There is plenty to do in London and the surrounding areas during winter. Whether you are a skier needing an adrenalin rush or prefer a more laid-back activity, there is something here for everyone. This list of activities will guide you in exploring a variety of London’s winter activities and attractions and will keep you physically engaged and mentally inspired.
Winter Fun in London: Events, Festivals and Outdoor Adventures
Top Events and Festivals
The London Wine & Food Show
January 12 – 13, 2024
Western Fair District, 900 King Street, London
The Invisible – Agents Of Ungentlemanly Warfare
From the writer and director behind the smash-hit Vigilante comes a new musical tour-de-force, inspired by the stories of real-life female SOEs. This genre-busting mash-up of historical research, film-noir, graphic novels, and musical theatre is a contemporary portrait of brave women who risked it all to fight during WWII–only to find themselves betrayed by the very world they believed they were fighting for. Details
January 16 to February 3, 2024
Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St.
London
MJ The Illusion
MJ The Illusion is a one-of-a-kind music concert that will take you on a journey through the music, performances, and visuals of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Through this live performance experience, you’ll be immersed in the magic of Michael Jackson’s music, from his breakthrough album “Off the Wall” to his timeless hits like “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal” and of course “Billie Jean.” Details
Sunday, January 21, 2024
The Aeolian, 795 Dundas St. E.,
London
Lifestyle Home Show
Discover Southwestern Ontario’s biggest Home Show, the 2024 Lifestyle Home Show, featuring hundreds of exhibitors offering lifestyle products, home improvement, and new home construction services, with LEN and other sustainable organizations participating at the Western Fair District Agriplex from January 26 to 28. Details
January 26 to 28, 2024
Western Fair District Agriplex, 845 Florence St, London
Annual Robbie Burns Celebration
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Scotland as we raise a glass to the legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns. Details
Saturday, January 27, 2024 | Cocktails 5 PM, Buffet Dinner 6 PM
Bellamere Winery and Event Centre, 1260 Gainsborough Rd, London
The Harlem Globetrotters
Witness incredible basketball innovation, dazzling trick shots, expert ball-handling, and big laughs during the Harlem Globetrotters’ 2024 World Tour as they take on the Washington Generals. Details
February 1, 2024 |7:00 PM
Budweiser Gardens, 99 Dundas Street, London
Market Block DJ Skates
Skate to the sounds of talented DJ’s at the Skating Rink at Covent Garden Market with your sweetheart. Details
February 3, 10, 14, 17, 19, 23 – 25, 2024
Covent Garden Market, Rotary Square, 130 King Street (corner of King and Talbot)
HUFF
From Cliff Cardinal, multi-award-winning Cree writer, poet and actor, comes a darkly comedic solo production that tells the tale of Wind and his two brothers, who are caught in a torrent of solvent abuse and struggling to cope with the sudden death of their mother. Wind’s fantastic dream world bleeds into his haunting reality, as he’s preyed on by the Trickster through the hallways at school, the abandoned motel he loves more than home, and his own fragile psyche. Details
February 6 to February 17, 2024
Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St.
London
Brett Kissel – The Compass Tour
With three Platinum and ten Gold singles, two Gold-certified albums, and sixteen Top-10 radio hits, Brett Kissel has become one of the country’s most celebrated artists. Details
Thursday, Febraury 15, 2024 | 7:00 PM
London Music Hall, 185 Queens Avenue, London
Mini Pop Kids
Join the Mini Pop Kids for the “Good Vibes Tour” for a fantastic musical experience. Details
Sunday, February 11, 2024 | 3:00 PM
Centennial Hall, 550 Wellington Street, London
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Christopher, at 15, has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now at 7 minutes after midnight, Christopher stands beside his neighbour’s dead dog, Wellington. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of Wellington’s death, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Details
Sunday, February 11, 2024 | 3:00 PM
Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St., London
Disney On Ice: Into The Magic
Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow covered mountains and the marigold bridge in Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic. Enjoy this action-packed extravaganza, featuring Disney’s Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast with other beloved Disney characters, skates into London. Details
February 22 – 25, 2024
Budweiser Gardens, 99 Dundas Street, London
London Seafood Festival
Celebrate seafood from around the world at this mouthwatering festival. Details
Saturday, February 24, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
RBC Place London, 300 York St, London
London Collectibles Expo
The London Collectibles Expo is a must-visit event for collectors, featuring over 90 vendor tables with a vast array of collectibles, including comics, vinyl records, action figures, board games, trading cards, and numerous other pop culture treasures, making it a paradise for collectors of all kinds. Details
Sunday, February 25, 2024 | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Centennial Hall, 550 Wellington Street, London
Aaron Pritchett: The Liquored Up Tour
Aaron Pritchett: The Liquored Up Tour”, featuring performances by Cory Marks and Matt Lang. Details
Saturday, February 28, 2024 | 6:30 PM
London Music Hall, 185 Queens Avenue, London
Annie
“Annie” is a timeless musical that continues to inspire audiences of all ages, delivering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, offering a shining beacon of optimism and the promise of a brighter ‘Tomorrow.’ Details
March 6 – 7, 2024
Budweiser Gardens, 99 Dundas Street, London
London I Heart Beer & Taco Festival
Enjoy a fun filled day or night of beer, cider and spirits sampling, games, dancing and tacos! Details
March 15 – 16, 2024
RBC Place London, 300 York St, London
Corb Lund
Catch Corb Lund on “The El Viejo Release Tour”, at a concert event not to be missed. Details
Sunday, March 17, 2024 | 7:00 PM
London Music Hall, 185 Queens Avenue, London
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Embark on a journey beyond the ordinary and delve into the extraordinary with a selection of remarkable films from the 48th Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. Experience the thrill of scaling towering peaks, conquering challenging slopes, and immersing yourself in the adventures of this year’s World Tour! Details
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 7:00 PM
Wolf Performance Hall, 251 Dundas Street, London
Attractions & Outdoor Adventures During Winter Season
Boler Mountain
Boler Mountain is a popular destination all year long. In the winter, come ski, snowboard or tube here with your friends or family.
The Factory
This must-visit attraction for all ages, also Canada’s largest indoor adventure park, offers a wide range of activities for both kids and adults. From high ropes and ziplines with challenging obstacles to an indoor trampoline park, a warrior course for full-body workouts, and an arcade with over 90 games, there’s something for everyone. Families with young children can enjoy the Lil’ Climbers playground, and when it’s time to refuel, various dining options are available, including an ice cream parlor, coffee house, wood oven pizza, grill, deli, and a well-stocked bar for a complete and unforgettable experience.
Address: 100 Kellogg Lane
Covent Garden Market
The indoor and outdoor Covent Garden Market, conveniently located in the heart of London, is a pleasant way to spend the afternoon shopping for local produce, meats, cheeses and even wine. Stop by one of the cafés for a bite and a fresh coffee before heading back home with a fresh bouquet of flowers from one of the market’s flower stalls. The market is open daily year-round. Outdoor skating rink at the market will open weather permitting from January 8th. The rink will be open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 am. to 6 p.m., weather permitting.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park was once a site inhabited by prehistoric people and, in the 1800s, was occupied by the British military. Today it is an important gathering place for locals and a memorable spot for visitors. Every winter, the park is decorated with holiday lights, and the outdoor skating rink is open daily to the public from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., weather permitting. To check the status of Victoria Park’s outdoor rinks, please call 519-661-5768.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Big on history, big on fun – Fanshawe Pioneer Village, adjacent to Victoria Park, is a glimpse into London’s early pioneer history and an important site in the history of the War of 1812.
McLachlan Syrup Farm
Say goodbye to winter and welcome spring at McLachlan Syrup Farm. The farm offers self-guided tours of the maple forest, horse drawn carriage rides and the onsite Pancake Restaurant serves freshly made pancakes dripping with sweet maple syrup. Check their website to see what’s open before you go.
Storybook Gardens
In the summer, Storybook Gardens is a popular destination for families with young children, and in the winter, the trails of the park are transformed into a winding outdoor skating rink adorned by characters from popular fairytales.
Western Fair District
The Western Fair District is an entertainment hub in downtown London. With the Gateway Casino on one side, the Sports Centre across from it, and the Market in between, there is something here for everyone. Check each venue’s website beforehand for hours and a list of available activities.
Tree Lane Farms
In addition to Christmas trees, Tree Lane Farms is open for wagon rides and bonfires. The youngsters will enjoy meeting the farm’s alpacas and sliding down the tractor themed playground.
Thames Valley Parkway
Situated around the Thames River, the Thames Valley Parkway offers over 25km of trails. The area is popular with hikers and bird watchers. Some trails are paved and are wheelchair and fat bike accessible. Backcountry trails are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Skating Rinks
City of London operates many free and nominal fee indoor and outdoor skating rinks. The rinks are dependent on weather conditions and attendant availability. Check the website for fees, parking info, and cancellations before attending.
Circle R Ranch
Circle R Ranch, located just 20 minutes outside of London, is a one stop shop for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. Skiing and riding lessons are available, as well as a variety of wilderness and nature programs. Call ahead to reserve a spot.
Junction Climbing Centre
Junction Climbing Centre, Ontario’s premier climbing facility, welcomes climbers of all levels to enjoy indoor rock climbing, bouldering, as well as climbing lessons.
Address: 1030 Elias Street Unit 2, London
Play Pickleball
Experience the thrill of pickleball at True North Courts, London’s exclusive dedicated indoor pickleball facility located in the southwest end near Highway 402.
Address: Wonderland Business park, 3392 Wonderland Rd South, Building 2 Unit 6.
Doidge Park
The steep hills of Doidge Park make it a popular place for tobogganing in the winter.
Basil Grovel Park
The Basil Grovel Park is another spot to go tobogganing in London. The on-site playground is very popular, especially during the summer months; some local families admit that they spend more time here during the winter.
Disc golf
Disc golf is a great way to spend a few hours outside with family and or friends. Check out the new 9-hole course at Basil Grover Park. This course is perfect for beginners as well as the more experienced players.
West Meadow Stables
West Meadow Stables, located in South London, is an equal opportunity riding school, where beginners and advanced riders can indulge in a therapeutic horseback riding activity.
Churches
Rich in architectural history, the city’s churches are even more stunning under a light blanket of snow. With so many churches to choose from, you can spend an entire Sunday morning following the bells and organ sounds around the city. Some must see churches include St.Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and St. John’s Evangelist Church.
Blackfriers St. Bridge
17. Located within walking distance of some of the churches, the Blackfriers St. Bridge is another one of London’s historical and architectural landmarks. Spanning the Thames River, the bridge carries single lane vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Constructed in 1875, it is one of the longest wrought iron bridges in North America to still carry vehicular traffic.
Western University
Built in 1878, Western University grounds, framed by the picturesque Thames River, are full of history and culture. While students are studying for exams or taking a holiday break before their next term, the campus is quiet and makes for a nice setting for a winter stroll.
Gibbons Park
Gibbons Park is one of the many parks maintained by London. It’s location along the banks of the Thames River, make it perfect for a relaxing winter walk with a friend or a furry companion.
Komoka Provincial Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the Komoka Provincial Park. Located west of London, the park’s trails can be used for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but be aware that the trails are not maintained or track set during the winter months.
The Coves
It is believed that David Suzuki first experienced his love for natural history at the Coves. This designated Environmentally Significant Area is one of the few remaining places where you can spot the Savannah Sparrow & the Brown Thrasher, while walking through the provincially rare black walnut & hackberry forest. Although the Coves are located on private land, the surrounding area has many multi-use city trails and unofficial pathways.
Eldon house
Located down the hill from Harris Park, the Eldon house and gardens are open to the public. The historic garden urns and benches, the conservatory and the green house will transport you back to the turn of the 20th century. A self-guided tour of the house can also be arranged with advance notice by email.
Museum of Ontario Archeology
London’s Museum of Ontario Archeology is open year-round. With prior reservation you can tour the galleries and the 500 year old village, known as Lawson archeological site.
London Brewing Co-op
From plough to pint, end your day with a visit to the London Brewing Co-op, where you can visit the tap room and support the local businesses and farmers by indulging in a pint of cold beer.
Komoka Provincial Park is located west of London with parking off Gideon Drive. The park is managed out of Port Burwell Provincial Park.