Organize your festive season in London with our guide. We’ve listed all the top holiday events for you. Whether you're a familiar face in London or a fresh visitor, this guide unlocks the holiday spirit.
Kick off your holiday with Winter Wonderland, a magical experience that promises fun for all ages. Marvel at the twinkling displays during Victoria Park's Holiday in the Park Lights, an enchanting spectacle of festive brilliance. And, don't miss The Grand Theatre's Christmas Production, a perfect way to add some drama to your holiday celebrations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in London
- Winter Wonderland
- Victoria Park's Holiday in the Park Lights
- The Grand Theatre's Christmas Production
- CP Holiday Train
- Santa Claus Parade
- Magic of Lights
- Christmas in the Village
- Christmas Craft Show at Western Fair
- Covent Garden Christmas Market
- Old South Community Christmas Market
London Holiday Light Displays
Victoria Park's Holiday in the Park Lights
What to Expect:
Historic park transformed with themed light displays
Description:
Victoria Park's Holiday in the Park Lights illuminates London's historic heart. The park's century-old trees sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a breathtaking canopy overhead. Themed light displays tell stories of local folklore and history, offering a unique glimpse into London's past. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, uncovering hidden light installations throughout the park. This event continues a tradition dating back to 1958 when the first holiday lights were strung in Victoria Park. The gentle glow of the lights casts a warm ambiance over the crisp winter evening.
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Victoria Park's Holiday in the Park Lights
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show with animated displays
Description:
Magic of Lights transforms London into a glowing wonderland with its drive-through light show. This innovative event features over a million LED lights creating animated displays and tunnels of light. Visitors experience the show from the comfort of their own vehicles, tuning into a special radio frequency for synchronized music. The event showcases cutting-edge light technology, including holographic projections. Magic of Lights pays tribute to Canadian winter traditions with displays featuring ice hockey and dogsledding. As you drive through, the twinkling lights reflect off your windshield, creating a mesmerizing effect.
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London Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Show at Western Fair
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and handmade gifts
Description:
The Christmas Craft Show at Western Fair District spotlights London's vibrant artisan community. This expansive event brings together hundreds of local craftspeople, offering a diverse array of handmade gifts and decorations. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, from glassblowing to woodcarving. The show emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly products, reflecting London's commitment to environmental consciousness. Held at the historic Western Fair grounds, which have hosted community events since 1868, the craft show continues a long tradition of supporting local makers. The air hums with the excited chatter of shoppers discovering unique treasures.
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Christmas Craft Show at Western Fair
Covent Garden Christmas Market
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market in historic district
Description:
Covent Garden Market transforms into a European-style Christmas bazaar, filling London's historic district with holiday cheer. Wooden chalets line the streets, offering artisanal goods, local delicacies, and unique gifts. Visitors can warm up with a cup of traditional glühwein while browsing the stalls. The market pays homage to London's namesake in England, recreating the atmosphere of classic British Christmas markets. Covent Garden's rich history as a center of commerce in London, Ontario, dating back to the 1800s, adds depth to this modern holiday tradition. The aroma of freshly baked goods entices passersby to explore the market's offerings.
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Covent Garden Christmas Market
Old South Community Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-focused market celebrating local businesses
Description:
The Old South Community Christmas Market showcases the unique character of one of London's most charming neighborhoods. This intimate event brings together local artisans, food producers, and small businesses from the Old South area. Visitors can explore the historic Wortley Village while discovering one-of-a-kind gifts and treats. The market emphasizes community connection, with many vendors sharing stories about their crafts and the neighborhood's history. Old South, known for its Victorian-era homes and strong sense of community, infuses this event with a distinct local flavor. You'll hear the cheerful greetings of neighbors as they reunite at this beloved annual gathering.
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Old South Community Christmas Market
London Holiday Giving Opportunities
Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Festive-themed charity run supporting arthritis research
Description:
The Jingle Bell Run energizes London's holiday season with a lively charity event. Participants don festive attire and jingle bells as they run or walk through the city streets. The race course winds through London's scenic neighborhoods, showcasing the city's holiday decorations. Runners can compete in costume contests and enjoy post-race celebrations with hot chocolate and treats. This event raises funds and awareness for arthritis research, a cause that affects many Canadians. The Jingle Bell Run, part of a national event series, has been uniting communities across the country since 1984. The rhythmic jingling of bells fills the air as participants make their way along the course.
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London Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Grand Theatre's Christmas Production
What to Expect:
Professional theater production with a local twist
Description:
The Grand Theatre's Christmas Production brings holiday cheer to the stage with a professional-caliber show. This year's performance infuses classic holiday tales with local London lore, creating a unique theatrical experience. Audiences will be captivated by the elaborate set designs that transform the historic theater into a winter scene. Theatergoers can participate in a pre-show workshop to learn about the production's behind-the-scenes magic. The Grand Theatre, a cornerstone of London's arts scene since 1901, continues its tradition of holiday performances that resonate with the community.
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The Grand Theatre's Christmas Production
CP Holiday Train
What to Expect:
Traveling holiday concert on a beautifully decorated train
Description:
The CP Holiday Train rolls into London, bringing with it a unique traveling concert experience. This brightly decorated locomotive serves as a mobile stage for live musical performances by Canadian artists. Spectators gather along the tracks to witness this dazzling display of lights and music. The event collects food donations for local food banks, embodying the spirit of community giving. Since its inception in 1999, the CP Holiday Train has raised millions of dollars and countless pounds of food for communities along its route. The train's arrival heralds the start of the holiday season in London.
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The Canadian Celtic Choir Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Blend of traditional Celtic and Canadian holiday music
Description:
The Canadian Celtic Choir Christmas Concert presents a unique fusion of Celtic and Canadian holiday traditions. This acclaimed choir performs a repertoire that spans centuries, from ancient Gaelic carols to contemporary Canadian compositions. Audience members can join in a rousing singalong of beloved holiday tunes. The concert highlights the influence of Celtic culture on Canadian music, reflecting the rich immigrant history of London and the surrounding region. Established in 1996, the choir has become a cornerstone of London's musical landscape. The soaring harmonies of the choir fill the concert hall, stirring emotions and evoking the spirit of the season.
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The Canadian Celtic Choir Christmas Concert
Christmas Symphony by London Symphonia
What to Expect:
Classical holiday concert featuring local composers
Description:
The Christmas Symphony by London Symphonia elevates the holiday season with a sophisticated musical experience. This concert showcases both beloved classical pieces and works by local composers, creating a uniquely London holiday soundscape. The performance features guest soloists from the community, highlighting the city's musical talent. Audience members can attend a pre-concert talk to learn about the history and significance of the featured compositions. London Symphonia, founded in 2014, has quickly become an integral part of the city's cultural landscape. The rich tones of the orchestra fill the concert hall, creating a powerful and moving holiday experience.
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Christmas Symphony by London Symphonia
London Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive winter-themed attractions and activities
Description:
London's Winter Wonderland transforms the city into a frosty paradise. This annual extravaganza boasts an array of winter-themed attractions, including ice skating, toboggan runs, and a Polar Express train ride. Visitors can challenge themselves on the outdoor obstacle course, testing their agility in the crisp winter air. The event pays homage to Canada's rich winter sports heritage, featuring exhibits on local Olympic athletes. You'll find yourself surrounded by the cheerful sounds of laughter and jingling sleigh bells as families create lasting memories.
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Santa Claus Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local organizations and businesses
Description:
London's Santa Claus Parade marches through the heart of the city, showcasing the community's holiday spirit. This long-standing tradition features elaborately decorated floats created by local organizations and businesses. Spectators line the streets, bundled up against the winter chill, as the parade passes by. Children can write letters to Santa and drop them off at special mailboxes along the route. The parade has been a staple of London's holiday celebrations since 1956, evolving from a small procession to a grand spectacle that unites the city. The air fills with the sounds of marching bands playing festive tunes.
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Christmas in the Village
What to Expect:
Recreated Victorian-era Christmas celebration
Description:
Christmas in the Village transports visitors to a bygone era, recreating a Victorian Christmas in London. This immersive event features costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts and customs of the 19th century. Guests can try their hand at making traditional ornaments or sample historic holiday treats. The village, meticulously decorated with period-appropriate adornments, offers a glimpse into London's past. This event draws inspiration from the city's rich Victorian heritage, when many of its iconic buildings were constructed. The scent of roasting chestnuts wafts through the air, adding to the authentic atmosphere.
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Christmas at Eldon House
What to Expect:
Victorian Christmas celebration in a historic mansion
Description:
Christmas at Eldon House offers a glimpse into holiday celebrations of London's past. This meticulously preserved 19th-century mansion is adorned with authentic Victorian decorations, transporting visitors to a bygone era. Guests can explore the house's period rooms, each telling a story of Christmas traditions from the 1800s. The event features live performances of traditional carols sung by costumed interpreters. Eldon House, built in 1834, is London's oldest residence and has been witness to nearly two centuries of holiday celebrations. The soft glow of candlelight illuminates the historic interiors, creating an intimate atmosphere.
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Christmas at Fanshawe Pioneer Village
What to Expect:
Interactive 19th-century Christmas experience
Description:
Christmas at Fanshawe Pioneer Village immerses visitors in the holiday traditions of 19th-century rural Ontario. This living history museum comes alive with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts, cooking methods, and celebrations of the era. Guests can participate in hands-on activities like candle dipping or gingerbread decorating. The village showcases how Christmas was celebrated by different social classes and ethnic groups in early London. Fanshawe Pioneer Village, established in 1959, meticulously recreates life in the region from 1820 to 1920. The crackling of fires in stone hearths and the smell of fresh-baked goods create an authentic atmosphere.
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Christmas at Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Christmas Pet Photos with Santa
What to Expect:
Professional pet photography with Santa Claus
Description:
Christmas Pet Photos with Santa brings joy to animal lovers in London. This unique event offers professional photography sessions for pets with Santa Claus, creating lasting memories for pet owners. Skilled photographers capture the personalities of furry, feathered, and scaly friends in a festive setting. A portion of the proceeds supports local animal shelters, embodying the spirit of giving. The event reflects London's status as a pet-friendly city, with numerous off-leash parks and pet-centric businesses. You'll hear a chorus of barks, meows, and chirps as pets eagerly await their turn with Santa.
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Christmas Pet Photos with Santa
Santa's House in Victoria Park
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience in a historic park setting
Description:
Santa's House in Victoria Park brings the North Pole to the heart of London. This charming wooden cottage, nestled among the park's century-old trees, offers a personal meet-and-greet with Santa Claus. Children can share their wishes and receive a small gift, creating cherished holiday memories. The house is surrounded by an enchanting winter village, complete with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Victoria Park, established in 1874, has been the center of London's holiday celebrations for generations. You'll be greeted by the warm glow of the cottage windows as you approach Santa's temporary London residence.
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Santa's House in Victoria Park