The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! Gather your friends and family and check out these festive fun events and experiences happening in London, Ontario this holiday season.
For a list of events and experiences taking place this holiday season, click here!
LET THERE BE LIGHTS!
For those looking to enjoy the beauty of lights away from the winter elements, get ready for a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience, Magic of Lights! From the comfort of your own vehicle, navigate the spectacular 1.8km display featuring your favourite holiday scenes and characters. Tickets start at $20 per car and the event happens nightly beginning November 17th to January 6th from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. (Sunday - Thursday) and 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) at Longwoods Road Conservation Area. Now, start the car!
Not afraid to bundle up and get outdoors? Kicking off the Downtown for the Holidays campaign is the annual Lighting of the Lights at Victoria Park on Friday, November 24th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment and a proper countdown to the lights turning on. With over 75,000 lights illuminating the park nightly from 5:00 - 11:00 p.m., you'll be able to enjoy them until the end of February.
Christmas Markets & Craft Shows
'Tis the season for the infamous Merry Market at 100 Kellogg Lane! Get ready for a memorable experience as the 4th Annual Merry Market kicks off Thursday, November 30th and runs every Thursday to Sunday until December 17th. Enjoy the offerings of local vendors in their Twinkle Town (indoors) and Winter Village (outdoors). Take a selfie or a photo with you and the family by the magical Christmas tree, incredible ice sculpture or the popular big red phone booth! Admission is completely free and parking is complimentary on site. New this year be one of the first to experience their new Beer Kitchen, opening its doors just in time for the Merry Market. Mark your calendars on November 30th at 6:00 p.m. as you don't want to miss the lighting of the 35-foot Christmas tree with a live performance from a very special guest in the main atrium!
Support local this joyful season "where the past is present" at Fanshawe Pioneer Village's Holiday Market! On November 25th, revel in the ambience and magic of the winter season and pick up some gifts for everyone on your list from over 30 local artisan vendors.
A London tradition for many years, the 42nd London Christmas Craft Festival is back at the Western Fair District, November 30th - December 3rd. Get your holiday shopping lists checked off with over 200 local artisan and craft vendors! There's something for everybody!
Join the Hyde Park BIA for their Christmas Market December 2nd and 3rd! Enjoy vendors, food trucks, live music and roast marshmallows by the fire. Also, don't miss having a pancake breakfast with the big guy himself! Breakfast with Santa takes place that same weekend on December 2nd!
Celebrate the holiday spirit with Covent Garden Market for a three-week long spectacle at their Holly Jolly Market, taking place every Thursday to Sunday, November 24 to December 17th! As part of the Downtown for the Holidays campaign, the Rotary Square will transform into a magical holiday village complete with Santa's House, light installations, artisan vendor huts, live music, kids craft corner, a licensed cocktail garden and so much more! Don't forget to take pictures with Santa and the big, beautiful Christmas tree.
Looking for some local inspiration for holiday gifts this year? Check out the hundreds of local businesses listed in the Find it in London's Local Business Guide to help you find what you need right here in London.
Parades
The annual London Santa Claus Parade takes place on November 18th starting at 6:00 p.m. This year's theme is Christmas Light Extravaganza and volunteers along the parade route will once again be collecting nonperishable food items for the London Food Bank.
Don't miss Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade on November 25th! The parade starts at Sherwood Forest Mall at 10:00 a.m. and heads west down Gainsborough Road, with a team of elves collecting food donations along the way.
On the other side of town, make your season merry and bright with the Argyle Santa Claus Parade on December 2nd! The parade starts at the Home Depot on Dundas and Parsons Street at 11:00 a.m. and runs along Dundas Street, ending at Hale Street.
Live Entertainment & More
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 Seaforth and Kiesza. The train stops at the Richmond Street railway crossing between Oxford Street and Central Ave on November 23rd at 8:15 p.m. with the show starting at 8:30 p.m.!
Get your jingle bells ready for the holiday edition of TD Music Mondays! Music Mondays return in December to get you in the spirit of the season with three days of live music! December 4, 11 and 18 join Laura Gagnon, Laura MB and Jey as they each take a day at the Central Library from 12:15 p.m. -1:00 p.m. ! Get full event details and lineup here!
For those looking to go back in time this Christmas, visit Eldon House, London's oldest family residence, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Victorian Christmas happening from December 1st to January 1st (Wednesday - Sunday). While you're there, don't forget to snap a photo with the Father Christmas Standee!
Looking for a fun day out with the kids? Gather the family and head down to Wortley Village for their annual Christmas in the Village on December 2nd from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.! Spend time with Santa, delight in live music, play games, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, create crafts and more! What are you most excited for?!
Learn about the traditions of the past, play games and experience the holidays of yesteryear at Fanshawe Pioneer Village's Christmas at the Village. Taking place on Saturday, December 2nd from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., you can meet St. Nicholas, create holiday crafts and enjoy live music throughout the day. No pre-registration required. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for children 4-16.
End the holiday season on a high note and "rock around" Victoria Park when New Year's Eve in the Park returns on December 31st. The park will come alive with fireworks, free outdoor skating, live music and entertainment! There are even two countdowns so young ones can partake in the festivities! Sip on some hot chocolate and take in the holiday lights as you ring in the New Year!
London, Ontario is full of exciting events and experiences this holiday season. So, grab your friends and family, some cozy mittens and a warm drink, and get out to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
Do you have an event or experience that you would like added to the Tourism London website? Submit your event here!
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the activations mentioned above may be updated without notice. We encourage all patrons to follow up with the business directly before attending.
