Destination Christmas in London

~ Where Santa’s Sleigh Could Use Winter Tires ~

Ah, Christmas in London, Ontario—where the twinkling lights are as plentiful as Tim Hortons cups in snowbanks, and the festive cheer rivals even the cheesiest Hallmark holiday movie. If you’re wondering how to make the most of the season, fear not! London has more holiday spirit than Santa’s workshop after a double espresso. Here’s a guide to the wintry wonderland that is the Forest City during the most wonderful time of the year.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market

Victoria Park: London’s North Pole

First stop: Victoria Park Winter Wonderland, where over 75,000 lights turn the downtown park into a glimmering fairy tale. You’ll see displays of Santa and his reindeer, a cheerful snow family, and a Christmas train that isn’t powered by tiny elves but might as well be. Pro tip: Bundle up! The wind coming off the Thames River could make Frosty the Snowman reach for a scarf.

Victoria Park, Winter Wonderland

Kids can write letters to Santa and drop them in the special mailbox—because nothing says “holiday magic” like trusting Canada Post with your Christmas wishes. But don’t worry, parents, Santa always delivers… as long as the kids are on the nice list.

Merry Market at 100 Kellogg Lane: Shop Till You Drop (Your Eggnog)

If your Christmas spirit needs a little boost, head to the Merry Market at 100 Kellogg Lane. This place screams holiday vibes with its festive vendors, twinkling lights, and the smell of mulled cider wafting through the air. From handcrafted ornaments to baked goods that put grandma’s cookies to shame (sorry, Nana), the market has everything to make you say, “One for them, two for me.”

Merry Market at 100 Kellogg Lane

Bonus points: There’s live music, and if you time it right, you might catch an impromptu group of carolers who look suspiciously like your neighbors from three streets over.

Christmas in Wortley Village: Quaint Meets Quirky

Over in Wortley Village, the annual Christmas in the Village event is a must-see. Think of it as London’s version of Whoville, minus the Grinch. There’s live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts for the kids, and more hot chocolate than you can shake a candy cane at. It’s the perfect place to buy locally made gifts or awkwardly bump into your dentist while perusing handmade soaps.

Christmas in the Village – Wortley Village

If you’ve got little ones, the village is also home to an outdoor scavenger hunt. Nothing says “family bonding” like arguing over who spotted the hidden elf first.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village: A Time-Traveling Christmas

For a slice of historical holiday cheer, visit Fanshawe Pioneer Village, where you can experience Christmas as it was in the 19th century. Here, Santa isn’t scrolling TikTok—he’s probably writing letters with a quill pen. Kids can meet St. Nicholas, craft their own ornaments, and marvel at how people survived without Wi-Fi.

Christmas at the Village – Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Parents, prepare for some awkward questions like, “What’s a chamber pot?” or “Why don’t we churn butter at home?” Just smile and tell them it’s magic.

New Year’s Eve in the Park: Countdown Chaos

When you’re ready to ring in the New Year, head back to Victoria Park for live music, skating, and two countdowns—one for kids at an earlier hour, and one for the adults who miraculously made it to midnight without falling asleep on the couch. There’s even a fireworks display to cap off the evening, because what better way to end the year than watching explosions in the sky?

New Year’s Eve in Victoria Park

Why Christmas in London Is the Best

London, Ontario, may not have the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building, but who needs that when you’ve got festive markets, twinkling lights, and more Christmas cheer than you can shake a snow shovel at? Whether you’re skating at Victoria Park, shopping for local treasures, or braving the crowds at the Merry Market, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories—and maybe even a few snow angels.

Hyde Park Christmas Market

So, grab your toque, fill your thermos with hot chocolate (or eggnog—no judgment), and dive into the festive fun. Just remember: if you see Santa driving down Richmond Street, give him a wave. He might just be running late for the CP Holiday Train.

Happy holidays, Londoners! 🎅