The City of London, Covent Garden Market, Downtown London and Tourism London are excited to announce the return of Downtown for the Holidays, a campaign promoting new holiday events and timeless classics in the heart of London.
Throughout November and December, Londoners can enjoy free, large-scale events including Lighting of the Lights, the Holly Jolly Holiday Market and New Year’s Eve in the Park; as well as free, festive programming such as carousel rides at Golden Jubilee Square, horse-drawn carriage rides outside of the Covent Garden Market and the Wonder Land at Citi Plaza.
The holiday season will kick off with the City of London’s annual Lighting of the Lights in Victoria Park on Friday, November 24 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 all to enjoy.
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 the tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 24 at 8 p.m. The Holly Jolly Holiday Market is an outdoor market where visitors can enjoy local artisan and food vendors, live music, light displays, a free hot chocolate station and cozy fire pits as they gaze at a beautiful Christmas tree in the centre of Rotary Square.
Throughout November and December, free activities will make this season extra merry as visitors window shop and stroll the streets. These activities include:
Carousel Rides: The City of London will be offering free rides on a festive carousel at Golden Jubilee Square, located at the corner of Talbot Street and King Street, from Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 17.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available outside of the Covent Garden Market throughout late-November and early-December. For the full schedule, please visit the Covent Garden Market’s website.
Candy Cane Lane: Starting November 24, Market Lane will transform into Candy Cane Lane – a festive light display that will serve as the perfect spot for visitors to take a holiday selfie – with the help of Magic of Lights.
Wonder Land at Citi Plaza: From November 30 to December 16, Citi Plaza will transform into a Wonder Land with weekly holiday-themed events and interactive experiences, including a silent disco, live music and interactive art installations.
Then, 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 presented by WSIB returns on December 31. 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.
For more information and to stay in the loop, visit downtownfortheholidays.ca and follow Downtown for the Holidays on Facebook and Instagram.
Event details:
Lighting of the Lights at Victoria Park
- Date: Friday, November 24
- Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Victoria Park
- Free to attend
The Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Covent Garden Market
- Date: Fridays through Sundays from November 24 to December 17
- Location: Covent Garden Market
- Free to attend
New Year’s Eve in the Park presented by WSIB
- Date: Sunday, December 31
- Time: 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Location: Victoria Park
- Free to attend
Quotes:
“Downtown London will once again transform into a winter wonderland this holiday season with a wide variety of free events and activities for Londoners of all ages to enjoy,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “By working together with our community partners, our goal is to provide an unforgettable holiday experience for all while contributing to the economic vibrancy downtown."
"We are thrilled to bring back Downtown for the Holidays,” says Barbara Maly, Executive Director at Downtown London. “While you are enjoying all the festive events taking place downtown, there is no better time to shop for that perfect holiday gift, enjoy some time at a restaurant or pub, participate in Downtown London's Scratch Bakery and Patisserie Trail and Holiday Traditions Trail, and enjoy some of the most beautifully decorated storefront windows in the city."
“We are excited to have the Holly Jolly Holiday Market return this year, bringing our community together and creating holiday magic in our downtown core,” says Amy Shackleton, CEO and General Manager at Covent Garden Market. “We are grateful for the support from our sponsors and community partners to make this year’s Holly Jolly Holiday Market a memorable experience for all to enjoy!”
