What’s open and closed during the holidays in Kingston?

Transit, waste and recycling, and government at all levels - We've got you covered

Kingston residents should be aware of schedule changes for city services during Christmas and New Year’s.

For garbage, green bin, and recycling collection, there will be no service on Dec. 25 and 26, or Jan. 1. Collection will take place two days later than usual. The Kingston Area Recycling Centre (KARC), located at 196 Lappan’s Ln., will be open on Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Dec. 25–26 and Jan. 1. Real Christmas trees (with ornaments and tinsel removed) can be dropped off at KARC free of charge.

To ensure no one misses a collection, residents can sign up for reminders by phone, push notification, or email through the City of Kingston’s website.

For transit users, Kingston Transit will follow a modified schedule. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, regular weekday service will be in effect. There will be no service on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. On Boxing Day, Dec. 26, Sunday service will operate, with the exception of Route 18, which will run on its regular weekday schedule. New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, will feature free rides on all routes and extended service on routes 1, 2, 7, and 31/32, with Express 501/502, 601/602, and 701/702 running until 3 a.m. On New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, there will be no service. Queen’s University routes will also be paused during the holiday break.

The Kingston Access Bus will provide regular service on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, there will be no on-road service.

Other municipal services will also adjust their hours. Administrative offices, including Housing and Social Services, will be closed from Dec. 24–26 and on Jan. 1. The Provincial Offences Court will be closed Dec. 25–26 and Jan. 1. Utilities Kingston will be open on Dec. 24 and 31 from 8 a.m. until noon and closed on Dec. 25–26 and Jan. 1. For utility emergencies, customers can call the 24-hour emergency line.

Several city facilities, including libraries, fitness centres, and community centres, will be closed or have modified hours from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1. 

Always check the City of Kingston website for the latest information and updates on holiday service changes. Click here to check it out. 

All Federal and provinicul offices are also closed, as are services offered by both. That includes Service Ontario or Service Canada sites, post offices, LCBO stores and the Beer store. Alcohol is still available for purchase in some convenience stores. 

Most grocery stores and restaurants are also closed for Christmas Day.