The City of London invites residents to kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Lights at Victoria Park on Friday, November 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a complimentary 360° photo booth, providing a perfect opportunity for friends and family to capture festive selfies against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Park
Food lovers can indulge in a variety of delicious offerings from a selection of food trucks, including Donut Diva, New Leaf Planet Based Food, and Grill 'Em, ensuring there’s something tasty for everyone.
The evening will kick off with live music at 6:10 p.m., featuring The Rockin’ Reindeer, led by Nathan Nykor of Juice Joint, alongside local music artists. The highlight of the night will be the illumination of Victoria Park, marked by the ceremonial flip of the switch by London Olympian Damian Warner, joined by young swimmers from the London Aquatic Club, in celebration of London’s rising talent.
“Since 1958, the Lighting of the Lights has been a cherished tradition that signals the beginning of the holiday season in London,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “I can’t wait to see the beauty of Victoria Park lit up and hope this celebration spreads joy and festive cheer throughout the city.”
The lights will be turned on at approximately 6:55 p.m. Friday evening, and Victoria Park will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland featuring over 75,000 lights that will illuminate the park nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. until January 13. Visitors can also enjoy an array of festive displays, including Santa and his reindeer, a Christmas train, and a cheerful snow family. Children can also visit Santa's Mailbox to send their holiday wish lists to the North Pole.
City Hall observation deck
The City Hall observation deck will reopen for public viewing of Lighting of the Lights and the Winter Wonderland in Victoria Park during the following dates and times:
- Friday, November 29 (Lighting of the Lights) from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, December 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 19 to Sunday, December 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 26 to Sunday, December 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Those who wish to access the observation deck are required to enter City Hall through the back entrance just outside of Reginald Cooper Square.
Victoria Park washrooms
Access to the washrooms in Victoria Park will be available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Kiwanis Memorial Bandshell throughout the holiday season. If the washrooms are locked, please contact a nearby security guard to have them opened.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
After the Lighting of the Lights, join us at Covent Garden Market for the grand opening of the Holly Jolly Holiday Market. Stroll through a festive wonderland filled with local artisans, food vendors, live music, twinkling light displays, and free horse and carriage rides. Warm up by the fire pits while taking in the breathtaking sight of a towering Christmas tree in the heart of Rotary Square. Don’t miss the official tree lighting ceremony at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, November 29.
Outdoor skating
Weather permitting, the outdoor skating rink at Victoria Park will open early December (weather dependent). More details about outdoor skating will be shared in the coming weeks.
Downtown for the Holidays
It will be a December to remember in downtown London, with large-scale events including the Holly Jolly Holiday Market, Lighting of the Lights and New Year’s Eve in the Park; as well as small-scale activations like musical performances, silent discos and much more taking place throughout December. Visit Downtown for the Holidays to learn more about upcoming holiday events.
