Holiday Activities in London Ontario

There are so many fun holiday activities going on in the next 6-8 weeks around here. Want to take in the excitement of the season with your family? Check out these Holiday Activities in London Ontario for 2022.

Important things to bear in mind: Before heading out, you should always double-check the status of these activities. With the current state of health care, some may impose masking or distancing rules or may cancel events completely. It’s best to be sure before you head out and are disappointed.

Keep checking back and I’ll update this post whenever I receive new information!

LONDON SANTA CLAUS PARADE

Saturday, November 12, 6 pm.

Fun for all ages! This year’s Parade Theme is “A Musical Christmas”.

Free.

Remember to bring your letters to Santa and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank. Don’t forget a toonie for the annual toonie toss!

The Parade Will Continue Directly West On Dundas Street at 6 pm starting at Egerton Street and ending at Ridout Street. Parade participants will head down the hill to the area near Labatt Park where they will disperse. Roads in the area will be closed to traffic.

LIGHTS AT VICTORIA PARK

The annual lighting of the lights will take place on Friday, December 2, 2022. Live entertainment begins at 6:15 p.m. followed by the countdown to the spectacular illumination of the park at 6:50 p.m.

With over 75,000 lights illuminating the park nightly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. until the end of February, this is always a beloved event. Other displays include Santa and his reindeer, the Christmas train, and the beloved snowman family. Santa’s Mailbox will be available so children can mail their letters to the North Pole.

City Hall observation deck

The City Hall observation deck will be open for public viewing of Lighting of the Lights and the Winter Wonderland in Victoria Park on the following dates and times:

Friday, December 2 to Sunday, December 4 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 8 to Sunday, December 11 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 15 to Sunday, December 18 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 22 to Friday, December 23 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 29 to Friday, December 30 from 7 to 11 p.m.

Washrooms in Victoria Park will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kiwanis Memorial Bandshell throughout the holiday season.

HYDE PARK SANTA CLAUS PARADE

Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 10 am

Starts at Sherwood Forest Mall going West down Gainsborough Road, London

Another fun, free event for all agesput on by the Hyde Park Lions Club in partnership with the Hyde Park BIA.

Families are encouraged to bring along food donations to help other families facing unprecedented needs this holiday season. A volunteer team of Elves will be on site to collect donations from spectators.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS TOUR AT ELDON HOUSE

Thursday, December 1, 2022 to Sunday, January 1, 2023
Drop in Wednesday to Sunday between 12:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Last entry to the museum is at 4:45 p.m.

Cost: By donation

Enjoy the sights and scents of Victorian Christmas. Visit London’s oldest family residence and experience the beautiful holiday decorations of the past.

Masks are encouraged. Social distancing measures of 6 feet will be maintained between staff and visitors as much as possible. No on-site parking.

Selfies With The Father Christmas Standee

Wednesday, December 1, 2021 to Saturday, January 1, 2022

Drop in Wednesday to Sunday between 12:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Last Entry to the Museum is at 4:45 p.m.
Eldon House Grounds

Admission By Donation

Take your photo with Father Christmas on the front lawns of Eldon House. Then, head inside and enjoy a self-guided tour to enjoy the sights and scents of some classic Victorian Christmas traditions.

Quilling Holiday Ornaments

Saturday, November 19, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Interpretive Centre

$30.00 incl. HST – Registration Required

Learn how to make your own Victorian paper ornament through paper quilling (also known as paper filigree). This is an introductory class for beginners. You will be guided in a step-by-step process to curl, twist and pinch paper into a unique work of art. Supplies will be provided for you.

Masks are encouraged. Social distancing measures of 6 feet will be maintained between staff and visitors as much as possible. No on-site parking.

Kissing Ball Workshop

Saturday, November 26, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Interpretive Centre

$30.00 incl. HST.Registration Required

Create your own kissing ball! The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe was costly in Victorian Canada as the plant had to be imported from overseas. Because of this, the kissing ball was formed with seasonal holly berries and sweet-smelling cedar that continued the custom.

Masks are encouraged. Social distancing measures of 6 feet will be maintained between staff and visitors as much as possible. No on-site parking.

Victorian Christmas Crafting For Kids

Saturday, December 10
1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Interpretive Center

$5.00 incl. HST (Children 2 and under are free). Registration Required

Children will get the chance to learn about traditional Victorian holiday ornaments and decorations through crafting. The day includes Story Time with Amelia Harris at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. where children can enjoy listening to the classic Christmas tale of “T’was a Night before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore! Also, explore Eldon House with a self-guided tours and enjoy the sights and scents of our Victorian Christmas exhibit.

The Victorian crafts to be made include:
Pomanders
Decorating Gingerbread Ornaments (salt dough)
Homemade Christmas Cracker

Masks are encouraged. Social distancing measures of 6 feet will be maintained between staff and visitors as much as possible. No on-site parking.

The Ghost Of Christmas Past

Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18
Between 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. (Tours offered every hour)
Eldon House

$15.00 incl. HST. Registration Required

The name Charles Dickens has become synonymous with Christmas. “A Christmas Carol” was arguably his most famous work which was built on the Victorian tradition of ghost story telling around the hearth at Christmas time. Learn about Christmas and the real ghost stories of Eldon House with this 50-minute guided tour by a costumed Historical Interpreter. This tour includes a history of age-old holiday traditions and a link to all things ‘Dickens’. This tour will get you in the spirit of Christmas Past.

Masks are encouraged. Social distancing measures of 6 feet will be maintained between staff and visitors as much as possible. No on-site parking.

New Year’s Levee

Sunday, January 1
Drop in between 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Eldon House and Interpretive Center

Admission By Donation

Celebrate the New Year with a visit to Eldon House and enjoy musical entertainment in the elegant Drawing Room. Exchange greetings and gather with friends for hot cider and treats in the Interpretive Centre and enjoy festive caroling by the St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir in the Drawing Room.

Holiday Market at Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Saturday, November 26, 2022 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, November 27, 2022 4:00 p.m.

Join us for the Holiday Market, an outdoor Market in the Heritage Village! Peruse the wares of over 30 local artisans and vendors and enjoy the ambiance of the winter season.

The Village will be all decorated for the Holidays, so you can fully immerse yourself in the Holidays. Enjoy Photo opportunities and treasure the magic of the season!

Please Note: This is an outdoor market, the event will run rain or shine, so please dress comfortably. You will be travelling on gravel paths and grass/compact snow.

The Christmas Truce

Friday, December 2, 2022 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 3, 2022 10:00 p.m.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Book your tours ahead of time.

Experience a WWI Christmas Story: In 1914, a brief, unofficial truce took place along parts of the Western Front, as soldiers on opposing sides marked the season together.

During this event, small groups will be led through the Heritage Village, where they will learn about life during the war and will experience the unique story of the Christmas Truce at our replica WWI trench.

Christmas at the Village

Saturday, December 10, 2022, 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Learn about holiday traditions throughout the 19th Century and enjoy the magic of the winter season!

Travel through the decorated Heritage Village with your family, enjoy outdoor winter games, holiday crafts, and learn about the traditions of the past for this festive event! We may even see jolly old St. Nick come for a visit!

Between 1 and 4 enjoy performances by the Canadian Celtic Choir at Trinity Church!

Times:

10:00-4:00

Admission:

$10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for children 4-16. No pre-registration

This is an outdoor event, so please dress warmly.

Elf: The Musical

November 22 to December 24, 2022

Opening Night November 25

Spriet Stage at the Grand Theatre

John D. Huston’s A Christmas Carol

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 07, 2022, 7:30 PM | DOORS OPEN @ 6:30 PM

$25 ADVANCED $30 DOORS

LIVE AT AEOLIAN HALL

Now in its 30th anniversary season, John D. Huston performs A Christmas Carol narrating and playing all the characters from Scrooge to Tiny Tim in the traditional storytelling that Charles Dickens himself used.

Argyle BIA Santa Claus Parade 2022

Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, 11 am

Starting at Home Depot (Dundas & Parsons Street) running along Dundas and ending at Hale Street

Merry Market

December 1 – 4, 8 – 11, 15 – 18, 2022

Christmas Tree Lighting: December 1 at 4:50 PM

Thursdays/Fridays 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Saturdays 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Sundays 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

$8 each. Kids under 12 free.

100 Kellogg Lane, London

Complimentary parking anywhere on the 100 KELLOGG LANE Property

41st London Christmas Craft Festival

Bring your holiday spirit and join us at the Western Fair District Agriplex for our 41st Christmas Craft Festival! A London tradition with over 200 local Artisans and Crafters. Great gift ideas all under one roof!

Show hours are:
Thursday Dec. 1st 1pm-9pm
Friday Dec. 2nd 12pm-9pm
Saturday Dec. 3rd 10am-5pm
Sunday Dec. 4th 10am-4pm

Admission $7 (tax incl). Ages 12 and under free. Free parking. LOTS of prizes!

Located at 100 Kellogg Lane

Holly Jolly Market

The annual Holly Jolly Market at Covent Garden Market will expand outside of the building in December. The market will include Santa’s House on Rotary Square; music and activities for families; vendors selling art, crafts, clothing, and handmade goods. The market will be free for all to attend. There are also many wonderful indoor market vendors to explore!

At the center of it all, a giant holiday tree is coming to Covent Garden Market. There will be fire pits to warm up by, free hot chocolate, and a licensed holiday cocktail garden.

The skating rink in front of the Covent Garden Market will be installed in January when the events end and colder temperatures for ice are expected.

Date: Friday, December 2 – Sunday, December 18 (Thursday through Sunday)

Location: Covent Garden Market – 130 King St, London, ON N6A 1C5

Cost: Free to attend

Indoor Hours:
Thursdays: 2pm – 7pm
Fridays: 12pm – 7pm
Saturdays: 10am – 7pm
Sundays: 11am – 5pm

Outdoor Hours:
Thursdays: 2pm – 7pm
Fridays: 12pm – 9pm
(with the exception of December 2-open until 10 pm)
Saturdays: 2pm – 9pm
Sundays: 11am – 5pm

Artisan Vendors

Indoor and Outdoor Holly Jolly Holiday Market Vendors at the Covent Garden Market will offer tons of stocking stuffers, hosting gifts, and holiday-themed gifts for your friends and family.

Children’s Craft Corner

Join Dotsy Entertainment at the Children’s corner at the Holly Jolly Market on Rotary Square at the Covent Garden Market. The kids will enjoy fun holiday crafts like make your own ornament or fun, festive garlands! Dotsy will be there offering glitter tattoos, balloon twisting animals and face painting.

Glimmer Wall Selfie Spot

Our waterfall Christmas lights display is the perfect Instagram photo background! Our walls will be dripping with colourful lights, setting the mood for holiday cheer. The wall be at the Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Covent Garden Market.

Horse And Carriage Rides

Free Horse and Carriage Rides will be available for visitors to enjoy and travel between Covent Garden Market and Victoria Park on every Thursday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm between, December 8 and December 18.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market Live Entertainment

The London Arts Council will be performing live music for Londoners of all ages and backgrounds. A Covent Garden Market favourite, the London Arts Council never disappoints!

Hot Chocolate Station

No Christmas Market is complete without a hot chocolate station-perfect for kids and anyone with a sweet tooth. This station will include all the essentials; marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream and more!

LED Swings

Our LED swings make for the perfect photo opportunity! 12ft x 12ft swings are described as having a “nostalgic feel and modern appeal”, and they’re sure to stand out!

Light Up Lounge

Famous for their interactive, light-up installations, Prevail Media Group is always a fun addition to a night market! These colourful, lit-up couches, cocktail tables and benches must be experienced in person to get the full effect!

Horse And Carriage Rides

Magic of Lights & Big Christmas Tree

Magic of Lights will be using thousands of LED lights to create a winter wonderland! Bright lights will take the shape of various holiday-themed objects, sure to amaze Londoners!

Photos with Santa’s Reindeers

Only Saturday, Dec 17th and Sunday 18th from 1pm – 4pm.

Pictures with Santa

Santa’s House Hours:
Mon to Fri: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Saturday: 1pm – 4pm
Sunday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Book your photo with Santa here

Music and Art Crawls

Singer-songwriters, Hip Hop artists, DJs, Rock & Roll bands & more! All events our Music & Art events are free to attend!

Please note: Some Music & Art Crawl locations are limited by capacity. To ensure entry, contact businesses well ahead of performances to enquire if reservations may be required.

Friday, Dec 2 Crawl

6pm – 8pm | Brent Jackson (band) – Winks Eatery (551 Richmond St.)
8pm – 10pm | DJ Croa – Grace Bodega (211 Dundas Pl.)

Saturday, Dec 3 Crawl

12pm – 2pm | Orlando Valencia Band – Reimagine Co (206 Piccadilly St.)
2pm – 4pm | Saveria (singer-songwriter) – The Tea Lounge (268 Piccadilly St.)
5pm – 7pm | Jag Huligin, Amanda Movio, DJ Joze (hip hop / DJ) – Frank & Furter’s Restaurant and Bar (172 King St.)

Sunday, Dec 4 Show

12pm – 2pm | Greg Lirette (singer-songwriter) – Residence Inn by Marriott London Downtown (383 Colborne St.)

Thursday, Dec 8 Crawl

5pm – 8pm | Cool Yule Art Show – Citi Plaza (355 Wellington St.)
6pm – 8pm | Sarina Haggerty (singer-songwriter) – Saga Board Games & Coffee (105 King St.)
8pm – 10pm | DJ Donny C – Dos Tacos (611 Richmond St.)

Friday, Dec 9 Crawl

10am – 8pm | Cool Yule Art Show – Citi Plaza (355 Wellington St.)
5pm – 7pm | Shelly Faris Blues Band – The Richmond Tavern (370 Richmond St.)
6pm – 8pm | Brent Jackson (singer-songwriter) – Saga Board Games & Coffee (105 King St.)
7pm – 9pm | Lindsay & The Lonlies (band) – Winks Eatery (551 Richmond St.)
* More Events Being Added

Saturday, Dec 10 Crawl

10am – 6pm | Cool Yule Art Show – Citi Plaza (355 Wellington St.)
12pm – 2pm | Laika Berdey (singer-songwriter) – Citi Plaza (355 Wellington St.)
2pm – 4pm | Donald Waugh (singer-songwriter) – LPS Advanced Aesthetics (123 Dundas St.)
3pm – 5pm | Lucas Tensen (singer-songwriter) – The Tea Lounge (268 Piccadilly St.)
4pm – 6pm | Tuna Fish (band) – Reimagine Co (206 Piccadilly St.)
5pm – 7pm | Big Lou, Elli, DJ Donny C (hip hop / DJ) – Frank & Furter’s Restaurant and Bar (172 King St.)
7pm – 9pm | Lucy Morgan (singer-songwriter) – zen’Za Pizzeria (71 King St.)

Sunday, Dec 11 Crawl

10am – 4pm | Cool Yule Art Show – Citi Plaza (355 Wellington St.)
12pm – 2pm | Dean Harrison (singer-songwriter) – Residence Inn by Marriott London Downtown (383 Colborne St.)
2pm – 4pm | Paris Malone (singer-songwriter) – Frank & Furter’s Restaurant and Bar (172 King St.)
* More Events Being Added

Thursday, Dec 15 Crawl

4pm – 6pm | Donald Waugh (singer-songwriter) – Citi Plaza (355 Wellington St.)
6pm – 8pm | DJ Croa – Dos Tacos (611 Richmond St.)

Friday, Dec 16 Crawl

4pm – 6pm | Uncle Cobes, SoloYT, DJ Donny C (hip hop / DJ) – Frank & Furter’s Restaurant and Bar (172 King St.)
5pm – 7pm | The Finger Pistols (band) – The Richmond Tavern (370 Richmond St.)
6pm – 8pm | Lucy Morgan (singer-songwriter) – Saga Board Games & Coffee (105 King St.)
7pm – 9pm | Sarina Haggarty (singer-songwriter) – zen’Za Pizzeria (71 King St.)
* More Events Being Added

Saturday, Dec 17 Crawl

12pm – 2pm | Mary Ashton & Eve Thompson (singer-songwriter duo) – The Tea Lounge (268 Piccadilly St.)
1pm – 3pm | The Farewell Stanleys (singer-songwriter duo) – LPS Advanced Aesthetics (123 Dundas St.)
2pm – 4pm | The Latin Power Band – Reimagine Co (206 Piccadilly St.)
4pm – 6pm | Tina Powell (singer-songwriter) – Frank & Furter’s Restaurant and Bar (172 King St.)
* More Events Being Added

Sunday, Dec 17 Show

12pm – 2pm | Iain Mcnaly (singer-songwriter) – Grace Bodega (211 Dundas Pl.)

New Year’s Eve in the Park

As the holiday season winds down at the end of the month, one last celebration is being planned as New Year’s Eve in the Park returns on December 31 after a two-year hiatus. Victoria Park will come alive with fireworks, free outdoor skating, live music, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and take in the holiday lights in Victoria Park to celebrate the New Year.

Saturday, December 31, 7 PM – 12 AM (Fireworks at 9 PM and 12 AM)

Victoria Park – 580 Clarence St, London, ON N6A 3N1

Free to attend

Other Activities in Downtown London

Family Portrait Selfie Spot

A giant accessible, Downtown for the Holidays 10’ x 8’ wooden picture frame will offer people the opportunity take photos with picturesque Victoria Park in the background. The Selfie Spot will be available on Friday, December 2 to January 1 and will be located at Victoria Park Gates at Richmond St. at Central Ave.

Holiday Window Display Walk

Dozens of downtown businesses will be decorating their ground-level street-facing windows with festive holiday displays. The public will be invited to vote for their favourite displays from December 2nd to December 17 by voting via QR code which will be available to scan on participating businesses’ window decals.

Magical Carousel

Don’t miss this opportunity to ride, a free 40” magical, nostalgic carousel that will be located on Dundas Place outside Fanshawe College. The carousel will be available on Friday, December 9 from 12pm. to 9pm and Saturday, December 10 from 12pm to 9pm.

Mistletoe Lane Selfie Spot

Spaghetti Eddy’s popular graffiti alley is getting a festive makeover and transforming into Mistletoe Lane with over 200 mistletoe hung among the romantic overhead nighttime lighting.

Scavenger Hunts & Prizes

There will be 3 festive-themed scavenger hunts (1 for each weekend). There will be 25 winners each weekend. Watch this page and Downtown for the Holidays social media for details!

Magic of Lights

Nov. 18th – Jan. 8th, 2023, 5:30pm – 10:00pm

Longwoods Conservation Area, Mount Brydges, ON, Canada

Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of London’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price.

There are so many fun holiday activities here in London! We can’t wait to get in the spirit. If you know of any I’ve missed, drop me a comment or email and I’ll get them added!