What’s open and closed in Kingston for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays

December 23, 2019December 25, 2019 Tori Stafford 0 Comments

If you’ve been out shopping anywhere in Kingston over the past few days, you know just how busy everyone seems to be at this time of year.

From grocery stores to boutique shops, and after-hours clinics to pharmacies, it seems everyone is trying to get things done ahead of the holidays when regular schedules are traded in for those allowing employees to spend some time with their families and friends for the holidays, too.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled all of the information we think might come in handy over the coming week, particularly if you need to rush out for last minute stocking stuffers, or even if you just ran out of tape while wrapping presents.

Please note that some stores were unable to provide hours for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at time of press (Monday, Dec. 23, 2019). We will continue to check back with those locations and update this article accordingly.

A reminder from Kingston Fire and Rescue: Never burn wrapping paper or Christmas trees in your fireplace. They burn too hot and create creosote, which can cause chimney fires.

And don’t forget: This year’s K-Town Countdown celebrations will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the INVISTA Centre at 1350 Gardiners Road.

No matter what you observe or celebrate, best wishes from all of us at Kingstonist for a safe and happy winter holiday season!

City of Kingston offices and services

All administrative offices, including housing and social services on Montreal Street and Provincial Offences: Closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1.
Utilities Kingston and Kingston Hydro: Closes at noon on Dec. 24 and 31 and remains closed on Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. In the event of a utility emergency, such as a gas smell, power outage or a water main break, call the Utilities Kingston 24-hour number at 613-546-1181. Hydro One electricity customers in the west and east ends can call 1-800-434-1235. Union Gas customers can call 1-877-969-0999. Remember: for electricity used on weekends and holidays, electricity prices are off-peak.
Garbage and recycling: There is no collection on Dec. 25 or 26 or on Jan. 1. Put your collectibles out two days after your normal pick-up day next week – even if that means putting it out on Saturday or Sunday – and one day after your normal pick-up day following New Year’s Day.
Two-Untagged Bag Reminder: Your household can put out two untagged bags or cans of garbage for your first collection day after New Year’s Day (the two-bag collection days are Jan. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7).
Christmas Tree Pick-up: Two charities will come pick up your Christmas tree for a donation:
- Book a pick-up with KCVI Athletics (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3hHqOYxz8R_IO2oHuaCNj40RO8I0U32bEqPM_9t-s_GBWVw/viewform?usp=sf_link) for a $12 donation.
- Book a pick-up with Kingston Canadiens Midget AAA (mailto:[email protected]) for a $10 donation.
Kingston Area Recycling Centre (KARC): Closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. Christmas trees can be dropped off free-of-charge at KARC, 196 Lappan’s Lane.

Public Transportation

Kingston Transit will have the following schedule changes. Plan your bus trip here.
- Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Regular weekday service. Office closes at 4:30 p.m.
- Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25 – No service. Office closed.
- Boxing Day, Thursday, Dec. 26 – Sunday service – except for Route 18, which runs on regular weekday service.
- New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31 – Regular weekday service. Office closes at 4:30 p.m.
- New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1 – No service. Office closed.

Kingston Access Bus will have the following schedule changes:
- Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Regular on-road service and hours. Office closes at 5 p.m.
- Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25 – No on-road service. Office closed.
- Boxing Day, Thursday, Dec. 26 – Limited on-road service, 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Office opens 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31 – Regular on-road service and hours. Office closes at 5 p.m.
- New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1 – No on-road service. Office closed.

Arts and recreation

Kingston Frontenac Public Library branches: Closed Dec. 24 to 26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1.
Artillery Park Aquatic Centre: Front desk remains open until 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31. Closed Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1.
INVISTA Centre: The fitness centre closes at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31, but the front desk remains open until 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and until 9 p.m. on Dec. 31. Closed Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1.
Rideau Heights Community Centre and Library: Front desk remains open until 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31. Closed Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1.
Arenas: Open until 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Closed Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1.
Grand Theatre Box Office: Open noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31 and from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 27 to 30. Closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. Tickets for all shows can be purchased online 24 hours a day at www.kingstongrand.ca (http://www.kingstongrand.ca/).
Tett Centre: closed to the public Dec. 24 to 26 and 31 and Jan. 1.
Heritage Resource Centre: closed from Dec. 23 through Jan. 5.

Shopping

Many stores and grocery stores will be closed or have reduced hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Please check with individual locations for store hours. Here is what we know for certain regarding closures:

The Cataraqui Centre is open Christmas Eve Day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The mall is then closed on Christmas Day, and open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Boxing Day. The mall then resumes regular daily hours until New Year’s Eve Day when it will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then closed for New Year’s Day.
Walmart is open Christmas Eve from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. before closing for Christmas Day. It reopens on Boxing Day with extended hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, it will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Costco is open Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day. It reopens on Boxing Day from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The store will be open on New Year’s Eve from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on New Year’s Day.
The Frontenac Mall will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Both Staples locations will be open on Christmas Eve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then closed on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, it is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both locations will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Loblaws in the Kingston Centre will be open from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and then closed on Christmas Day. It will be open on Boxing Day from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Midland Avenue location will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas Day. It will reopen for Boxing Day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The No Frills location on Coverdale Drive will be open on Christmas Eve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Division Street location will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and then closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
While we were unable to get in touch with anyone from the Metro location on Barrie Street, the Metro at Gardiners and Bath Roads will be open as usual on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day, and open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Boxing Day. It will then resume regular hours, but will be closed on New Year’s Day. The Bayridge Drive Metro will be open Christmas Eve from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Christmas Day. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Boxing Day, and resume regular hours, but will be closed on New Year’s Day.
All Food Basics locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, all locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and closed on New Year’s Day.
Farm Boy will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and closed for both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On New Year’s Eve, it will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 pm., and then closed on New Year’s Day.
FreshCo will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas Day. It reopens on Boxing Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and then resumes regular hours until New Year’s Eve, when it is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on New Year’s Day.
The Foodland location in Amherstview will be open from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and then closed on Christmas Day. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Boxing day, and 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. the following day. On New Year’s Eve, it will be open from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed for New Year’s Day, reopening on Thursday, Jan 2, 2019 at 7 a.m.
All LCBO locations will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, except the Midland Ave store which will be open Boxing Day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. All Beer Store locations will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and be closed for Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, the Concession Street and Midland Avenue locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, all Beer Store locations close at 6 p.m., and all stores are closed on New Year’s Day.
Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations will be open throughout the weekend for regular hours, but some may vary. Click here to search store hours in Kingston.
Many downtown Kingston businesses do open on holidays, but all keep their own hours. Call ahead to find out whether your favourite stores or restaurants are open.

Banks and post office locations

A majority of banks and post offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Call your branch ahead of time to find out.

News

As always, Kingstonist will be open. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the goings-on in the city, as they happen. We will also be happy to hear from you if there is something you think we should know about. Please reach out to us on Twitt e r, Facebook or via our contact page any time.

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