The holiday magic begins with the Lighting of the Lights

On Friday, December 5, Londoners are invited to watch Victoria Park transform into a dazzling winter wonderland at the annual Lighting of the Lights. This year’s celebration will shine bright once again as more than 100,000 lights and festive displays will illuminate the park with holiday magic.

The evening will kick off with live music at 6 p.m., featuring The Rockin’ Reindeer, led by rising star John Fellner, alongside local musicians. Londoners can capture a festive selfie at the 360° photo booth and send their holiday wish list to the North Pole at Santa’s mailbox. Visitors can also indulge in a variety of food truck offerings and enjoy a free hot cider sample courtesy of Farm Boy, who will also be collecting non-perishable food donations in support of the London Food Bank.

The highlight of the night is the magical moment the park is illuminated with the ceremonial flip of the switch at approximately 6:50 p.m. This year, Mayor Josh Morgan will be joined by John Davidson, founder of Jesse’s Journey, to set the park aglow.

“The Lighting of the Lights has marked the beginning of the holiday season for generations of Londoners,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “This is a special tradition that has continued to unite people and bring our city together in the heart of the downtown for almost 70 years. I’m looking forward to seeing Victoria Park light up and kick off another wonderful holiday season in London.”

Over 100,000 lights bring the park to life, along with an array of festive favourites, including Santa and his reindeer, a Christmas train, and a cheerful snow family.

Victoria Park transforms into a winter wonderland nightly until January 16, 2026.

The holiday magic continues at Covent Garden Market

After the Lighting of the Lights, Londoners are encouraged to join the Covent Garden Market for the annual tree lighting ceremony and kick-off of the Holly Jolly Holiday Market. Starting Friday, December 5, visitors can enjoy local artisans and food vendors, cozy fire pits, live music, and dazzling light displays around the beautiful Christmas tree in Rotary Square. The tree lighting takes place at 7:45 p.m.

City Hall observation deck

The City Hall observation deck will open for public viewing of the Lighting of the Lights and the Winter
Wonderland in Victoria Park during the following dates and times:

Friday, December 5 (Lighting of the Lights) from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, December 11 to Sunday, December 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, December 18 to Sunday, December 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, December 26 to Sunday, December 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Victoria Park washrooms

Starting December 5, access to the washrooms in Victoria Park will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Kiwanis Memorial Bandshell throughout the holiday season. If the washrooms are locked, contact a nearby security guard for assistance.

Outdoor skating

The outdoor skating rink at Victoria Park will not be open for the Lighting of the Lights event. Weather permitting, the rink will open mid-December. More details about outdoor skating will be shared in the coming weeks.

Experience Downtown for the Holidays

The Lighting of the Lights kicks off a month-long celebration of music, shopping, dining and holiday cheer in the heart of London.

The City of London, Downtown London, Covent Garden Market, and Tourism London are excited to once again treat Londoners to many exciting experiences this holiday season. There’s even more festive fun to discover downtown with events like the Holly Jolly Market, Candy Cane Lane, the holiday carousel and New Year’s Eve in the Park. And don’t forget, Winter Wonderland in Victoria Park continues to light up until January 16, 2026.

Visit Downtown for the Holidays to learn more about upcoming holiday events.

The City of London would like to thank Farm Boy for sponsoring the Lighting of the Lights event. As well, this year’s lighting display is made possible through the generous support of Downtown London, London Community Foundation, Canada Life, and Architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson.