Spirit of winter: Enchanted
February 1 - 16, 2026
1 Market St, Kingston, ON
Step into Spirit of Winter: Enchanted, where the season's magic comes alive. Stroll through an illuminated forest, skate under the stars, and gather around the fire for s'mores and stories in Springer Market Square.
It's a winter wonderland in the heart of downtown!
Step into Spirit of Winter: Enchanted, where the season's magic comes alive.
Stroll through an illuminated forest, skate under the stars, and gather around the fire for s'mores and stories in Springer Market Square.
It's a winter wonderland in the heart of downtown!
Enchanted Forest
See Market St. shine as an illuminated forest with beautiful surprises around each corner.
Firepits & Smores
Toast marshmallows to golden perfection and gather around crackling firepits.
Skating
Glide across the ice beneath twinkling lights in the heart of downtown's winter wonderland.
Snow Domes
Gather your friends, reserve a time, and fully enjoy this unique and cozy winter experience together.
Enchanted Forest
See Market Street transform into an illuminated forest with perfect surprises around every corner.
Firepits & Smores
Toast marshmallows to golden perfection and gather around crackling firepits.
Skating
Glide across the ice beneath twinkling lights in the heart of downtown's winter wonderland.
Snow Domes
Gather your friends, reserve a time, and fully enjoy this unique and cozy winter experience together.
Spirit of Winter Snow Dome Village
Note: Huge thank you to our friends at Wharf and Feather and the Holiday Inn for letting us use their Snow Domes to capture promotional images. See them in-person at 2 Princess St.
Book your Spirit of Winter Snow Dome Experience!
Enjoy a cozy winter escape at the Snow Dome Village in the Springer Market Square amphitheatre. Spend 60 minutes in one of three domes with up to six guests, each outfitted with chairs, cozy blankets, a heater, lighting, and a Bluetooth speaker. Sip drinks and enjoy treats from local restaurants, delivered right to your dome, while you relax and soak in the winter charm.
Time slots are limited, so don't wait to book your spot!
No pets permitted except for registered service animals. Outside food and drink are not allowed. Dome capacity is six people.
Price: $50 + optional dining add-ons
Schedule
This list includes all times and does not reflect current availability. Book now to secure your spot.
| Date | Time |
| Sunday, February 1st | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| Thursday, February 5th | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| Friday, February 6th | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| Saturday, February 7th | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| Thursday, February 12th | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| Friday, February 13th | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| Saturday, February 14th | 4:45 – 9:30 pm |
| Monday, February 16th | 1:00 - 4:30 pm |
Dining Options
While you're getting cozy, dig into some delicious meals prepared by nearby restaurants!
Dining Options include:
Tiramisu for 2 from Olivea
Mezzo e Mezzo Antipasti Board from Olivea
23 & Co. Cookie - The OG
23 & Co. Cookie - Sea Salt and Caramel
Hot Chocolate from Beavertails
Beavertail - The Classic
Beavertail - Killaloe Sunrise
An Enchanted Forest shines in the heart of downtown...
Meet Conrad the Raccoon! The Official Mascot of KCFF 2026
Designed by Novak Djogo and Daniel Joshua Vanderhorst, Conrad, on loan from RAW Design Inc, is the official mascot of the 2026 Kingston Canadian Film Festival running February 25 – March 1.
We’re thrilled that Conrad is visiting our illuminated forest! He’s a charming guest and an adorable selfie partner!
Get Cozy with Fire Pits & S'more Making
Warm up with friends around wood-burning fire pits and roast marshmallows over the flames for classic, gooey s’mores.
Firepits will be lit Thursdays and Fridays from 5 pm - 9 pm, Saturdays from 1 pm - 9 pm and Sundays from 12 pm - 5 pm.
S'more Pop Up Dates
Join us at Springer Market Square for free s'more making on these dates:
| Date | Time |
| Sunday, February 1st | 6:00 – 8:00pm |
| Friday, February 6th | 6:00 – 8:00pm |
| Saturday, February 7th | 6:00 – 8:00pm |
| Friday, February 13th | 6:00 – 8:00pm |
| Saturday, February 14th | 6:00 – 8:00pm |
| Monday, February 16th | 6:00 – 8:00pm |
Forest Trail
Market Street comes alive with glowing trees, whimsical creatures, and picture-perfect photo opportunities around every corner.
Star Bench
Capture magical winter memories on the dazzling Star Bench, the perfect spot to take in the sparkle and pose for photos.
Skate beneath the stars in Springer Market Square
Open Daily: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, weather permitting
A skate around the Springer Market Square ice rink is a premier winter experience in Kingston and a must-do before the season ends. During Spirit of Winter: Enchanted, it becomes even more magical, with twinkling lights of the enchanted forest glittering across the ice, the warmth of a burning fire, the smell of roasting marshmallows, and laughter drifting from the new Spirit of Winter Snow Dome Village.
Skate Rentals
Don't have skates? No problem! On-site hockey and figure skate rentals for adults and children are available:
- Fridays: 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturdays: 1 PM to 9 PM
- Sundays: 12 PM to 5 PM
Where: Bottom floor of City Hall, locker room.
If you're looking to rent skates during the rest of the week, stop by Trailhead at 262 Princess St. for skate rentals and sharpening.
Skate Rentals
Don't have skates? No problem! On-site hockey and figure skate rentals for adults and children are available:
- Fridays: 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturdays: 1 PM to 9 PM
- Sundays: 12 PM to 5 PM
Where: Bottom floor of City Hall, locker room.
If you're looking to rent skates during the rest of the week, stop by Trailhead at 262 Princess St. for skate rentals and sharpening.
Not sure if the rink is open? Keep an eye on the ice with the Springer Market Square Webcam
Produced by
Downtown Kingston BIA, representing 700+ downtown property and business owners. With generous support from the City of Kingston and Kingston Accomodation Partners.
Sponsored by
Spirit of Winter: Enchanted is generously sponsored by Empire Life
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at Spirit of Winter: Enchanted?
Walk through a magical forest filled with twinkling trees that lead to breathtaking visuals projected onto City Hall and the Bank of Montreal. Indigenous music and storytelling enhance the immersive atmosphere, playing gently over speakers cycling through English, French, Cree and Ojibwe versions every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
While you’re here take part in free activities at Springer Market Square, including skating and gathering around cozy wood-burning fire pits.
Are there washrooms nearby?
Yes! Public washrooms are located in the lower Market Wing of City Hall, accessible via the North and South courtyards/ampitheahtres. An accessibility ramp is available at the North entrance off Brock Street. Washrooms are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where can I park?
Downtown offers nearly 800 on-street parking spaces and 2,000 spaces in public lots. For convenience, we recommend parking once and walking from the Hanson (105 Brock St.), Chown (197 Brock St.) covered parking garages, which charge a $3 flat rate after 6 p.m. Use the HonkMobile app to locate and pay for parking in many on-street and surface lots.
Is Spirit of Winter: Enchanted accessible?
Yes! Springer Market Square is generally accessible and includes accessible washrooms via a ramp at City Hall’s lower level, ramps for event access, and a flat, open paved area; however, weather conditions can affect the space's accessibility.
What should I wear?
Bundle up! Spirit of Winter: Enchanted celebrates Canada’s coldest season and is an outdoor evening event. Wear a toque, mittens, a scarf, winter boots, and your warmest jacket.
When is the outdoor rink open?
The rink is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (weather permitting).
Can I rent skates?
Yes! You can rent skates at Springer Market Square for $10. Rentals are available Thursday to Saturday from 6 PM to 10 PM and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM. You can also rent skates at Trailhead Kingston, located at 262 Princess Street.
When will the fire pits in Springer Market Square be lit?
Thursdays and Fridays: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturdays: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Follow us @downtownkingston for the latest updates
Produced by
Downtown Kingston BIA, representing 700+ downtown property and business owners. With generous support from the City of Kingston and Kingston Accomodation Partners.
Sponsored by
Spirit of Winter: Enchanted is generously sponsored by Empire Life
