – 31, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Tours begin from the Ticket Office at 1 Brock St. Crawford Wharf
$19 to $38; Infants (0-1) Free
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Places to See Magical Christmas Lights in Ontario
Alight at Night
Bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting! Close to one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival…a true winter wonderland! Details
December 1 – 3, 7 – 10, 14 – 17, 21 – 23, 26 – January 6 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Upper Canada Village – 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg
$14 to $17
River of Lights
The River of Lights is a free holiday light display on Blockhouse Island which includes thousands of twinkle lights, flood lights, and other lighting effects set to music.
Tune in your car radio and enjoy the show from the comfort of your vehicle. Details
November 25, 2023 to January 2, 2024
Blockhouse Island, 30 Blockhouse Island Parkway, Brockville
Free
Christmas & Holiday Markets
All Things Christmas, Gifts & Art Sale
The Kingston Symphony Volunteers All Things Christmas, Gifts & Art Sale can meet many of your holiday shopping needs. You’ll find items such as jewelry, candles, and decorations in great condition. Details
November 24 – 26, 2023
Kingston Symphony Warehouse, 785 Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd. Unit 7A, Kingston
Free
United Marketplace Tour
United Marketplace Tour is a church bazaar with a twist as six United Churches in the Kingston area will come together to host. Visitors are invited to travel to three host churches to see a variety of items from church vendors and community artisans. Crafts and Artisans, Home Baking and Preserves, Food-to-Go, Silent Auction, Jewelry. etc. Details
Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Crossroads United Church, 690 Sir John A MacDonald Blvd, Kingston
Sydenham Street United Church, 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston
Edith Rankin Memorial United Church, 4080 Bath Road, Kingston
Free
Kingston Holiday Market
The Kingston Holiday Market is a pop-up holiday market for local, independent artists and artisans. Details
December 2 – 3, 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning, 370 King Street W
Free
Brockville Christmas Market
Brockville Christmas Market will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26, 2025. More than 30 vendors, live music, food, hot drinks & fun for everyone! This is a free, rain or shine, outdoor event. Details
November 25 – 26, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Brockville Shopping Centre, 125 Stewart Blvd.
Free
Kingston Potters Guild Holiday Sale
Join us for the Annual Pottery Christmas Show & Sale! Find unique handmade ceramics from over 20 local artists. Details
November 23 – 26, 2023
The Tett Centre, 370 King St. West, Kingston
Free Admission
2023 Fall Metal Rocks Show & Sale
The Fall Metal Rocks Show & Sale is an annual event sponsored by the Kingston Lapidary and Mineral Club (KLMC). The show will take place from November 23–26 in the Rehearsal Hall on the 2nd Floor at the Tett Centre! This edition of the annual holiday show will feature one of a kind handcrafted jewellery, rocks, minerals, home decor and gift ideas created by members of the KLMC. Details
November 23 – 26, 2023
The Tett Centre, 370 King St. West, Kingston
Free Admission
German Christmas Market
Annual German Christmas market. sip a mug of Gluhwein, enjoy a currywurst or pretzel and browse the offerings of local artisans. From homemade stollen and traditional lebkuchen herzen to fresh baked goods and crafts this is always an event that should not be missed. Details
Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Amadeus Cafe, 170 Princess Street, Kingston
Bring along 1 or more non perishable food items as your admission to the German Christmas market.
Perth St. Christmas Market
Perth St. Christmas Market is happening on December 2nd. Shop, Mingle, Eat and Meet in the Courtyard. The perfect outdoor venue with a variety of Canadian Artisans, Artists and Musicians. Details
Friday, November 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Perth St. Courtyard, 5 – 11 Perth Street
Free
Christmas & Holiday Concerts
A Next Generation Leahy Christmas
Get ready for a festive and energetic performance with Leahy, the Next Generation Christmas show! This Canadian powerhouse family band’s live performance is filled with the high-energy, infectious Celtic-based music people associate with the Leahy heritage. Fiddle, accordion, singing, piano, and French-Canadian step-dancing all find a voice on stage. Details
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Kingston Grand Theatre – Rosen Auditorium, 218 Princess St, Kingston
Starting at $50.29
The Communications & Electronics Garrison Band Charity Christmas Concert
In support of Sydenham Street United Church’s Benevolent Fund. Details
Friday, December 8, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Sydenham Street United Church, 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston
$20 – $40
A Tyler Shaw Christmas
Tyler Shaw is a multi-Platinum-selling artist, music producer, and actor originally from Vancouver, BC. Shaw released his Platinum-selling song “Goodnight” in 2012. In 2021 he released A Tyler Shaw Christmas, a collection of original and classic holiday tunes to celebrate his daughter’s first Christmas, and this year Tyler is set to release new holiday music, adding to A Tyler Shaw Christmas’ collection of holiday favourites and Christmas originals. Join us at The Broom for an evening of original and classic Christmas tunes to get you in the mood for the season! Details
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 7:30 PM
The Broom Factory, 305 Rideau St
$35
Sing-along Messiah
On Saturday, December 9 KCS will give all Messiah enthusiasts an opportunity to sing their hearts out, with a Sing-Along-Messiah! Join forces with the experienced choristers of the KCS, led by former KCS conductor and Kingston favourite, Brian Jackson! Details
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 7:30 PM
The Spire, 82 Sydenham St, Kingston
$20 – $40
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas
The Barra MacNeils – An East Coast Christmas is a musical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnight masses and the general festive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. Details
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Kingston Grand Theatre – Rosen Auditorium, 218 Princess St, Kingston
Starting at $74.36
Holly Cole: A Swinging Christmas
Get in the festive spirit with the smooth sounds of Holly Cole. Known for her jazz and blues-inspired interpretations of classics, Holly brings her unique and soulful style to beloved holiday tunes. With her rich and sultry voice, she puts a fresh and modern twist on holiday favorites, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for the season. Accompanied by her talented band, Holly’s live show will be a festive and joyful celebration of the holidays sure to leave everyone feeling merry and bright. Details
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Kingston Grand Theatre – Rosen Auditorium, 218 Princess St, Kingston
Starting at $55.94
Elvis – A Christmas Special
Best known for his portrayal as Elvis Presley, Pete takes the stage to celebrate the Christmas Holidays through a special Tribute performance of the King’s greatest Christmas Carols and songs of inspiration such as: Blue Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, O Come, All Ye Faithful, The Wonderful World of Christmas, and many more traditional Christmas favourites. Details
Friday, December 15, 2023 | 7:00 PM
Kingston Grand Theatre – Rosen Auditorium, 218 Princess St, Kingston
Starting at $60.46
Candlelight Christmas
A Lunch At Allen’s Christmas is an enchanting seasonal journey filled with stories, humour and a vast array of superbly-crafted songs – some traditional I’ll Be Home for Christmas, others thought-provoking, Marc’s Sober Up For Christmas, many familiar, like Murray’s Old Tin Star and Ian’s Zuzu’s Petals – creating a bluesy, jazz, pop synergy that warms the heart and soothes the soul. The true essence of Christmas!! Details
December 18 – 20, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 390 King Street West
$11.30 – $39.55
A Lunch At Allen’s Christmas
Celtic music superstars Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and their children are inviting you to be a part of their holiday celebrations. This will be an unforgettable evening of music, dance and storytelling, celebrating the Celtic Christmas tradition to share the hearth, the music, and the warmth of family. Details
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Kingston Grand Theatre – Rosen Auditorium, 218 Princess St, Kingston
Starting at $74.36
Holiday Theatre
A Christmas Story
Humourist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker on his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Claus himself. Details
November 30 – December 1 – 2, 7 – 9, 14 – 16, 2023
Domino Theatre, 52 Church St
$10 – $20
The Nutcracker
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s performance of the Nutcracker is a mesmerizing Kingston holiday tradition for audiences of all ages. This world-renowned ballet company brings to life the classic tale of Clara and her magical Nutcracker, featuring stunning sets, elaborate costumes, and breathtaking choreography. The production showcases the immense talent and precision of the dancers, with graceful movements and technical prowess that will leave audiences in awe. The music, composed by Tchaikovsky, is enchanting and enhances the magical atmosphere of the performance. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that is not to be missed and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who witness it. Details
December 7 – 8, 2023 | 6:30 PM
Kingston Grand Theatre – Rosen Auditorium, 218 Princess St, Kingston
Starting at $44.50 plus HST and handling fee
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
“This dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. All the memorable episodes from the story are represented in this exciting dramatization: the temptation of Edmund by the witch, the slaying of the evil wolf by Peter, the witnessing of Aslan’s resurrection by Susan and Lucy, the crowing of the four new rulers of Narnia, and more. The supporting characters are also here: the unicorn, the centaur and other forest animals, along with Father Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and Tumnus the Faun. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life. Details
December 14 – 17, 20 – 23, 2023
Kingston Grand Theatre – Baby Grand Theatre, 218 Princess St, Kingston
$24.13 – $32.35 plus HST and handling fee
8th Annual Holiday Show
Come out on December 17th, and watch the dancers from Arabesque Academy of Dance perform in their 8th annual Holiday Show. Dancers from ages 3 to 17 will be showcasing their dance skills and technique, and promise to entertain. Enjoy performances in jazz, ballet, hip hop, and more! All dancers will be performing to songs encompassing the holiday season, and will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 2:00 PM
Kingston Grand Theatre – Rosen Auditorium, 218 Princess St, Kingston
Starting at $28.66 plus HST and handling fee
Other Holiday Themed Events
Miracle on King St
November 17, 2023 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
King St., Downtown Brockville
Free
Winterlight at The MacLachlan
The MacLachlan Woodworking Museum invites you to celebrate the wonders of the changing seasons at WinterLight, our most anticipated event of the year. Get ready for a day filled with adventure and discovery! Details
November 25, 2023 | 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, 2993 Highway 2 East, Kingston
$3.60 – $7.21
Christmas Adult Cookie Decorating Workshop
Learn to decorate beautiful sugar cookies! In this 90 min interactive class, you’ll learn decorating techniques including piping and flooding, icing consistencies and wet-on-wet design. You’ll decorate 18 pre-baked mini fall themed sugar cookies to take home and show off! Let your creativity shine through with these edible works of art. All supplies and icing will be provided. Details
December 14 – 16 & 17, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
La Vida Bistrobar & Social, 1329 Gardiners Rd Suite 109, Kingston
Workshop is $40 + tax
Family Christmas Cookie Decorating Event
Looking for a festive and creative holiday activity to do as a family?! I am hosting a family cookie decorating event where you can decorate cookies together without having to do any of the prep work or deal with any of the mess! Sounds great right?! I will come around to your tables and teach you how to flood and decorate your Christmas themed sugar cookies. I will have suggestions and examples ready for decorators! Icing and decorating materials will be provided. Details
Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
St. Paul the Apostle Church Hall, 1111 Taylor Kidd Blvd, Kingston
The workshop fee is dependent on how many cookies you would like to decorate together as a family.
Workshops
Join us for a fun-filled wreath-making experience, where you’ll learn the art of wreath design and take home a stunning, handcrafted masterpiece. Details
Various dates in Novemebr and December
11 Perth St, Brockville
Varies
HOHOHoliday 5k
The HoHoHoliday 5K is the most festive FUN run in Canada! This 5km run/walk combines the magic of the Holidays with community engagement and fitness. Be apart of a holiday movement and join 10,000 Santa’s virtually across Canada who are spreading cheer in their local community while choosing to raise funds to support Make-A-Wish Canada. Details
December 1 – 31, 2023 | All Day anytime
Nationwide/Virtual Run
$40 – $45
Santa Shuffle 2023
Every year, the Santa Shuffle brings passionate individuals from across the country to support vulnerable Canadians and the work of The Salvation Army. This year will be no exception. We are excited to announce we will be offering registration to participate in the 2023 event either in-person or virtually and we look forward to bringing everyone together in their preferred manner for a meaningful fun run/walk on December 2nd!! Details
Saturday December 2, 2023
Salvation Army Kingston Citadel, 816 Centennial Drive
$22.50 – $300
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.