Something magical is coming to downtown London this holiday season.
It will be a December to remember in downtown London! Big events like the Lighting of the Lights, the Holly Jolly Holiday Market and New Year's Eve in the Park light up the nights, plus dozens of smaller activations add extra magic throughout the month. The best part? All of 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, Dec. 5! The park will transform into a winter wonderland with the spectacular illumination of 100,000 coloured lights. Enjoy live entertainment and an exhilarating countdown before the ceremonial switch is flipped at 6:50 PM. There will also be an assortment of food trucks, a 360° photo booth, an array of holiday displays and lots of live music! The lights will shine nightly through Jan. 16.
Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and enjoy outdoor skating in Victoria Park beginning in early to mid December (weather permitting). Although hours are yet to be confirmed for the 2025/2026 season, skating is typically open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Skate rentals and sharpening are available on site, and skating should continue through March if the weather cooperates.
The Best Holiday Views
Enjoy Victoria Park’s winter wonderland from the best lookout in the city! City Hall’s observation deck will open for public viewing during the following dates and times:
- Friday, Dec. 5 (Lighting of the Lights) from 5:30 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday, Dec. 11 to Sunday, Dec. 14 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 21 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) from 5:30 PM to 9 PM
- Friday, Dec. 26 to Sunday, Dec. 28 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Those who wish to access the observation deck must enter City Hall through the back entrance just outside of Reginald Cooper Square.
what's going on at 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 a festive market experience, starting Dec. 5. Every weekend until Dec. 21, you can enjoy music and activities for the family while shopping for that perfect holiday gift from an assortment of vendors selling art, crafts, clothing and handmade goods.
Explore the LED lounge and swings, warm up in the Christmas cocktail garden and participate in workshops for cookie decorating, ornament making and writing letters to Santa. At the centre of Market Square, a giant, beautifully decorated tree is our favourite spot to capture the perfect holiday photo!
Horse and Carriage Rides
Snuggle up on a sleigh and take in the decorations downtown with free horse and carriage rides! Rides will set out from Covent Garden Market at the dates and times listed below. Rides are roughly 10-15 minutes and are offered first-come, first-served.
- Friday, December 5, from 6 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday, December 6, from 4 PM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday, December 7, from 12 PM to 3:30 PM
- Friday, December 12, from 6 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday, December 13, from 4 PM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday, December 14, from 12 PM to 3:30 PM
- Friday, December 19, from 6 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday, December 20, from 4 PM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday, December 21, from 12 PM to 3:30 PM
Pictures with Santa
Ho ho ho! Enjoy a magical visit with Santa and capture your memories with professional keepsake photos. Santa will be on the second floor of Covent Garden Market for three weekends of photo sessions at the following times:
- Fridays (Dec. 5, 12, 19), from 4 PM to 10 PM
- Saturdays (Dec. 6, 13, 20), from 1:30 PM to 9 PM
- Sundays (Dec. 7, 21), from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 PM to 5 PM
Book your photo with Santa here. All proceeds go towards supporting children and their families facing childhood cancer.
what else is going on downtown?
Candy Cane Lane
Throughout the month of December, Market Lane will transform into Candy Cane Lane! Enjoy a festive light display that serves as the perfect spot for photos and holiday selfies.
Downtown London Trails
Guide your explorations with the Downtown for the Holidays Trail, launching on Nov. 28! This self-guided trail is the perfect way to experience the warmth and cheer of the season as you discover snacks, gifts, drinks and shopping to get into the holiday spirit. Earn points as you check in at participating locations and redeem Downtown London Gift Cards along the way.
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 spinning from Dec. 11 to Dec. 21 on Golden Jubilee Square just outside Canada Life Place (corner of Talbot Street and King Street). Don't miss out on this memorable experience! Find hours of operation here.
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
Send the holiday season out with one last celebration and bundle up for New Year’s Eve in the Park on Dec. 31. Victoria Park will come alive with fireworks, free outdoor skating, live music and entertainment as attendees take in the holiday lights and welcome the New Year. The celebration takes place from 7 PM to 12:20 AM, with fireworks at 9 PM and midnight, so everyone in the family can enjoy!
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.
Don't forget to share your festive fun by tagging @TourismLondon and #ExploreLdnOnt or uploading your photos for the chance to be featured on our platforms!
