‘Spirit of Winter’ festival returns to downtown for a second year

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

 

After a successful debut last winter, Spirit of Winter is back for its second year, once again transforming the heart of downtown. 

Starting Feb. 1, the event turns Springer Market Square and surrounding streets into a glowing winter wonderland designed to bring residents and visitors out during the colder months.

Building on last year’s momentum, the 2026 festival will feature art installations, a glowing forest, skating, wood-burning firepits, and s’mores pop-ups. New this year is the Snow Dome Village in the City Hall amphitheatre, where guests can reserve heated, illuminated domes and enjoy food and hot drinks delivered from local downtown businesses. Visitors can also spot Conrad the Raccoon, the official mascot of the 2026 Kingston Canadian Film Festival. 

Listen to the full story here, where Downtown Kingston Events Manager Sandi Griffiths sits down with CFRC to share more about this year’s event.