The City of London invites Londoners to ring in the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Lights at Victoria Park on Friday, November 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Holiday carollers and the London Symphonia will take the stage from 5:45 to 6:05 p.m., followed by a performance from The Rockin’ Reindeer featuring Doug and Bizz Varty from 6:15 to 7 p.m. Visitors can access the digital songbook to sing along to the holiday music performed at Lighting of the Lights. The spectacular illumination of Victoria Park will take place at 6:50 p.m.
As a tribute to late firefighter Captain Chris Bruinink, who dedicated 22 years of service to the London Fire Department, his family will flip the switch to turn on the holiday lights for the season. Members of the London Fire Department will also join this commemoration, positioning their trucks around the park and turning on the trucks’ flashing lights in unison with the park’s display. Bruinink recently lost his battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and courage. This collective gesture pays homage to Bruinink, ensuring his spirit and passion for the holiday season continues to shine brightly.
The City of London will have a free 360° photo booth available during Lighting of the Lights for Londoners to capture the perfect selfie with friends and family at Victoria Park.
In addition, an assortment of food trucks will be at Victoria Park for Lighting of the Lights for those wishing to purchase food or a snack. Food trucks will include Rocky Mountain Pizza Plus, New Leaf Plant Based Foods and Donut Diva.
“Since 1958, the Lighting of the Lights has marked the official start of the holiday season in London,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “I can’t wait to see all the trees in Victoria Park lit up and hope it will help fill Londoners with the spirit of the holidays.”
Starting Friday, November 24 at 6:50 p.m., Victoria Park will transform into a Winter Wonderland, with over 75,000 lights illuminating the park nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. There will also be a variety of other displays in the park, including Santa and his reindeer, the Christmas train and the snowmen family. Santa's Mailbox will also be on-site for all the children who need to mail their wish list 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 24 to Sunday, November 26 from 7 to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, November 30 to Sunday, December 3 from 7 to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, December 10 from 7 to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, December 14 to Sunday, December 17 from 7 to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, December 21 to Sunday, December 24 from 7 to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30 from 7 to 11 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 8:00 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
Following the Lighting of the Lights, Londoners are encouraged to visit the Covent Garden Market for the kick-off of its Holly Jolly Holiday Market, where visitors can enjoy local artisan and food vendors, live music, light displays, a hot chocolate station and cozy fire pits as they gaze at a giant beautiful Christmas tree in the centre of Rotary Square. The Holly Jolly Holiday Market tree lighting ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 24.
Outdoor skating
Weather permitting, the outdoor skating rink at Victoria Park will open on Friday, December 1 (weather dependent). With the Holly Jolly Holiday Market taking place outside of the Covent Garden Market throughout December, the Rotary Rink at Covent Garden Market will open in early January. 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.