November in Kingston is when the city starts shifting from fall colours to holiday lights, Christmas markets, and festive events. And while the temperatures might be dropping, there's still plenty happening around Kingston and the surrounding area.
From the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade and local holiday markets to live performances, hockey, and community events, November is a great month to get out, support local businesses, and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, a little Christmas shopping, or something fun to do on the weekend, we've rounded up some of the best things to do in Kingston this November 2026.
Here's what's happening around Kingston this month...
Judgement of Kingston
Date: November 7, 2026
Location: Residence Inn by Marriott, Kingston
Calling all wine lovers! The Judgement of Kingston returns for an afternoon of blind wine tasting, friendly competition, and supporting a great local cause.
Guests will sample six Pinot Gris wines from Prince Edward County and vote for their favourite alongside a panel of guest judges. At the end, two wines will take home the People's Choice and Judges' Choice titles.
Even better? This year's event supports BGC South East, continuing a tradition that has raised thousands of dollars for local charities.
Kingston Wedding Expo Fall 2026
Date: November 8, 2026
Location: Ambassador Event Centre, Kingston
Planning a wedding in Kingston or the surrounding area? The Kingston Wedding Expo is a chance to explore local wedding businesses, meet vendors, and gather inspiration for your big day.
Whether you're looking into venues, photography, décor, or other wedding services, it's a convenient way to start planning and connect with businesses in the Kingston wedding industry.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Date: November 11, 2026
Location: Macdonald Park, Kingston
Join the Kingston community in honouring the courage, service, and sacrifices of Canada's veterans and those who continue to serve.
The Remembrance Day ceremony at Macdonald Park offers an opportunity to gather, reflect, and pay respects. With Kingston's longstanding military history and its connection to CFB Kingston, Remembrance Day holds particular significance for many local families.
Hockey Helps the Homeless
Date: November 13, 2026
Location: INVISTA Centre, Kingston
Hockey and community come together at Hockey Helps the Homeless, a charity hockey event supporting efforts to address homelessness.
Participants take to the ice to raise awareness and funds, bringing together hockey enthusiasts, local supporters, and community partners for an important cause.
It's a great reminder of how local sports can make a difference beyond the rink.
Festive Friday in Downtown Kingston
Date: November 13, 2026
Location: Downtown Kingston
Downtown Kingston is getting into the holiday spirit! Festive Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, giving locals another reason to explore downtown, visit their favourite shops, and discover something new.
Grab a warm drink, browse the locally owned businesses along Princess Street, and enjoy the start of the festive season in the heart of Kingston.
Downtown Kingston Holiday Shopping Passport
Date: November 13 – December 24, 2026
Location: Participating businesses throughout Downtown Kingston
If you're planning to do some Christmas shopping locally this year, the Downtown Kingston Holiday Shopping Passport is worth checking out.
The annual initiative encourages shoppers to support participating downtown businesses while exploring Kingston's independent shops, boutiques, and specialty stores. It's a fun way to discover local gift ideas and make your holiday shopping a little more interesting.
Montreal St. Collective Holiday Market
Dates: November 13 & 20, 2026
Locations: 261 Princess Street & 181 Sydenham Street, Kingston
If you loved the Montreal Street Vintage Market this summer, here's another reason to shop local.
The Montreal St. Collective Holiday Market brings the spirit of the popular vintage market into the holiday season, with opportunities to browse unique finds and support independent vendors. It's a great stop if you're looking for gifts that are a little different from what you'd find in a typical store.
MacKinnon Brothers Holiday Market
Dates: November 20–22 & 27–29, 2026
Location: MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co., Bath, Ontario
One of the area's holiday markets returns to MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. in Bath, just west of Kingston.
The Holiday Market brings together local vendors and festive shopping in the brewery's rural setting, making it a fun outing for anyone looking to get a head start on Christmas gifts. It's also a good excuse to take a little drive outside Kingston and explore some local makers and small businesses.
Kingston Christmas Harbour Show
Date: November 21, 2026
Location: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, Kingston
Held at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, this seasonal shopping event offers an opportunity to browse holiday gifts and products from participating vendors.
Whether you're shopping for someone on your list or just looking for a festive weekend outing, it's another local market to add to your November calendar.
Kingston Nighttime Santa Claus Parade & Tree Lighting
Date: November 21, 2026
Location: Princess Street & Springer Market Square, Downtown Kingston
One of Kingston's favourite holiday traditions is back!
The Nighttime Santa Claus Parade brings festive floats, holiday music, lights, and plenty of Christmas spirit to downtown Kingston. Families can gather along Princess Street to watch the parade before enjoying the holiday tree lighting festivities at Springer Market Square.
It's one of those events that really makes it feel like the Christmas season has officially arrived in Kingston.
Castagnata Christmas Market
Date: November 22, 2026
Location: Italo-Canadian Club of Kingston
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Castagnata Christmas Market, hosted at the Italo-Canadian Club of Kingston.
If you're looking for something festive to do on a November Sunday, this is one to keep on your radar.
The Nutcracker at the Kingston Grand Theatre
Dates: November 25–26, 2026
Location: Kingston Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street
A holiday classic returns to the stage in downtown Kingston.
The Nutcracker brings the familiar Christmas story to life through dance, music, and beautiful theatrical performances. Whether it's an annual tradition or your first time seeing the production, it's a lovely way to kick off the holiday season and enjoy an evening at the Kingston Grand Theatre.
All Things Christmas: Gifts & Art Sale
Dates: November 27–29, 2026
Location: Kingston Symphony Warehouse, 785 Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard, Unit 7A
The Kingston Symphony's All Things Christmas: Gifts & Art Sale is back for another year of festive shopping. Browse gifts, artwork, and seasonal finds while supporting the Kingston Symphony through its volunteer fundraising initiatives.
Fat Goose Craft Fair
Date: November 28, 2026
Location: Grant Hall, Queen's University, Kingston
The Fat Goose Craft Fair is a favourite for people who love handmade goods, independent artists, and thoughtfully made gifts.
Held at Grant Hall on the Queen's University campus, the fair brings together makers and artisans offering a variety of creative products.
Indigenous Holiday Market
Date: November 28, 2026
Location: Cultivate Art Commons, Kingston
Support Indigenous artists, makers, and small businesses at the Indigenous Holiday Market hosted by Cultivate Art Commons.
The market offers an opportunity to explore Indigenous-made art, gifts, and creative work while supporting local and regional makers.
It's a meaningful addition to Kingston's holiday shopping calendar and a great place to look for unique gifts.
Winter Wonderland Market
Date: November 28, 2026
Location: Kingston Shrine Club, 3260 Princess Street
The Winter Wonderland Market takes place at the Kingston Shrine Club in Kingston's west end, offering a festive shopping opportunity as December approaches.
Stop by to browse vendors, look for holiday gifts, and enjoy a little Christmas shopping close to home.
Kingston Holiday Market at the Tett Centre
Dates: November 28–29 & December 5–6, 2026
Location: Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning, 370 King Street West, Kingston
The market brings together local artisans and creative businesses in one of Kingston's most recognizable waterfront arts spaces. Browse handmade products, discover local makers, and pick up gifts while enjoying the atmosphere of the historic Tett Centre.
And if you can't make the November dates, the market returns for another weekend in December.
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Make the Most of November in Kingston
November might be the beginning of the colder months, but there's no shortage of things happening around Kingston.
Between holiday markets, local shopping, live performances, community events, and the return of the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the city before December arrives.
Whether you've lived in Kingston for years, recently moved to the area, or are just visiting for the weekend, we hope this list helps you discover something new.
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