The annual Downtown for the Holidays campaign returns with new events and classic favorites, bringing festive experiences to Londoners this season. Presented by the City of London, Downtown London, Covent Garden Market, and Tourism London, this year’s events include the Lighting of the Lights, Holly Jolly Holiday Market, New Year’s Eve in the Park, and free holiday carousel and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Festivities kick off with the Lighting of the Lights in Victoria Park on Friday, November 29, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM., featuring the dazzling display of 75,000 lights, live music, holiday food trucks, and a free 360 photo booth.
After the lights are illuminated in Victoria Park, visitors are invited to head over to Covent Garden Market for the launch of the Holly Jolly Holiday Market. The market’s tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 29, at 7:45 PM. Guests can enjoy shopping local artisan and food vendors, warming up by cozy fire pits, listening to live music, and taking in the beautiful light displays around the Christmas tree at the heart of Rotary Square.
Free activities throughout November and December will bring extra holiday cheer as visitors explore local shops and stroll the decorated streets. Highlights include:
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Carousel Rides: Enjoy free carousel rides at the festive setup on the corner of Talbot and King Streets outside Canada Life Place, available from Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 15.
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Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Take a complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride outside Covent Garden Market, including during the Lighting of the Lights evening. Check the Covent Garden Market website for the full schedule.
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Candy Cane Lane: Beginning November 29, Market Lane will transform into Candy Cane Lane, featuring a holiday light display perfect for festive photos and selfies.
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Downtown London’s DJ and Skate: Join outdoor skating at Victoria Park with a live DJ providing music. Sessions will be on Saturday, December 14, from 6 PM to 8 PM, and Sunday, December 15, from 2 PM to 4 PM.
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Holiday Trails and Window Decorating Contest: Downtown London’s holiday trails are back, offering self-guided tours of themed local businesses. Visitors can also vote for their favorite decorated storefront in the holiday window contest.
To wrap up the holiday season, New Year’s Eve in the Park, presented by Old Oak Properties, returns on December 31. Celebrate the New Year in Victoria Park with fireworks, free outdoor skating, live music, and entertainment for all to enjoy.
For more details, visit downtownfortheholidays.ca and don't forget to check our Blog for more information. A printed event program and activity map are available at Downtown London’s office, Tourism London’s offices, and at various participating businesses throughout downtown.
Event Details:
Lighting of the Lights at Victoria Park
- Date: Friday, November 29
- Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (live music starts at 6:15 PM)
- Location: Victoria Park
- Cost: Free
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The Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Covent Garden Market
- Dates: Fridays to Sundays, November 29 through December 22
- Location: Covent Garden Market (indoor and outdoor)
- Cost: Free
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New Year’s Eve in the Park, presented by Old Oak Properties
- Date: Tuesday, December 31
- Time: 7 PM to 12:15 AM
- Location: Victoria Park
- Cost: Free
Photo: Holly Jolly Holiday Market
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