New year – new slate of events! January may feel like the lull after the holiday rush, but it’s a great time to experience the beauty and intrigue of South Eastern Ontario. Throw on a scarf, round up some friends and hit the road for a regional adventure that will have you crossing off items from your local bucket list while the new calendar is still fresh! Read on for 24 January events to start 2024 off right in South Eastern Ontario.

Lennox & Addington

  1. Hooley’s Hideaway
    Located north of Napanee, this 44-acre wilderness property is waiting to be explored! Accessed only by a hike-in trail with no amenities, this is a spot for skilled campers to enjoy. Start the year with adventure, surrounded by nature. Hooley’s Creek flows through the property, with access for canoeing or kayaking. Be sure to look up at night – the stars overhead are incredible.
  2. Ice fishing
    Drop a line to unlock your newest winter obsession! Ice fishing in L&A County is second to none. With hundreds of lakes, venture out after checking ice conditions and enjoy the quiet time on the lake. Watch local communities for upcoming ice fishing derbies – and even some fun kids’ events to get the whole family involved!

Frontenac

  1. Live music at Hotel Wolfe Island
    January may be colder, but the music at Hotel Wolfe Island is heating up! Check out the lineup of live music set for the first month of 2024, from Tyler Brett Forkes to Kyoko Ogoda and DJs. While there, be sure to ask about the Sunday dinner series – cozy Sunday night family dinners with a new menu every week.
  2. Stone’s Throw Café
    Catch up with your neighbours or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself at the new collab with Hotel Wolfe Island and Haymakers Coffee Co.! Morning from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the hotel, tuck in for coffee, tea, light brekkie and good company. With Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte and trad drip, the coffee is roasted from Haymaker’s, a small-batch, family-run coffee roaster on the island – so you know it’s going to be the best way to start the day.
  3. Moose on the Loose Rentals
    Embrace winter at the Blue Moose Bed and Breakfast! Weather permitting, the B&B on Wolfe Island is renting skates for both youth and adults, as well as snow shoes. Enjoy skating on the rink at the Blue Moose once it’s operational!
  4. Frontenac Outfitters Winter Camping Workshop with Kevin Callan
    This legendary Canadian camping icon is ready to bring his winter camping knowledge to folks through Frontenac Outfitters! Known as the Happy Camper, Callan leads this one-day workshop on January 13, 2024, so you can be better equipped for winter camping. He covers trip planning, cold camping vs. hot tenting, packing, stoves, food, hauling gear, safety, fire lighting, wood identification and much more.

Kingston

  1. Kingstonlicious
    The culinary event everyone’s been waiting for! Kingstonlicious returns starting January 15, featuring premier prix fixe menus at participating restaurants in Kingston. From brews to chocolates and from dessert to dumplings and beyond to full mouth-watering entrées, Kingstonlicious highlights local chefs, signature events and this year’s event packages.
  2. Stoked and Chill Sessions
    Stoked Sauna Co. returns for another season on the patio of the Frontenac Club! Using the Nordic practice of sauna bathing, these memorable experiences offer health benefits, relaxation and energizing wellness. During these guided 75-minute thermal cycles, visitors will alternate between time in a custom-made sauna and relaxing around the fire pit with friends to cool off – or taking it a step further and participating in a cold plunge.

Looking ahead: Don’t forget about the ReelOut Film Festival starting February 1 at The Screening Room Theatre in downtown Kingston. Celebrating its 25th season!

1000 Islands Gananoque

  1. Bar Petunia
    Looking for a new and adorable bar experience? Stop to smell the flowers at Bar Petunia in Gananoque. Billed as a bar with wine and snacks, this spot serves up great cocktails with a comfortable but trendy atmosphere downtown. Known locally for being non-pretentious but loads of fun, Bar Petunia is a wonderful little spot to meet with friends, enjoy drinks and conversation. Look here for local beers and even non-alcoholic sips, too.
  2. Homebody Wellness
    Start 2024 off with relaxation and a focus on wellbeing! Homebody Wellness recently opened up a new registered massage therapy and acupuncture studio. Find out what staying calm and centered can benefit in your life and make each practice of therapy an event.

Rideau Canal 1000 Islands Waterway

  1. Stone Manor Studios Newboro
    Rekindle your creativity at Stone Manor Studios in Newboro! Immerse yourself in the soothing world of creativity in this serene location of the historic 1860s manor. You’ll find curated classes, exceptional instruction and a warm welcome at these art classes and retreats. January promises the start of a beginner watercolour series and much more!
  2. Winter in North Grenville
    Whether it’s skating or snowmobiling, North Grenville has a way to embrace winter! As long as there’s snow and cold weather, winter heats of up in North Grenville. Check out trails and especially dates and skating times on the Kemptville Community Skateway. What’s more, indoor public skating times at the rink are the perfect way to hit the ice without the worry of the weather. No skates? No problem! Borrow helmets and skates right at the municipal centre.
  3. The Dreaming Heart Studio
    Joy and expression through art – for kids! The Dreaming Heart Art Studio in Kemptville is a confidence-boosting studio for young artists. Owner and instructor Rose, is offering visual art classes this winter, ranging from workshops to acrylic painting classes, mixed media and even a drawing club.  Kids bring their big ideas to life here!

 Brockville

  1. Hotel California at Brockville Arts Centre
    The best of the Eagles! This tribute show is legendary unto itself – hear the classics performed meticulously by Hotel California at the Brockville Arts Centre on January 13, 2024. Be sure to stroll downtown and have a bite to eat or enjoy a drink surrounding the show in the historic performance space.
  2. Triangle Ski Club Loppet
    This popular event is prepping for another fun weekend of embracing the snow! Dates to be determined and weather dependent, the loppet has been a local mainstay for years. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the Triangle Ski Club open house and on-trail wiener roast! Or, if snowshoeing is your thing, gear up and head out for the new 3K blue loop to see what McIntosh Mills has to offer. If there’s no snow, the 35 km of trails at Mac Mills are still wonderful for a hike or trail run and range in distance loops.
  3. Arbru Solar Brewery Dome Experience
    This unique winter experience is kicking off again in January! We’re talking wood-fired pizzas, and beer, surrounded by up to six of your friends or family in a private cozy and decorated dome. Reserve now and bring warm clothes, as well as a playlist – there’s even a Bluetooth speaker available in each dome so you can customize your fun.

SDG Counties

  1. Friends of the Sanctuary Winter Program
    Get outside this winter! Every weekend from January 6 until March, take part in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary from noon to 4 p.m. Look for equipment rentals and refreshments at the visitor centre. Keep an eye out for the magical moonlight ski and snowshoe walks – there’s one coming up on January 27!

 Cornwall

  1. Seaway International Wine Festival
    Beat the winter blues and celebrate a new year at the 18th annual Seaway International Wine Festival at Ramada by Wyndam Cornwall. The event on Saturday, January 20 is supporting Centre York Centre and features amazing wines, beers and spirits from across the globe. Enjoy great food and live entertainment!

    19. Big Ben Ski Centre
    It’s always fun on the slopes at Big Ben! This community gem offers one-on-one skiing and snowboarding lessons, a revamped terrain park and affordable lift tickets. Be sure to check in with the Facebook page about hours and conditions, as well as regular updates. Fun for the whole family!

Prescott Russell

  1. Vankleek Hill Farmers Market
    Starting up again for the new year on Saturday, January 13, Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market is one of the few year-round markets in the province! Bringing local growers and producers together in the community during the winter months. Located in the gym at École St-Grégoire, 50 Home Avenue in Vankleek Hill. Look for produce, meats, baked goods, preserves, and food to take away, as well as one-of-a-kind craft offerings by local artisans and perhaps even live music!

Bay of Quinte

  1. Night Kitchen Too Kick Off
    It has been 10 years of Night Kitchen Too! Belleville’s incredibly popular acoustic musical variety show on the Pinnacle Playhouse Stage is back with an epic kick-off planned for January 13, 2024. Over the past decade, NKT has hosted hundreds of shows featuring novice performers alongside professionals. Get this: 12 performers are invited to show up for a sound check an hour before the show opens, and they each get five minutes to perform one song or poem on stage, with one feature act having three chances to entertain. This time Joe Callahan will perform!
  2. Weekly events in Belleville
    Every week there’s something different in the Bay of Quinte! Routine events are anything but ordinary here – but you can rely on weekly Trivia at the Cardinal every Monday, Kids Art Classes every Tuesday at These 4 Walls, movies every other Wednesday with the Quinte Film Alternative – and so much more!

Prince Edward County

  1. Robbie Burns Vegan Dinner at Karlo Estates
    Join in the fun at this evening filled with good food, amazing company and a celebration of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage on January 25, 2024! This five-course vegan dinner is a modern twist on the traditional Robbie Burns night – complete with the piping in of the Haggis. A rousing reading of some of Burns’ most famous works will be featured alongside a feast for the senses!
  2. Burns Night Cèilidh and Whisky Masterclass at The Cape
    Get ready for a night of poetry, merriment, and the finest Scottish spirits at the Robert Burns Night Supper, proudly brought to you by Whisky Angels, Quaich & Banter and The CAPE. Set for Saturday, January 27, 2024, this event promises an enchanting celebration of the Scottish Poet’s life and works. Be sure to sign on for the pre-dinner whisky masterclass hosted by the experts at Whisky Angels.

South Eastern Ontario is ready to jump-start your year as the most memorable yet! Ring in 2024 with enchanting experiences while enjoying a remarkable region.