Written by Özlem Atar
Hello graduate student Kingstonians!
Last week, Gradifiying blogger Tiffany Harianto highlighted some Kingston hot spots for winter fun in her post. I am dedicating this one to pinpoint a few activities and events you might enjoy this holiday season.
One of my favourites is nighttime walks in the neighbourhood when there is snow on the ground. Taken on December 20, 2022, the image above shows Rodden Park in the Portsmouth District. Isn’t it fascinating?
Below are a few activities and events I am looking forward to.
Take a “Festive Friday” break on December 22!
Watch downtown core come alive with fun events this Friday. Gift sales, trolley trips and horse-drawn carriage rides, customer appreciation giveaways, and much more are part of the entertainment on December 22.
A little nippy that day? Don’t fret! Cozy wood-burning fire pits in Springer Market Square will keep you warm between 5pm and 8pm. Bring your hot chocolate and huddle around the flames together with friends.
Don’t forget to take a holiday snap at Santa’s Village on Brock Street side of the Square, too.
May your coffee kick in before the new year does!
Looking for an affordable holiday social? Join the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) World Link team for one of their two coffee meetups at Kingston Coffee House.
- Register for December 28 meetup here.
- Register for December 30 meetup here.
- Keep an eye out for an information email before the event.
- Bring cash or a card to get your favorite hot beverage and snack.
- Meet the QUIC World Link team at 322 King Street at 2:00 p.m.
- Contact Maya at 705-734-8292 if you need additional assistance.
Inviting ‘Dudes’ to Birding Hot Spots of the Kingston Region!
‘Dude’ is a new addition to my bird watching glossary. Are you a dude or a casual birder who likes to go birdwatching in easy to access areas and keeps birding a low priority? Join the club!
You don’t need well-honed bird identification skills. All you need to do is to buy some seeds, put on your favorite mittens and touque, get a ride to a local birding site, play statue for a few minutes with seeds in your hands. Chickadees love sunflower.
Photos of tiny friendly birds eating seeds out of your hand will make wonderful postcards to send home if you are an international student. My nephews and friends love my bird feeding images.
My favourite spots are Lemoine Point Conservation Area and Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. I also enjoy a ride to the Frontenac Provincial Park for a quiet day of reflection, hike, and bird watching.
Make a Glorious Entry into 2024 with a Local Rock Band!
The Glorious Sons, a Canadian rock band from Kingston, are returning home on Sunday, December 31. Their live performance is at Leon’s Centre.
Attention new Kingstonians: Leon’s Centre is on The Tragically Hip Way, a tiny street named after another Kingston-born music group.
Happy holiday season!