Lunar New Year Reading Spirit of Winter 13 minutes

This winter, a story comes to life in Springer Market Square.

A forest of twinkling trees serves as your path to an immersive light and sound experience that brings a charming Indigenous tale to life. Marvel at the captivating images projected onto historic limestone buildings while Indigenous music and storytellers transport you to a world of wonder. The show will run every 15 minutes and is presented in English, French, Cree, and Ojibway.

Enjoy outdoor skating or relax by the fire with your friends and family while taking in a truly unique experience. Plus, don't miss these special weekend activities!

February 1

'The Bear In Me' Story

February 1 to 17
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

From February 1–17, join us nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and enjoy the enchanting video projection, which runs every 15 minutes. Stroll through the captivating Enchanted Forest, glide across the outdoor skating rink (weather permitting), and relax by the cozy fire pits.

Spirit of Winter Opening Ceremony

Saturday, February 1st
6:15 pm - 7:00 pm

Join us for the unforgettable opening night of the Spirit of Winter, featuring traditional greetings and a smudging ceremony led by the Indigenous community, remarks from Federal and Municipal leaders, and words from the artists behind The Bear in Me. Experience the first showings of The Bear in Me in English, French, Cree, and Ojibway, alongside a complimentary Indigenous-inspired food. Stroll through the grand opening of the Enchanted Forest, skate under the stars (weather permitting), warm up by the cozy fire pits, and enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides.

'The Bear In Me' Original Indigenous Art Silent Auction

Tir Nan Og, 200 Ontario St
Saturday, February 1st
11:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Visit Tir Nan Og to view the original art-work from 'The Bear In Me', the Indigenous story that inspired Spirit of Winter. These stunning works of art are available to bid in silent auction from February 1- 17 in the Tir Nan Og lobby, with all proceeds donated to charity.

February 8 - 9

S’more Winter Fun

Friday, February 7 - Saturday, February 8
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (while supplies last)

Get ready for a cozy and delicious addition to the Spirit of Winter experience! Gather around the fire pits in Springer Market Square to make your own s’mores. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this classic treat while soaking in the magic of the light and sound display.

Plus, don’t miss the chance to take a free horse-drawn wagon ride from 6-9 pm through the enchanting winter scenery for an unforgettable experience!

Cookies & Cream Sundae by Aqua Terra

Friday, February 7
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Treat yourself to a decadent winter delight with Aqua Terra’s Cookies & Cream "Not a Sundae" Sundae. This creamy, chocolatey treat is the perfect indulgence to enjoy during your evening at Spirit of Winter. Be sure to grab one while supplies last and make your visit even more magical!

February 14 - 17

Family Day Weekend

Friday, February 14

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides:

Step into the magic of winter with a delightful horse-drawn wagon ride through a scenic, snow-kissed setting.

Friday, February 14 & Saturday, February 15

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hot Chocolate and Churros by El Gringo:

Savor a cozy cup of rich Mexican hot chocolate paired with crispy, freshly made churros—the perfect winter indulgence.

Monday, February 17

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Make Your Own Glow-in-the-Dark Friendship Bracelets:

Let your creativity shine as you craft a unique bracelet with colorful threads and beads to keep or share.

Glow-in-the-Dark Temporary Tattoos:

Add a playful touch to your evening with tattoos that light up the night—fun for kids and adults alike!

Make Your Own S’mores:

Gather around the firepit for this classic treat. Roast marshmallows, layer them with chocolate and graham crackers, and enjoy a gooey, delicious bite of winter magic.

'The Bear In Me' Story

February 1 to 17
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

From February 1–17, visit Springer Market Square for the world-class video projection of the Indigenous story, 'The Bear In Me'. The story runs every 15 minutes from 6-10pm and is told in English, French, Cree, and Ojibway. Stroll through the Enchanted Forest, take a spin on the rink, and relax by the cozy fire pits.

Spirit of Winter Opening Ceremony

Saturday, February 1st
6:15 pm - 7:00 pm

Join us for the unforgettable opening night of the Spirit of Winter, featuring traditional greetings and a smudging ceremony led by the Indigenous community, remarks from Federal and Municipal leaders, and words from the artists behind The Bear in Me. Experience the first showings of The Bear in Me in English, French, Cree, and Ojibway, alongside a complimentary Indigenous-inspired food. Stroll through the grand opening of the Enchanted Forest, skate under the stars (weather permitting), and warm up by the cozy fire pits.

Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Saturday, February 1st
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Add a touch of charm to your Spirit of Winter experience with free horse-drawn wagon rides! Offered from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, hop on at the pick-up location in front of BMO on King Street and enjoy a cozy ride through the enchanting downtown winter scenery.

'The Bear In Me' Original Indigenous Art Silent Auction

Tir Nan Og, 200 Ontario St
February 1 to 17

Visit Tir Nan Og to view the original art-work from 'The Bear In Me', the Indigenous story that inspired Spirit of Winter. These stunning works of art are available to bid in silent auction from February 1- 17 in the Tir Nan Og lobby, with all proceeds donated to charity.

Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Friday, February 7
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Add a touch of charm to your Spirit of Winter experience with free horse-drawn wagon rides! Offered from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, hop on at the pick-up location in front of BMO on King Street and enjoy a cozy ride through the enchanting downtown winter scenery.

S’more Winter Fun

Friday, February 7 - Saturday, February 8
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (while supplies last)

Get ready for a cozy and delicious addition to the Spirit of Winter experience! Gather around the fire pits in Springer Market Square to make your own s’mores. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this classic treat while soaking in the magic of the light and sound display.

Cookies & Cream Sundae by Aqua Terra

Friday, February 7 - Saturday, February 8
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Treat yourself to a decadent winter delight with Aqua Terra’s Cookies & Cream "Not a Sundae" Sundae. This creamy, chocolatey treat is the perfect indulgence to enjoy during your evening at Spirit of Winter. Be sure to grab one while supplies last and make your visit even more magical!

Family Day Weekend

Friday, February 14

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides:

Step into the magic of winter with a delightful horse-drawn wagon ride through a scenic, snow-kissed setting. Hop on at the pick-up location in front of BMO on King Street and enjoy a cozy journey through Downtown Kingston's enchanting winter scenery.

Friday, February 14 & Saturday, February 15

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hot Chocolate and Churros by El Gringo:

Savor a cozy cup of rich Mexican hot chocolate paired with crispy, freshly made churros—the perfect winter indulgence.

Make Your Own Glow-in-the-Dark Friendship Bracelets:

Let your creativity shine as you craft a unique bracelet with colorful threads and beads to keep or share.

Glow-in-the-Dark Temporary Tattoos:

Add a playful touch to your evening with tattoos that light up the night—fun for kids and adults alike!

Monday, February 17

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Make Your Own S’mores:

Gather around the firepit for this classic treat. Roast marshmallows, layer them with chocolate and graham crackers, and enjoy a gooey, delicious bite of winter magic.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hot Chocolate and Hot Cider by Kingston Coffee House:

Warm up during your Spirit of Winter adventure with a creamy hot chocolate or enjoy the comforting warmth of spiced hot cider. These delightful beverages are the perfect way to enhance your evening in the crisp winter air.

Toast Marshmallows Under the Winter Sky:

Join us to toast marshmallows over an open flame and savor this classic winter delight with your loved ones. Supplies are limited, so don’t miss out on this cozy, sweet experience as we bid farewell to this magical event!

Map Your Journey.

Whether you’re finding your way to the stunning projected video experience and the enchanted forest, looking for a convenient parking spot, or seeking a cozy coffee shop to warm up, this map has you covered.

Meet the Artists.

Jaylene Cardinal

Story and Art

Dakota Ward and Jaylene Cardinal are Cree artists who use their art to express emotions and communicate ideas to pass from one generation to another. As entrepreneurs, they are driven by community and the desire to build a brand and reputation as top Indigenous artists with their business W.C. Creatives.
Dakota Ward
Emma Lopez & Pedro Narvaez

Visuals

AVA Animation and Visual Arts is a BIPOC women-led internationally awarded animation studio based in Toronto, that specializes in creating extraordinary visual experience solutions for brands, events and government agencies who want to bring joy and engage communities through art, light, technology, creativity and storytelling.

While You're Here.

Froid'Art
Explore Downtown Kingston this winter with Froid'Art, a free outdoor exhibition featuring local artists’ work frozen in ice.
Kingstonlicious
Starting February 3, enjoy prix fixe menus, chef appearances, and unforgettable culinary events at local restaurants.
Skating
Get ready to glide into a winter wonderland at Springer Market Square's magical open-air skating rink. Open daily from 8am-10pm.

Plan Your Visit.

Stay in Downtown Kingston and be at the heart of the Spirit of Winter magic.
Explore a vibrant culinary scene that offers something delicious for every palate.
Start your day in Downtown Kingston with fresh coffee, flaky pastries, and expertly crafted lattes.
Enhance your stay with an exclusive package! Book now and receive a $100 Visa gift card.

FAQs

What can I expect at Spirit of Winter?

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 Ojibway 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.

I don’t have a car. How do I get there?

Is Spirit of Winter accessible?

Yes! Springer Market Square is wheelchair and mobility device accessible. The story component of Spirit of Winter is available in both audio and visual formats which will be available in English, French, Cree and Ojibway.

What should I wear?

Bundle up! Spirit of Winter celebrates Canada’s coldest season and is an outdoor evening event. Wear a toque, mittens, scarf, winter boots, and your warmest jacket.

Should I bring headphones?

Headphones are not necessary as the audio will play aloud in Springer Market Square, cycling through English, French, Cree and Ojibway versions every 15 minutes. If you’d like to enjoy the audio at your own pace, bring your headphones to listen to the recordings available on the Spirit of Winter webpage.

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 Trailhead Kingston on 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.

Supporters

Produced by

Downtown Kingston BIA, representing 700+ downtown property and business owners.

Produced by

Downtown Kingston BIA, representing 700+ downtown property and business owners.

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