Enjoy festive fun in downtown Kingston this month
Weekends in December will be more festive with Downtown Kingston’s Holiday Stop & Shop. Free trolley and horse-drawn carriage rides, decorated windows, extended shopping hours, and ice skating (as soon as weather permits) will help shoppers capture the holiday spirit.
According to a release from Downtown Kingston, Holiday Stop & Shop will run Friday evenings (Dec 2, 9 and 16) from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays (Dec. 3, 10, 17) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We wanted to make the holiday shopping experience something unique and memorable, and something you can do with your friends and family,” said Marijo Cuerrier, Executive Director of Downtown Kingston BIA. “The holiday season can be incredibly stressful for many. We introduced some festive additions to the traditional shopping experience, so that you can get everything on your list and have fun at the same time.”
During the extended shopping hours on Friday nights, Downtown Kingston shared that many shops will be offering customer appreciation treats, entertainment and promotions for Festive Friday, to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.
Shoppers can move around downtown in style with the decorated Kingston Trolley. According to the release, the trolley itself will be a hub of activity with Trolley Trivia – a Cash Cab-style trivia game during which host Cam Christmas will be giving away Downtown Dollars and gift cards – as well as carolers and other live entertainment.
If the trolley isn’t your speed, snuggle up and experience the city like never before on a horse-drawn wagon ride, Downtown Kingston suggested. Pick up and drop off will be at the corner of Princess Street and Sydenham Street during event times.
“Embrace the season by dressing for the weather,” added Cuerrier. “There are lots of hidden gems this year in downtown Kingston. Take a stroll through Rochleau Forest, vote for your favourite window display in Window Wonderland, grab a hot chocolate and head to Springer Market Square to warm up around wood-burning fire pits, and look for life-sized snow globes to take an Instagram photo, so you never forget your festive experience in downtown Kingston.”
As soon as the weather allows, Downtown Kingston said that the rink in Springer Market Square will be open, so downtown visitors can enjoy skating with their family or favourite people. Full schedules and event descriptions are available at https://downtownkingston.ca/holidaystopandshop