The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! Gather your friends and family and check out these holly jolly events and experiences happening in London, ON this holiday season.
For a list of events and experiences taking place this holiday season, click here!
LET THERE BE LIGHTS!
If you would rather 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 $23 per car and the event happens nightly beginning November 18th to January 8th from 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. at Longwoods Road Conservation Area. Now, start the car!
Not afraid to bundle up and get outdoors? Make your way over to Old East Village and ignite the festivities at the Only in OEV Illuminate OEV on November 25th! This event will include the lighting of Queens Park, sleigh rides, vendors, a Western Fair Night Market and much more!
Kicking off the Downtown for the Holidays campaign is the annual Lighting of the Lights at Victoria Park on Friday, December 2nd. Live entertainment begins at 6:15 p.m. followed by the countdown to the illumination of the park at 6:50 p.m. Over 75,000 lights will illuminate the park nightly from 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. until the end of February.
Christmas Markets and Craft Shows
Support local this joyful season "where the past is present" at Fanshawe Pioneer Village's Holiday Market! Between November 26th and 27th, revel in the ambience and magic of the winter season and pick up some gifts for everyone on your list from 30 local artisan vendors.
A London tradition for many years, the 41st London Christmas Craft Festival is back at the Western Fair District, December 1st - 4th. 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 3rd and 4th! 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 3rd!
'Tis the season for the Merry Market! Get ready for a memorable holiday market experience at 100 Kellogg Lane, kicking off Thursday, December 1st and running every Thursday to Sunday until December 18th. Enjoy the offerings of local vendors indoors in their Twinkle Town and outdoors in their Winter Village. Take a selfie or a photo with you and the family by the magical Christmas tree, ice sculpture or the popular big red phone booth! Tickets are $8 (12 and under are free) and parking is complimentary on site.
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, December 2nd - 18th! As part of 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 Find it in London's Holiday Gift Guide for a listing of more than 140 local businesses and holiday offerings.
Parades
Don't miss Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade on November 26th! The parade starts at Sherwood Forest Mall 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 3rd! The parade starts at the Home Depot on Dundas and Parsons Street and runs along Dundas Street, ending at Hale Street.
Live Entertainment and More
If you're looking for a show to get you into the holiday spirit, don't miss Elf: The Musical as it makes its comeback to the Grand Theatre from November 22nd to December 31st. Watch as Buddy the Elf embarks on a trip of his lifetime that will have the whole family grinning with holiday glee! This show will surely bring London more Christmas cheer, more Christmas carols and definitely more syrup!
The CP 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 Lindsay Ell and JoJo Mason. The train stops at the Richmond Street railway crossing between Oxford Street and Central Ave on November 30th!
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 Christmashappening from December 1st to January 1st. While you're there, don't forget to snap a photo with the Father Christmas Standee!
Between December 2nd and 18th, hit the town for Downtown for the Holiday's Music & Art Crawl, featuring free to attend performances across various downtown locations! Check out their website for a full schedule.
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 3rd! 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?!
End the Downtown for the Holidays 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! Sip on some hot chocolate and take in the holiday lights as you celebrate the New Year!
London, ON 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.
