Something magical is once again coming to downtown London this holiday season!
It will be a December to remember in downtown London, with large-scale events including Lighting of the Lights, the Holly Jolly Holiday Market and New Year's Eve in the Park; as well as small-scale activations like musical performances, magic shows and much more taking place throughout the month. The best part? All these events and activities are free to attend!
Looking for even more holiday fun? Check out Festive Fun: Holiday Events in London, Ontario.
What's going on in victoria park?
Lighting of the Lights
The holiday season kicks off with the annual Lighting of the Lights in Victoria Park on Friday, November 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The park will transform into a winter wonderland with the countdown to the spectacular illumination of 75,000 coloured lights. Enjoy live entertainment and a proper countdown with the ceremonial switch being flipped by Olympian decathlete and gold medal winner Damian Warner at 6:55 p.m. There will also be an assortment of food trucks, a 360° photo booth, an array of additional holiday displays and lots of live music! These lights will shine nightly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. through the end of February.
Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and enjoy outdoor skating in Victoria Park beginning Friday, December 1 (weather permitting). Skating is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Kiwanis Memorial Bandshell concession will be open Monday to Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from noon to 10:00 p.m. Skating should continue through until March 2024 if the weather cooperates with skate rentals and sharpening available on site.
The Best Holiday Views
Enjoy Victoria Park’s Winter Wonderland from the best view in the city! City Hall’s observation deck will reopen for public viewing of Victoria Park’s holiday lights during the following dates and times:
Friday, November 29 (Lighting of the Lights) from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 1from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, December 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 19 to Sunday, December 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 26 to Sunday, December 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Those who wish to access the observation deck are required to enter City Hall through the back entrance just outside of Reginald Cooper Square.
what's going on at the covent garden market?
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
After you experience the lights in Victoria Park, stroll down to the Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Covent Garden Market for an incredible outdoor market that begins November 29. Open every weekend until December 22, you can enjoy music and activities for the entire family while shopping for that perfect holiday gift with an assortment of vendors selling art, crafts, clothing and handmade goods. Enjoy horse and carriage rides, explore the LED lounge and swings and participate in workshops for cookie decorating, ornament making and writing letters to Santa. At the centre is once again a giant, beautifully decorated Christmas tree where you can capture the perfect holiday selfie. Need to warm up? The Market’s got you covered with fire pits, free hot chocolate and a licensed holiday cocktail garden to top it all off!
Horse and Carriage Rides
Enjoy free horse and carriage rides as you snuggle up on the sleigh and take in the decorations and lights downtown! Join A Universal Carriage for carriage rides from Covent Garden Market at the dates and times listed below. Rides are roughly 10-15 minutes and are offered first-come, first-served. Rides will start and end on the one-way street (Covent Market Place) near Santa’s House.
- Saturday, November 30 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 1 from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, December 6 from 6:00 to 9:30pm
- Saturday, December 7 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 8 from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15 from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, December 20 from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 21 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 22 from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Pictures with Santa
Ho ho ho, Santa is back! Enjoy a magical visit with Santa and capture your memories with professional keepsake photos. Santa’s House is open November 29th until December 22nd for photos with the whole family (including pets!):
- Friday: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Book your photo with Santa here.
what else is going on downtown?
Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus is coming to town! On Saturday, November 16 beginning at 6:00 p.m., the official Santa Claus Parade strolls through downtown London with a theme of "A Candy Christmas"! The parade starts at Dundas & Ontario and proceeds west to Ridout St ending at Ridout and Dundas.
CPKC Holiday Train
The CPKC Holiday Train is back this year and ready to "Wish you a Merry Christmas" with your favourite holiday songs! Bundle up and take in the holiday magic with performers American Authors and KT Tunstall. The train stops near the intersection of Richmond Street & Piccadily Street on November 24th, from 8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Mistletoe Lane Selfie Spot
Once again, Spageddy Eddy’s popular graffiti alley is getting a festive makeover and transforming into Mistletoe Lane with over 200 mistletoes hung among the romantic overhead nighttime lighting. Visit and take photos in the alley on Richmond Street just north of Dundas Street and be sure to pop into the restaurant after to enjoy a hearty spaghetti dinner!
Candy Cane Lane
Starting November 29, Market Lane will transform into Candy Cane Lane for the winter season! Enjoy a festive light display that will serve as the perfect spot for photos and holiday selfies.
Holiday Window Display Walk
Dozens of downtown businesses will be decorating their windows with festive holiday displays. Vote for your favourite displays online by visiting and scanning the QR code in participating businesses’ windows.
Magical Carousel
Enjoy a free festive carousel ride with your family and friends this holiday season! The carousel will be available from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 15 on Golden Jubilee Square just outside Canada Life Place (corner of Talbot Street and King Street). This is one memorable experience that you won’t want to miss out on!
Downtown London Trails
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Downtown London's Scratch Bakery and Patisserie Trail, where you’ll discover an array of delicious, made-from-scratch baked goods. With so many incredible bakeries to explore, you might just find your new favorite spot! While you're out exploring, don't miss out on the Downtown for the Holidays Trail, a festive journey filled with snacks, gifts, drinks and shopping, everything you need to get into the holiday spirit. Both trails are the perfect way to experience the warmth and cheer of the season!
Window Music
New this year! The London Music Office has partnered with Dundas Place to bring you live festive music performed in storefront windows and outside on the sidewalk along Dundas Place throughout the month of December.
Schedule:
Friday, December 13 | 12 - 2 pm | Jonathan Bancroft-Snell Gallery
Friday, December 13 | 4 - 6 pm | Market Lane
Saturday, December 14 | 12 - 2 pm | To Wheels
Saturday, December 14 | 12 - 2 pm | Jonathan Bancroft-Snell Gallery
Saturday, December 14 | 4 - 6 pm | Grace Bodega
Sunday, December 15 | 12 - 2 pm | Market Lane
Sunday, December 15 | 12 - 2 pm | Grace Bodega
Friday, December 20 | 12 - 2 pm | Jonathan Bancroft-Snell Gallery
Friday, December 20 | 4 - 6 pm | Market Lane
Saturday, December 21 | 12 - 2 pm | To Wheels
Saturday, December 21 | 12 - 2 pm | Jonathan Bancroft-Snell Gallery
Saturday, December 21 | 4 - 6 pm | Grace Bodega
Sunday, December 22 | 12 - 2 pm | Market Lane
Sunday, December 22 | 12 - 2 pm | Grace Bodega
Holiday Shopping and Dining
There are so many places to see and explore downtown for your holiday shopping. Have a look at the Downtown London business directory!
what's going on for new year's eve?
New Year's Eve in the Park
As the holiday season winds down at the end of the month, one last celebration is being planned as New Year’s Eve in the Park presented by Old Oak Properties arrives on Sunday, December 31. Victoria Park will come alive with fireworks, free outdoor skating, live music and entertainment. Visitors can take in the holiday lights in Victoria Park to celebrate the New Year.
The celebration takes place from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, with fireworks at 9:00 p.m. and midnight so that everyone in the family can enjoy!
With so much to do, it will definitely be a December to remember in downtown London. Make this winter special, and experience everything that London has to offer this holiday season!
Looking for more information? Visit the Downtown for the Holidays site.
