The most wonderful time of the year is here! Gather your friends and family and check out these festive events and experiences in London, Ontario this holiday season.
Known as the Forest City, London transforms into a wonderland of holiday markets, shining lights and live music every winter. This is set to be the biggest and most magical season yet, so cozy up, grab a hot chocolate and get festive in the Forest City!
Find a full list of events taking place this holiday season here!
LET THERE BE LIGHTS!
Get ready for Magic of Lights! This dazzling, drive-through experience shines from Nov. 21 to Jan. 3 at Fanshawe Conservation Area. From the comfort of your vehicle, be amazed by scenes brought to life with more than two million twinkling lights. Cruise along the 2.5km loop and see stunning displays like Candy Cane Lane, Prehistoric Christmas and the Enchanting Tunnel of Lights.
In the heart of the city, Victoria Park glows with magic starting on Dec. 5, when the annual Lighting of the Lights celebration kicks off Downtown for the Holidays. Starting at 6 PM, live music sets a festive mood, featuring The Rockin’ Reindeer and John Fellner. Join in the energetic countdown as the switch is flipped at approximately 6:50 PM. Over 100,000 lights will illuminate the park nightly until Jan. 16.
Merry Markets
After five years of their famed holiday market, 100 Kellogg Lane takes the festivities to the next level with Merry Ment! Over four joyful weekends, running Nov. 27 to Dec. 21, Canada’s largest entertainment complex will gleam with lights, music and savoury food. The fun starts with Santa’s Enchanted Elevator, a new experience transporting guests to an immersive North Pole within the former cereal factory. Venture through the Courtyard Forest filled with real trees, sip a cocktail at Paradigm Spirits’ Après Chalet or create a custom slime at The Factory’s Grinch Slime Lab with sparkles and scents galore.
New this year, the Robert Q Holiday Shuttle Loop will connect 100 Kellogg Lane to downtown London, so hop on and head to the next market! Covent Garden Market’s beloved Holly Jolly Holiday Market kicks off on Dec. 5 for three weekends of cheer, featuring the iconic illuminated tree in Market Square, indoor and outdoor vendors, a cocktail garden, workshops and more. Complete the experience with horse and carriage rides and pictures with Santa!
A cherished London tradition for many years, the 44th London Christmas Craft Festival is back at the Western Fair District from Dec. 4-7. Get your holiday shopping list checked off with over 230 artisan and craft vendors under one roof.
These markets are just the tip of the iceberg! Check out the Geeky Gifts Holiday Market (Nov. 30), Christkindl Christmas Market (Nov. 21-23), Indigenous Winter Market (Dec. 6), Yuletide Last-Minute Market (Dec. 21) and many more throughout the month.
Parades
The annual London Santa Claus Parade takes place on Nov. 15 starting at 6 PM. This year's theme is Santa’s Rockin’ Wonderland, so get ready for plenty of music, decorated floats and cozy community energy!
Then, don't miss Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 22! The parade starts at Sherwood Forest Mall at 10 AM 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 Dec. 6! Holiday spirits will shine as you watch the parade make its way down Parsons Street and continue down Dundas to Hale.
Live Entertainment & More
Whether you’re seeking a night of theatre, dance or music, live entertainment in London embraces the season.
The CPKC Holiday Train rolls into London on Nov. 21! Bundle up and take in the holiday magic with special performances from Smash Mouth and JJ Wilde. The train stops near the intersection of Richmond Street and Piccadilly Street on Nov. 21, from 8:30 PM to 9 PM.
Step into the magical kingdom of Arendelle as global sensation Disney’s Frozen comes to life at the Grand Theatre from Nov. 18 to Dec. 28. The young and the young at heart will watch in wonder as the heartwarming story of Elsa and Anna unfolds, complete with dazzling costumes and show-stopping songs. Make memories as a family at this holiday musical spectacular!
The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition pirouettes onto the Centennial Hall stage on Dec. 21. Ballet Jörgen's Nutcracker is a national treasure destined to warm hearts. Set in Algonquin with charming animal characters from beavers to bullfrogs, this production adds a uniquely Canadian twist to a holiday classic.
As Canada’s UNESCO City of Music, London’s concert lineup is always packed! Get your fill of carols and classics at seasonal shows. Enjoy the sweet sounds of symphonies, choirs, tribute acts and more with events like Magisterra Christmas Baroque (Nov. 30), An Elvis Christmas (Dec. 6) and A Merry Motown Christmas (Dec. 13). Get in the spirit and get your tickets!
For those looking to travel back in time, visit Eldon House and enjoy the sights and sounds of Victorian Christmas from Dec. 1 to Jan 1 during regular hours of operation. While you're there, snap a photo with the Father Christmas Standee or sign up for special events like the Christmas Greenery and Table Scaping Workshop on Nov. 29.
Experience the holidays of yesteryear at Fanshawe Pioneer Village's Christmas at the Village. Over two weekends from Dec. 6 to Dec. 14, guests can make seasonal crafts, peruse the vendor market, send telegraphs to the North Pole and enjoy holiday magic!
New Year's Eve
End the season on a high note and rock around Victoria Park when New Year's Eve in the Park returns on Dec. 31. The park will come alive with fireworks, free outdoor skating, live music and entertainment. Sip on some hot chocolate and take in the holiday lights as you ring in the New Year!
From sparkling markets to enchanting performances, London is a perfect holiday getaway. Grab your mittens, gather your loved ones and get festive in the Forest City!
Share your festive fun with us by tagging @TourismLondon and #ExploreLdnOnt or uploading your photos for the chance to be featured on our platforms!
Please note that the activations above may be updated without notice. We encourage all patrons to follow up with the business directly before attending.
