During the holiday season, London, Ontario transforms into a magical destination. With events for all ages and interests, there is something for every person to enjoy. This guide can help you find experiences to share with your family, friends, and loved ones this coming holiday season.
Parades, Performances, and Community Holiday Events in London, ON
London Santa Claus Parade
Every year, The London Santa Claus Parade captures the hearts of families throughout the city. It is a cherished tradition, bringing the streets alive with bands, floats, and community groups, as it makes its way through the heart of the city. And of course, the highlight is Santa Claus, bringing smiles and holiday spirit to all. It is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season, taking place Saturday, November 15, 2025. The parade will start at Dundas St. and Ontario St at 6pm and will head west, ending at Ridout St.
Disney’s Frozen at The Grand Theatre
This holiday season, The Grand Theatre invites audiences to experience the magic of Disney’s Frozen, running from November 18 – December 28, 2025. Perfect for families and fans of the beloved Disney film, this Broadway musical brings to life Elsa, Anna, and the kingdom of Arendelle with dazzling performances, music, and spectacle. The Grand Theatre provides a warm and welcoming venue to celebrate the holidays in London, Ontario while enjoying this enchanting show.
Victoria Park Lighting of The Lights
Friday, December 5th, 2025, from 6PM-7:30PM, the annual celebration of the Lighting of the Lights in Victoria Park turns the park into a winter wonderland with over 75,000 lights. There is food, music, and holiday spirit. It is a joyful event that not only lights up the park, but the hearts of everyone who attends, making it a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit in London.
Magic of Lights at Fanshawe Conservation Area
From November 21, 2025, to January 3, 2026, Magic of Lights transforms Fanshawe Conservation Area into a dazzling winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy an immersive light display from the comfort of their cars or by walking through festive exhibits featuring millions of twinkling lights, themed displays, and holiday scenes. This is a perfect activity for families, couples, or anyone looking to experience the magic of the season in London.
CPKC Holiday Train
Every year, the CPKC Holiday Train tours across North America, raising money and collecting food items along the way, for local food banks. The CPKC Holiday Train will be in London, Ontario for only one day on November 21, 2025, at 8:30 PM at Richmond and Piccadilly. This is a free family friendly event.
Hanukkah Party
Every year, the JCC, Jewish Community Centre, hosts a Hanukkah party closer to Hanukkah, where people from around London in and outside of Judaism can celebrate the holiday. There is traditional Jewish food, games, and the lighting of the menorah.
Holiday Markets and Seasonal Shopping in London, Ontario
The Merry Market
The Merry Market located inside and outside the old Kellogg’s cereal factory at 100 Kellogg’s Lane, is a trendy weekend market scheduled for 3 weekends leading up to the holidays, starting November 27th.
The market is full of vendors selling unique gifts for every person on your list. This year, they have added the Eat, Drink, and Be Merry! food and wine show.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Covent Garden Market
The Covent Garden Market hosts the Holly Jolly Holiday Market, every weekend leading up to Christmas, starting December 5th. There will be food vendors, activities, live music, and entertainment for the whole family. From crafts to cocktails, hot chocolate to horse rides, to local bands & the FireGuy, this winter market in downtown London, is a great way to support locals as you shop for every person on your list.
Winter Solstice Psychic Tea and Craft Sale
At the London Spiritualist Church, they are celebrating the winter solstice on Saturday, November 29th, from 10 AM to 4 PM, offering coffee and treats, while vendors sell their unique hand made products. This event is open to all, as a fundraiser to support the spiritualist community of London.
London Christmas Craft Festival
Held at the J‑AAR Expo Centre from December 4–7, 2025, the London Christmas Craft Festival brings together over 230 artisans offering one-of-a-kind gifts, decorations, and festive treats. It’s the perfect destination for holiday shoppers looking for unique, locally made items while enjoying a warm, community-centered atmosphere. Families can explore interactive booths, sample seasonal foods, and discover creative holiday décor for their homes.
Ways to Give Back and Volunteer During the Holidays in London, Ontario
Giving Tuesday
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, let’s hit pause on the shopping and focus on giving back to our community. Your options for donations are endless. The London Food Bank is always in need of food or monetary donations, which is a good way of helping individuals and families directly in your community. The London Mission Services have a fundraiser on Giving Tuesday that sustains them all year, while The London Environmental Network and St. Josephs Health Care also participate in Giving Tuesday. If you would prefer to focus on donations that brighten the holidays for children in the London Community, you can drop off a toy at Toys for Tots.
Business Cares Food Drive
Celebrate the holiday season with your co-workers while giving back to the London community. From November 27 to December 18, local workplaces are encouraged to support the Business Cares Food Drive by collecting donations or volunteering at events throughout the city.
This year’s campaign officially kicks off at RBC Place London (300 York St.) at 10:00 AM, where businesses of all sizes are invited to join in.
One of the biggest highlights is Grocery Store Weekend on November 29–30, when you’ll see volunteers, including Summit staff, stationed at participating grocery stores around London. They’ll be greeting shoppers, encouraging donations, and helping load trucks with food that goes directly to Londoners in need.
If you’re looking to drop off items downtown, the Talbot Centre (Lobby – 465 Richmond St., London, ON) is the official downtown collection point. There are also many other drop-off locations across the city. For a full list, visit BusinessCares.ca.
New Years Eve at Victoria Park
On December 31, hundreds, possibly thousands of Londoners gather at Victoria Park to ring in the new year with food, music, and fireworks at midnight. This community celebration not only brings friends and families together but also often features opportunities to support local charities and initiatives. Join the vibrant downtown festivities, enjoy the holiday spirit, and start the new year by giving back to your community.
Find Your Perfect Apartment and Be Home for the Holidays in London, ON
At Summit Properties, we’re proud to help you feel at home in London, Ontario, especially during the holiday season. Our team can help you find your perfect apartment that meets your lifestyle and budget needs. From festive events and holiday markets to community volunteer opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while giving back. Explore our Apartments for Rent and find the perfect home so you can be close to all the holiday celebrations and start the new year in comfort and style.