Things to Do Downtown

Two women taking a selfie surrounded by bright holiday lights.

Spirit of Winter: Enchanted

Experience Spirit of Winter: Enchanted in downtown Kingston. Enjoy a magical illuminated forest, ice skating under the stars, cozy fireside s'mores, and seasonal stories

Meet Santa in Downtown Kingston

Meet Santa in downtown Kingston this December! Capture festive photos, share your Christmas wishes, and enjoy holiday cheer with family.

Holiday Advent Calendar

Discover 24 days of gift giveaways from your favourite Downtown shops, salons, spas, restaurants and hotels!

Downtown Winter Events & Activities

There's nowhere better to embrace the snowy season than downtown Kingston! From festive holiday shopping crawls, magical parades, meetings with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, outdoor skating and more!

List of Events

The Downtown Dish

Discover

Two women walking outdoors with holiday decorations and a heart-shaped light.

Fresh Finds of 2025: New Shops and Services in Downtown Kingston

From stylish boutiques to creative studios and wellness services, Downtown Kingston welcomed a wave of new businesses in 2025. Check out the full list and explore something new!

Woman sitting at a reception desk in a studio.

Inside Studio 88, Kingston’s New Home for Sustainable Art & Local Makers

Curious about Kingston’s newest creative space? Studio 88 is a fresh shop on Wellington Street filled with local art and thoughtful, sustainable gifts.

Embrace the Season: Things to Do in Downtown Kingston this Winter

With festive events, fun shopping programs, and daily adventures downtown is the perfect place to Embrace the Season this winter.

Food & Drink

Woman admiring freshly baked cookies in a bakery display.

Fresh Flavours of 2025: New Dining Spots in Downtown Kingston

Explore all the new flavours that landed in Downtown Kingston in 2025, from bold burgers and pizza to specialty coffee, refreshing açaí bowls, and Korean BBQ.

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Find Calm in Every Cup at Lisata Ginseng-Matcha in Downtown Kingston

Find your moment of calm at Lisata Ginseng-Matcha in Kingston with premium Japanese matcha and Ontario-grown ginseng.

23 & Co: A Sweet Dream Comes True in Downtown Kingston

A new cookie shop has just opened in downtown Kingston, and the story behind 23 & Co. is as sweet as the treats they’re baking.

Q&As

A collection of white vases with lavender flowers in one.

Artists of Downtown: Leah Georgina

Discover Kingston potter Leah Georgina and her beautifully handcrafted ceramics, designed for everyday use and available at Art Noise.

Person sitting beside an orange painting and a potted plant indoors.

Artists of Downtown: ERON ONE

Learn how local artist Aaron Forsyth is shaping Kingston’s streets with bold murals and a passion for community.

Group of people practicing yoga in a Skadiflow Health and Wellness studio

Finding Flow: A Q&A with Skandiflow Health & Wellness Founder Lia Ahonen

Discover how Skandiflow Health and Wellness founder Lia Ahonen is bringing flow, mindfulness, and community to Kingston.

the downtown dish

Show your Kingston Pride!

Cheer on the Fronts!

Catch every fast-paced moment at Slush Puppie Place as the Kingston Frontenacs take the ice for the 2025/26 OHL season with more than 30 home games.

Get Tickets

Live Local – Choose Local

The Downtown Kingston Gift Card

The Downtown Kingston Gift Card is your ticket to an extraordinary shopping, dining and personal care experience!

Accepted in more than 145 businesses!

From fashion boutiques to cozy cafes, from unique artisanal shops to fine dining restaurants and luxurious spas, the card allows you to indulge in the best our downtown offers.

Buy Here

Find your next favourite.

Clothing and Shoes

When you’re in downtown Kingston a new wardrobe is just around the corner.

Gift & Specialty

In downtown Kingston Specialty stores are our specialty!

Toys and Games

Downtown toy and game stores are worlds of pure imagination that will have any kid jumping for joy and even the most serious adults feeling like a kid again.

Jewellery

No matter your style you can find a gorgeous piece to accessorize any look or the perfect gift for your special someone.

Clothing and Shoes

When you’re in downtown Kingston a new wardrobe is just around the corner.

Gift & Specialty

In downtown Kingston Specialty stores are our specialty!

Toys and Games

Downtown toy and game stores are worlds of pure imagination that will have any kid jumping for joy and even the most serious adults feeling like a kid again.

Jewellery

No matter your style you can find a gorgeous piece to accessorize any look or the perfect gift for your special someone.

Great atmosphere, wonderful restaurants, nice open spaces and love the history and architecture.

Visitor to downtown Kingston

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular attractions in downtown Kingston?

Downtown Kingston offers a variety of attractions, including historic sites, vibrant arts scenes, and culinary experiences. Visitors can explore the Kingston Waterfront, visit the Kingston City Hall, and enjoy local restaurants and shops.

What is there to do in downtown Kingston at night?

At night, downtown Kingston comes alive with entertainment options such as live music venues, theaters, and bars. The area is known for its lively nightlife and diverse dining options.

How can I support local businesses in downtown Kingston?

Supporting local businesses in downtown Kingston can be done by shopping at local stores, dining at local restaurants, and participating in community events. Engaging with the Kingston business community helps sustain the local economy.

Respectfully acknowledging that downtown Kingston resides on land which is the traditional territory of the Huron Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee, we work towards deeper understanding by engaging in relationship and teaching.