There is always so much going on in the area around the holidays! Here are my picks for Holiday Events in London, Ontario this year. Just follow the links to find out more information or purchase tickets (if needed).
The lighting of the lights in Victoria Park is always an enchanting event. It happens this year on November 28. Carolling starts at 6:15 pm followed by the countdown to the lighting of the lights at 6:50 pm. Over 75,000 lights, festive displays, and Santa’s mailbox for the kids to send off their wish lists. After this, the lights are on daily from 5:30 to 11 pm until January 1. Skating rink is scheduled to open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, on December 5, weather permitting. Note: the Promenade Deck on top of City Hall is currently closed for repairs. Weather permitting it is scheduled to reopen on December 15.
.The Hyde Park Santa Claus parade is on November 29 at 10 am.The parade starts at Sherwood Forest Mall and goes west down Gainsborough Road, ending just past Hyde Park Road. Food drive collection.
The CP Holiday Train rolls into town on December 1 at 8:15 pm. You can see it at the Richmond St. railway crossing . The train is all lit up for the holidays and free concerts are performed at each stop. They also encourage you to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation to go to your local food bank.
The Children’s Magical Winter Ball takes place on December 4.This is a family-focused black tie event. There are children’s activities, a silent auction, delicious festive dinner, and of course, a dance.
Take your family to see Shrek the Musical at the Grand Theatre until January 3, 2015 I mean, come on – who doesn’t love Shrek?
The Amabile Choirs always put on lovely holiday concerts (my daughter used to be a member!). There are three concerts in total: December 6, 13, and 20.
Dickens Dinner at Fanshawe Pioneer Village is November 28, 29, December 5, 6, 12, and 13. Enjoy a traditional country Christmas dinner indicative of the 19th century – roast goose and the trimmings – and after dinner enjoy a unique adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Friday, November 28 to Saturday, November 29 and Friday, December 5 to Saturday, December 6 and Friday, December 12 to Saturday December 13
A Visit with St Nicholas also takes place at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, December 6, 7, 13, 14. Have a hot pancake breakfast, decorate a gingerbread man, go on a horse drawn wagon ride around the village to see the buildings getting ready for Christmas, and of course, top it all off with a visit with St. Nick himself. Times are 9:30, 11, and 1 pm – advance booking is required.
Another performance of A Christmas Carol takes place at Centennial Hall on December 10 at 7 pm. Sing your favourite carols too! Admittance is pay what you can.
I remember as a kid watching the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby family Christmas specials on TV. It always seemed like it just was the perfect way to get in the holiday mood. You can go back in time to those days with A Really RETRO Christmas Special 2014, December 11, 12, 13, 7:30-9:30 pm. Matinee on December 13 at 2 pm. Heartwarming stories, comedy, and of course, the quintessential holiday music of the 40s, 50s, and 60s.
One of our holiday traditions each year to is find one of the local living Nativity stories to visit. This year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is putting on an indoor live Nativity December 12 at 7:30; December 13 at 4 and 7 pm; and December 14 at 4 and 7 pm. Free admission.
Storybook Gardens is being transformed into Snowybook Village! Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, make snow goo in the Elves’ Workshop, sit around the outdoor campfire, and go skating on the outdoor trail. Regular park admission includes all activities. December 13, 14, 20, 21 from 10 am to 5 pm.
Eldon House has several holiday events planned. There’s a Christmas wreath workshop on November 30 from 1-3 pm, a Christmas tea on December 7 with seatings at 1:30 and 3 pm, and finally, a children’s Christmas party on December 14 from 1-4 pm which includes playing games, making crafts and treats, and a visit from Father Christmas. Call ahead to register: 519.661.5169
And now Christmas would be complete for me without The Nutcracker! Canada’s Ballet Jorgen perform The Nutcracker at 2:00 pm on December 21.
Edited to include – Gingerbread House Decorating for Kids of All Ages – Dec 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 from 2-3:30 pm at the President’s Choice Cooking School at Loblaws Wonderland South. $18
Breakfast and Photo with Santa, Dec. 21, 9-10:30 am, $10, Loblaws Wonderland South
While you’re there, check their website for other fun kids’ holiday activities!
Are there any local holiday events you’re especially excited about?
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