London 
Events Description
Lighting of The Lights
Holiday carollers and the London Symphonia will take the stage from 5:45 p.m. to 6:05 p.m., followed by a performance from The Rockin’ Reindeer featuring Doug and Bizz Varty from 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. The spectacular illumination of Victoria Park will take place at 6:50 p.m.
New this year, the City of London will have a free 360° photo booth available during Lighting of the Lights for Londoners to capture the perfect selfie with friends and family at Victoria Park.
In addition, an assortment of food trucks will be at Victoria Park for Lighting of the Lights, including Rocky Mountain Pizza Plus, New Leaf Plant Based Foods and Donut Diva. Please note purchase is required.
Starting Friday, November 24 at 6:50 p.m., Victoria Park will transform into a Winter Wonderland, with over 75,000 lights illuminating the park nightly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. until the end of February. There will also be a variety of other displays in the park, including Santa and his reindeer, the Christmas train and the snowmen family. Santa’s Mailbox will also be on-site for all the children who need to mail their wish list to the North Pole.
Following the Lighting of the Lights, Londoners are encouraged to visit the Covent Garden Market for the kick-off of its Holly Jolly Holiday Market, where visitors can enjoy local artisan and food vendors, live music, light displays, a hot chocolate station and cozy fire pits as they gaze at a giant beautiful Christmas tree in the centre of Rotary Square. The Holly Jolly Holiday Market tree lighting ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 24.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
Join us at the Holly Jolly Holiday Market at the Covent Garden Market! Every weekend from November 24 to December 17, visitors can enjoy local artisan and food vendors, live music, light displays, a hot chocolate station and cozy fire pits as they gaze at a giant beautiful Christmas tree in the centre of Rotary Square. From crafts and cocktails to horse rides and holiday lights, there will be something for everyone at the Holly Jolly Holiday Market!
New Year’s Eve in The Park
As the holiday season winds down at the end of the month, there is one last celebration planned — New Year’s Eve in the Park presented by WSIB! Victoria Park will come alive with fireworks, free outdoor skating, live music, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and take in the holiday lights in Victoria Park to celebrate the New Year.
Sunday, December 31, 2023 | 7 PM – 12:05 AM @ Victoria Park – 580 Clarence St, London
City Hall Observation Deck
Enjoy the holiday lights over Victoria Park from the City Hall Observation Deck!
Location: City Hall Observation Deck – 300 Dufferin Ave, London, ON N6B 1Z2
Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, November 30 to Sunday, December 3 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, December 10 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 14 to Sunday, December 17 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 21 to Sunday, December 24 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Candy Cane Lane
Market Lane transforms into Candy Cane Lane –a festive light display that will serve as the perfect spot for visitors to take a holiday selfie – with the help of Magic of Lights.
Location: Market Lane – 137 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 1E9
Date: November 24 – January
Mistletoe Lane
Once again, Spaggedy Eddy’s alleyway is a must visit spot this holiday season. The warm golden lights and hanging mistletoes make this the perfect location for your holiday pictures! Pop into the restaurant after to enjoy a hearty spaghetti dinner.
Location: Spageddy Eddy’s alleyway – 428 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 3C9
Date: November 24 – January
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Join A Universal Carriage outside at the Holly Jolly Market for Horse & Carriage Rides around the Downtown Core! Rides are roughly 10-15 minutes and are first come, first served. Rides will start and end on the one-way street (Covent Market Place) near Santa’s House.
Location: Covent Market Place
Sat. Nov 25 5pm-9pm
Sat. Dec 2 5pm-9pm
Sat. Dec 9 5pm-9pm
Sun. Dec. 10 1pm-5pm
Sat. Dec 16 5pm-9pm
Sun. Dec 17 1pm-5pm
Gift Wrapping Stations
After completing your holiday shopping, get your gifts wrapped at Covent Garden Market!
Location: Covent Garden Market – 130 King St, London, ON N6A 1C5
Dates: November 24 – December 17 (Fridays through Sundays) | 12pm-8pm (Fridays and Saturdays),11am-5pm (Sundays)
Outdoor skating
Location: Victoria Park – 580 Clarence St, London, ON N6A 3N1
Date: Friday, December 1 – March 2024 (weather permitting) | Time: 10am – 10pm
Music Mondays
Location: Central Library – 251 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 6H9
Date: Mondays (December 4, 11, and 18)
Time: 12:15pm – 1pm
Day of the Little Candles
Location: Market Lane – 137 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 1E9
Date: Thursday, December 7
Time: 6pm – 12am
Carousel Rides
Enjoy a festive carousel ride with your family and friends this holiday season! This is a memorable experience that you won’t want to miss out on.
Location: Golden Jubilee Square – 99 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 6K1 (Corner of King & Talbot)
Date: Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 17
Time: 12pm – 6pm (weekdays), 12pm – 9pm (weekends)*
*Please note the carousel will close at 5pm on Sunday, December 10.
Cost: Free
WHEN & WHERE
Date & Time:
Lighting of the Lights | Friday, November 24, 2023 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM @ Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St, London
Holly Jolly Market | Fridays to Sundays, November 24 – December 17, 2023 @ Covent Garden Market, 130 King St, London
New Year’s Eve in the Park | Sunday, December 31, 2023 | 7 PM – 12:05 AM @ Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St, London
Venue:
Various locations, Downtown London
More to Do:
This Weekend in and Around London
Fun Fall Activities in and Around London
