The City of London invites residents to kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Lights at Victoria Park on Friday, December 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The evening will kick off with live music at 6 p.m., featuring The Rockin’ Reindeer, led by rising star John Fellner, alongside local musicians. Londoners can capture a festive selfie at the 360° photo booth and send their holiday wish lists to the North Pole at Santa’s mailbox. Visitors can also indulge in a variety of food truck offerings and enjoy a free hot cider sample courtesy of Farm Boy, who will also be collecting non-perishable food donations in support of the London Food Bank.
The highlight of the night is the magical moment the park is illuminated with the ceremonial flip of the switch at approximately 6:50 p.m. This year, Mayor Josh Morgan will be joined by John Davidson, founder of Jesse’s Journey to set the park aglow.
Over 100,000 lights will illuminate the park, along with an array of festive displays, including Santa and his reindeer, a Christmas train, and a cheerful snow family.
Victoria Park transforms into a winter wonderland nightly until January 16.
The holiday magic continues at Covent Garden Market
After the Lighting of the Lights, Londoners are encouraged to join the Covent Garden Market for the annual tree lighting ceremony and kick-off of the Holly Jolly Holiday Market. Starting Friday, December 5, visitors can enjoy local artisans and food vendors, cozy fire pits, live music, and dazzling light displays around the beautiful Christmas tree in Rotary Square. The tree lighting takes place at 7:45 p.m.
City Hall observation deck
The City Hall observation deck will open for public viewing of the Lighting of the Lights and the Winter Wonderland in Victoria Park during the following dates and times:
- Friday, December 5 (Lighting of the Lights) from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Thursday, December 11 to Sunday, December 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Thursday, December 18 to Sunday, December 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday, December 26 to Sunday, December 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Victoria Park washrooms
Starting December 5, access to the washrooms in Victoria Park will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Kiwanis Memorial Bandshell throughout the holiday season. If the washrooms are locked, contact a nearby security guard for assistance.
Outdoor skating
The outdoor skating rink at Victoria Park will not be open for the Lighting of the Lights event. Weather permitting, the rink will open mid-December. More details about outdoor skating will be shared in the coming weeks.
Specially decorated trees
There are a number of specially decorated trees within Victoria Park, including:
- Angel Tree: White lights honour the lives of children that have passed on with each light in honour of a child’s cherished memory.
- Tree to commemorate the troops overseas: Yellow lights show support for Canadian troops serving around the world.
- Tree of Hope: Pink lights represent a beacon of hope to those who have been diagnosed or who have survived breast cancer.
- Tree of Wishes: Blue lights support the Make-A-Wish Foundation to honour children with life-threatening medical conditions who have received a wish.
- Tree to Shine the Light on Woman Abuse: Purple lights represent the burning individuality, strength and ever-lasting hope of abused women and the acknowledgement that society will no longer remain in the dark about woman abuse.
- Tree for Truth and Reconciliation: Orange lights honour the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
- Remember, Honour, Celebrate Tree: Red lights are illuminated in remembrance of the thousands of lives lost to HIV/AIDS.
- Donor Tree: Blue and green lights represent The Trillium Gift of Life Network which coordinates organ donation and transplants across the province and the Kidney Foundation which is committed to kidney health and improving lives for all people.
Experience Downtown for the Holidays
The Lighting of the Lights kicks off a month-long celebration of music, shopping, dining and holiday cheer in the heart of London.
The City of London, Downtown London, Covent Garden Market, and Tourism London are excited to once again treat Londoners to many exciting experiences this holiday season.
There’s even more festive fun to discover downtown with events like the Holly Jolly Holiday Market, Candy Cane Lane, the holiday carousel and New Year’s Eve in the Park. And don’t forget, Winter Wonderland in Victoria Park continues to light up until January 16, 2026.
Visit Downtown for the Holidays to learn more about upcoming holiday events.