Experience all the fun and free events this season as part of Downtown for the Holidays

New holiday events and timeless classics return this year as part of the annual Downtown for the Holidays campaign. The City of London, Downtown London, Covent Garden Market, and Tourism London are excited to once again treat Londoners to many exciting experiences in the heart of the city this holiday season.

Londoners can enjoy events including Lighting of the Lights, the Holly Jolly Holiday Market and New Year’s Eve in the Park, as well as free, festive carousel rides in front of Canada Life Place, horse-drawn carriage rides outside of the Covent Garden Market, and the Candy Cane Lane photo spot in Market Lane.

The festivities kick off with the City of London’s annual Lighting of the Lights in Victoria Park on Friday, November 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The park will transform into a winter wonderland with the countdown to the spectacular illumination of 75,000 coloured lights, an array of holiday displays, live music, food trucks and a free 360 photo booth for everyone to enjoy.

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After the lights are lit in Victoria Park, visitors are encouraged to join the Covent Garden Market for the kick-off of its Holly Jolly Holiday Market, where a tree lighting ceremony takes place on Friday, November 29 at 7:45 p.m. Visitors can enjoy local artisan and food vendors, cozy fire pits, live music, and dazzling light displays around a beautiful Christmas tree in the centre of Rotary Square.

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Free activities in November and December will make this season extra merry as visitors window shop and stroll the streets. These activities include:

• Carousel Rides: Downtown London will be offering free rides on a festive carousel at the corner of Talbot Street and King Street outside Canada Life Place, from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 15.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available outside of the Covent Garden Market including on the evening of the Lighting of the Lights. For the full schedule, please visit the Covent Garden Market’s website.
• Candy Cane Lane: Starting November 29, Market Lane will transform into Candy Cane Lane for the holiday season – a festive light display that will serve as the perfect spot for photos and selfies.
• Downtown London’s DJ and Skate: Enjoy outdoor skating in Victoria Park with a live DJ spinning while you skate. Experience the fun on Saturday December 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday December 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Holiday trails and window decorating contest: Downtown London’s popular holiday trails return guiding Londoners on themed self-guided experiential tours of businesses. Londoners will also be able to vote for their favourite festive window display again.

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To complete the holiday season, New Year’s Eve in the Park presented by Old Oak Properties returns on December 31. Fireworks, free outdoor skating, live music, and entertainment can all be enjoyed in Victoria Park celebrating the New Year.

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For more information, visit downtownfortheholidays.ca and follow Downtown for the Holidays on Facebook and Instagram. A printed program and map of activities is available at Downtown London’s office, Tourism London’s offices, and at many participating businesses downtown.

Event details:

Lighting of the Lights at Victoria Park

• Date: Friday, November 29
• Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (live music begins at 6:15 p.m.)
• Location: Victoria Park
• Free to attend

The Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Covent Garden Market

• Date: Fridays through Sundays from November 29 to December 22
• Location: Covent Garden Market (both indoors and outdoors)
• Free to attend

New Year’s Eve in the Park presented by Old Oak Properties

• Date: Tuesday, December 31
• Time: 7:00 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.
• Location: Victoria Park
• Free to attend

Quotes:

"This holiday season, downtown London will become a magical winter wonderland featuring an exciting lineup of free events and activities for people of all ages," says Mayor Josh Morgan. "The events offer a truly unforgettable winter experience, and I encourage Londoners to attend to take in the holiday spirit downtown.”

"Downtown for the Holidays is the perfect time to shop for that unique holiday gift, visit a downtown art gallery, or enjoy some time at a restaurant or pub,” says Barbara Maly, Executive Director at Downtown London. “Businesses are planning beautiful window displays and promotions to make this season memorable. Whether you’re visiting the holiday performances at the Grand Theatre or Centennial Hall, or have tickets to the London Knights, come down a little early to see all of the lights and activities downtown.”

“The Holly Jolly Holiday Market is back and better than ever!” says Amy Shackleton, CEO and General Manager of Covent Garden Market. “This year, we’re excited to welcome a variety of new vendors and artisans alongside our fantastic permanent vendors. The market is transformed with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and cheerful music, creating a truly magical atmosphere. We’re deeply grateful for the support of our sponsors and community partners, whose generosity helps make this year’s event an unforgettable experience for all.”