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! With a new location at Fanshawe Conservation Area, this year will be bigger and better than ever with a 2.5 km loop featuring favourite holiday scenes brought to life by millions of twinkling lights. Running November 22 to January 4, it's the perfect way to embrace the holiday magic.
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 29 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment and a proper countdown with the ceremonial switch being flipped by Olympian decathlete and gold medal winner Damian Warner at 6:55 p.m. 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 famous Merry Market at 100 Kellogg Lane! Get ready for a memorable experience as the 5th Annual Merry Market kicks off Thursday, November 28 and runs every Thursday to Sunday until December 15. Enjoy the offerings of local vendors and shop for gifts galore, listen to Christmas music and explore 100 Kellogg and the holiday decor in all it's glory! 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 to 100 Kellogg Lane is the Eat, Drink and Be Merry Food + Wine Show. This festive range of baked goodies, beverage samples and more makes for a delicious brake from all of your holiday gift shopping.
Support local this joyful season "where the past is present" at Fanshawe Pioneer Village's Holiday Market! On November 30, revel in the ambience and magic of the winter season at this outdoor market and pick up some gifts for everyone on your list from over 30 local artisan vendors.
A London tradition for many years, the 43rd London Christmas Craft Festival is back at the Western Fair District, November 28 - December 1. 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 November 30 to December 1! 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 November 30!
Celebrate the holiday spirit with Covent Garden Market for a three-week long spectacle at their Holly Jolly Market, taking place every Friday to Sunday, November 29 to December 22! 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 16 starting at 6:00 p.m. This year's theme is a Candy Christmas 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 23! 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 10th anniversary of the Argyle Santa Claus Parade on December 7! 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. Let your holiday spirit shine as you watch the parade make its way down Parsons Street and continue down Dundas to Hale. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with free drink stands, local contests and uplifting music!
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 American Authors and KT Tunstall. The train stops near the intersection of Richmond Street & Piccadily Street on November 24th, from 8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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 7 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.! 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 7 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., you can meet St. Nicholas, create holiday crafts and enjoy live music throughout the day.
London's live music venues will be buzzing with festive performances this season! Centennial Hall will feature highlights like the comedy classic O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy and Canada's Ballet Jörgen: The Nutcracker. Over at Canada Life Place, their Broadway series kicks off with Broadway in London presents Home Alone in Concert, while The Grand Theatre will bring The Sound of Music to life and that's just to name a few!
You'll also notice businesses across the city getting into the holiday spirit with decorations and special events. Barney's Patio is lively example of this, with a holiday pop-up bar, seasonal cocktails, festive karaoke nights and a cozy welcoming space for holiday parties and gatherings. This is just the tip of the iceberg! Click here for a look into more festive activities.
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.
