We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in London, Ontario for 2026. The season starts on November 14 with 70th annual London Santa Claus Parade and runs until January 2 (Magic of Lights). 8 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Canada.
The short version
- 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in London
- First: 70th annual London Santa Claus Parade, London, November 14
- Free events: 70th annual London Santa Claus Parade, Hyde Park Santa Parade, Argyle Santa Claus Parade 2026, Breakfast with Santa, Christmas in the Village, Holiday Open House and more
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included).
London, Ontario Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 14 confirmed for 2026
- Cities and towns
- London
- Season
- November 14 to January 2
- Free events
- 8
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in London
14 confirmed events in London, soonest first.
70th annual London Santa Claus Parade
Santa Claus paradeFreeLondon Santa Claus Parade · London
- Host
- London Santa Claus Parade (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dundas Street, downtown London
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 6 p.m.
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The London Santa Claus Parade celebrates its 70th year in 2026 with the theme A Canadian Christmas. Floats, marching bands, dancers and local groups make their way along Dundas Street, and of course Santa Claus brings up the rear.
Organizers expect 60,000 to 75,000 people along the route, so it is one of the biggest family nights of the season in the city. It starts at 6 p.m., and for anyone who can't make it downtown there is also an online live stream. Little ones may find the crowds and noise a lot, so a spot near the end of the route or a side street can be calmer. Families who prefer to stay warm at home can watch the live stream and still catch Santa's arrival.
Parent tip: Crowds are large; claim a spot on Dundas Street early and dress warmly for an evening outside.
See dates and details from London Santa Claus Parade (opens in a new tab)Magic of Lights
Christmas lightsMagic of Lights · London
- Host
- Magic of Lights (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fanshawe Conservation Area, 1424 Clarke Rd, London N5V 5B9
- When
- Nightly, November 20 to January 2, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Cost
- One ticket per carload, prices vary by night
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Magic of Lights returns to Fanshawe Conservation Area for its sixth year in London. The 2.5 km drive-through route is filled with festive displays brought to life by millions of twinkling lights, and kids can enjoy it all from their car seats in pajamas if you like. Part of the proceeds support Children's Health Foundation.
It runs every night from November 20 to January 2, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., with one ticket per carload. New for 2026, there is a one-night-only Pedal the Lights ride on Thursday, November 19, when families can deck out their bikes and ride through the displays before the cars arrive, with tickets from $10. Since you stay in your car, it works well for babies, grandparents and anyone who would rather not stand in the cold. Pedal the Lights is a fun alternative for families with confident young cyclists who want to see the lights at their own pace.
Parent tip: Weeknights are usually quieter; tickets are valid for the time frame you select, so buy ahead online.
See dates and details from Magic of Lights (opens in a new tab)Hyde Park Santa Parade
Santa Claus paradeFreeHyde Park Lions Club and Hyde Park BIA · London
- Host
- Hyde Park Lions Club and Hyde Park BIA (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Behind Sherwood Forest Mall, west along Gainsborough Road, 1225 Wonderland Rd N, London N6G 2V9
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 10 a.m.
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- The whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Hyde Park Lions Club, the Hyde Park BIA and Gateway Church present the 2026 Hyde Park Santa Parade, themed A Vintage Christmas. It steps off at 10 a.m. behind Sherwood Forest Mall and travels west along Gainsborough Road.
Expect colourful floats, festive music, community groups and plenty of Christmas spirit, with Santa and Mrs. Claus making their way through the neighbourhood. A team of volunteer elves walks the route collecting non-perishable food donations for local families, so it is a nice chance for kids to give as well as wave. The parade route runs along a main road with plenty of space for families to spread out, and a morning start leaves the rest of the day free. It is a good choice for families in the west and north end of the city.
Parent tip: A morning parade is easier for little ones; bring a food donation for the elves.
See dates and details from Hyde Park Lions Club and Hyde Park BIA (opens in a new tab)Argyle Santa Claus Parade 2026
Santa Claus paradeFreeArgyle BIA · London
- Host
- Argyle BIA (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parsons Street, Argyle, London N5V 1P5
- When
- Saturday, December 5 (time to be confirmed)
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Argyle Santa Claus Parade is back in 2026, bringing Santa to London's east end. The Argyle Business Improvement Association organizes this neighbourhood parade, which gathers along Parsons Street, and watching is free.
It is smaller and more relaxed than the big downtown parade, which makes it a good choice for families with young children or anyone living in the east end. Tourism London lists the date as Saturday, December 5; the start time and route details are posted on the Argyle BIA site. Parades like this are usually short and friendly, so they suit families with toddlers who might not handle a long downtown parade. Bring a blanket or something to sit on, plus a thermos, and be ready to wave when Santa appears.
Parent tip: Check the Argyle BIA page for the start time and route before heading out.
See dates and details from Argyle BIA (opens in a new tab)Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with SantaFreeHyde Park BIA and Hyde Park Lions Club · London
- Host
- Hyde Park BIA and Hyde Park Lions Club (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Oxford Dodge, 1249 Hyde Park Rd, London N6H 5K6
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 8 a.m. to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Breakfast with Santa is a Hyde Park tradition presented by the Hyde Park BIA and the Hyde Park Lions Club. Families are invited for a free pancake breakfast and a morning with Santa Claus himself, held at Oxford Dodge on Hyde Park Road.
Along with breakfast there are photo opportunities with Santa, holiday crafts, storytelling and special entertainment for all ages, and kids get a chance to share their wish lists. The BIA also runs its Toys for Tots and Teens drive for the NorthWest London Resource Centre, so you are invited to bring a new, unwrapped gift or gift card. Because breakfast is free and it runs all morning, families can arrive when it suits them, though popular events like this can get busy. It is a warm, indoor way for kids to meet Santa and hear a story without a long trip downtown.
Parent tip: Bring a new unwrapped toy or gift card for the toy drive; arrive early as it is a popular free morning.
See dates and details from Hyde Park BIA and Hyde Park Lions Club (opens in a new tab)Christmas at the Village & Breakfast with St. Nick
Breakfast with SantaFanshawe Pioneer Village · London
- Host
- Fanshawe Pioneer Village (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fanshawe Pioneer Village (event entrance), 2609 Fanshawe Park Rd E, London N5X 4A1
- When
- Saturdays, December 5 and 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Cost
- Ticketed; breakfast sold separately in advance
- Ages
- Families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Fanshawe Pioneer Village opens its snowy, festively decorated heritage village for two December Saturdays. Costumed interpreters lead seasonal crafts and activities in heated buildings while sharing how Christmas was celebrated in the 19th century, and kids can visit St. Nick, who comes all the way from the North Pole. A holiday concert runs in Trinity Church from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
For an extra treat, book Breakfast with St. Nick in the Village Hall: pancakes, sausages and juice, with St. Nick handing out clementines to every child. Seatings are 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and must be bought in advance; village tickets should be pre-purchased too. Not all heritage buildings are open in winter, but those with furnaces and woodstoves host the holiday activities, so families can warm up as they explore. Plan for some walking on snowy paths between buildings and dress kids accordingly.
Parent tip: Use the special event gate at 2609 Fanshawe Park Road East, not the usual conservation area entrance; there is no transit to the site.
See dates and details from Fanshawe Pioneer Village (opens in a new tab)Christmas in the Village
Christmas craftsFreeLondon Public Library · London
- Host
- London Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- London Public Library, Landon Branch, 167 Wortley Rd, London N6C 3P6
- When
- Saturday, December 5, noon to 4 p.m.
- Cost
- Free, drop in
- Ages
- Everyone welcome
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
When the Wortley Village neighbourhood celebrates Christmas in the Village, the Landon Branch of London Public Library takes part too. From noon to 4 p.m. the branch fills with festive music, and children can sit down for a drop-in holiday craft.
It is a relaxed, free stop to warm up while you stroll the village shops and festivities. No registration is needed. The library is a scent-free space, so skip the perfume. Kids can make their craft while parents enjoy the music, and the afternoon timing pairs well with lunch in the village. It is an easy, low-key holiday outing that does not need planning ahead. Families with toddlers will appreciate having a warm, quiet spot to take a break during a busy day out.
Parent tip: Combine it with a walk through Wortley Village; the library is scent-free.
See dates and details from London Public Library (opens in a new tab)Holiday Open House
Family Christmas eventFreeLondon Public Library · London
- Host
- London Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- London Public Library, Jalna Branch, 1119 Jalna Blvd, London N6E 3B3
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Everyone welcome
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Jalna Branch of London Public Library hosts a Holiday Open House on a December Saturday afternoon. The library promises exciting festive activities and refreshments, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
It is free and open to all, with no registration listed, so you can pop in any time between 2 and 4 p.m. The listing does not spell out the activities in detail, so think of it as a casual neighbourhood gathering in the south end. The library is a scent-free environment. It is a good way to meet neighbours, let kids enjoy some seasonal fun and maybe pick out a few holiday books to borrow. Plan for a short, relaxed visit rather than a structured program.
Parent tip: Drop in any time in the two hours; the branch is scent-free.
See dates and details from London Public Library (opens in a new tab)Special Guest: Santa Claus
Visit with SantaLondon Children's Museum · London
- Host
- London Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- London Children's Museum, 100 Kellogg Ln, London N5W 0B4
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Cost
- Included with museum admission
- Ages
- Families
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa Claus drops by the London Children's Museum for a full Saturday of visits. Families can meet him, share their holiday wishes and snap a photo together, then spend the rest of the day exploring the museum's hands-on galleries.
Visiting time slots are given out at the front desk on arrival, first come, first served, while they last. Events are included with general admission, and the museum recommends buying admission tickets in advance because weekends sell out and walk-ins are not available on sold-out days. The museum's play spaces mean kids have plenty to do before or after their Santa visit, which makes the waiting easy. Bring your own camera or phone for the photo, and plan for a full morning or afternoon at the museum.
Parent tip: Buy admission online ahead and check in at the front desk early to get your preferred Santa time slot.
See dates and details from London Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas
Christmas showCentennial Hall · London
- Host
- Centennial Hall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Centennial Hall, 550 Wellington St, London N6A 3P9
- When
- Sunday, December 13, 2:30 p.m. (doors at 1:30)
- Cost
- Ticketed, see Eventbrite for prices
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas brings an award-winning mix of magic, comedy and talented dogs to Centennial Hall for a festive Sunday matinee. The show features world-class canines and so-called mind-reading dogs, and it is billed as fun for all ages.
It is a good pick for animal-loving kids who might not sit through a longer ballet or concert. The show starts at 2:30 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30. Parking nearby is paid, and tickets are non-refundable. Because the show is built around dogs, magic and comedy, it tends to hold the attention of younger children who may not sit through a concert. Arrive at doors to find your seats and settle in before the show begins.
Parent tip: Allow time for paid parking downtown; tickets are non-refundable.
See dates and details from Centennial Hall (opens in a new tab)Hands-on Makers: Felt Ornament with Cricut
Christmas craftsFreeLondon Public Library · London
- Host
- London Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- London Public Library, Central Library (Children's Library), 251 Dundas St, London N6A 6H9
- When
- Saturday, December 19, 10 a.m. (ages 6 to 9) or 11:30 a.m. (ages 10 to 12)
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 6 to 9 and 10 to 12
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
London Public Library's Hands-on Makers program goes festive on the last Saturday before Christmas. In the Central Library's Children's Library, kids create a snowy felt ornament decorated with heat vinyl cut on a Cricut, a fun way to try a maker tool and take home a tree decoration.
There are two sessions: ages 6 to 9 from 10 to 11 a.m., and ages 10 to 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is required. Children 8 and younger need a caregiver to stay. Two hours of free parking at Citi Plaza is available with a voucher from the main desk. Choose the session that matches your child's age when you register, since each age group has its own time slot. The finished ornament makes a nice keepsake or gift, and the Children's Library is a cozy place to browse holiday books afterward.
Parent tip: Pick up a free Citi Plaza parking voucher at the Central Library main desk; caregivers stay with kids 8 and under.
See dates and details from London Public Library (opens in a new tab)Winter Wonders!
Christmas craftsLondon Children's Museum · London
- Host
- London Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- London Children's Museum, 100 Kellogg Ln, London N5W 0B4
- When
- December 19 to 23 and 26 to 30, from 9:30 a.m.
- Cost
- Included with museum admission
- Ages
- Children and families
- Sign-up
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Over the school holidays, the London Children's Museum runs Winter Wonders, a set of drop-in activities that invite kids to build, create, experiment and play with winter-inspired STEAM ideas. Children can learn the traditional Hanukkah game of dreidel and decorate their own, team up to build a snow fort from blocks and blankets, and design a snowflake to send dancing through a wind tunnel.
The museum pairs it with other programs like Curator's Corner and Wonderful Weavers. Everything is included with general admission and is free for members. The museum is closed December 24 and 25. With so many dates across the school break, it is easy to find a day that fits around family plans. The activities change the museum into a winter playground indoors, which is welcome on cold or slushy December days.
Parent tip: Book admission ahead during the holidays, since sold-out days have no walk-ins.
See dates and details from London Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition 2026
Christmas showCentennial Hall · London
- Host
- Centennial Hall (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Centennial Hall, 550 Wellington St, London N6A 3P9
- When
- Sunday, December 20, 3 p.m. (doors at 2)
- Cost
- Tickets vary; child prices for 12 and under
- Ages
- All ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
This Nutcracker gives the classic ballet a Canadian setting. Klara's magical dream journey takes her through northern landscapes filled with snowflakes, trilliums, loons, chipmunks and other woodland creatures, set in Edwardian-era Algonquin with backdrops inspired by Tom Thomson and FitzGerald.
The National Post called it ideally suited for young audiences, and the animal characters, from beavers to bullfrogs, tend to delight kids. The Sunday matinee starts at 3 p.m., with doors at 2. Child tickets are for ages 12 and under; for accessible seating, call the box office at 519-672-1967. A Sunday afternoon performance works well for children who are not ready for a late evening at the theatre. The familiar Canadian animals and scenery give kids plenty to point out and talk about on the way home.
Parent tip: A matinee is easier for young kids; call 519-672-1967 for accessible seating.
See dates and details from Centennial Hall (opens in a new tab)STEAM Lab (Ages 2 to 5): Holiday Edition
Christmas craftsFreeLondon Public Library · London
- Host
- London Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- London Public Library, Jalna Branch, 1119 Jalna Blvd, London N6E 3B3
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 5 to 5:45 p.m.
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 2 to 5
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Little ones get a festive twist on London Public Library's STEAM Lab at the Jalna Branch. The program invites children aged 2 to 5 to explore interactive science, technology, engineering, art and math activities designed to spark creativity and discovery, here with a holiday theme.
It is a short, early evening session that fits nicely into the school break. Children 8 and younger need a caregiver to stay. Register in person, online or by calling 519-661-4600. The program is short and designed for the attention span of preschoolers, with simple hands-on play rather than sitting still. It is a nice way to burn some pre-Christmas energy indoors with your little one. Spaces in registered programs can fill up, so sign up early.
Parent tip: Register online or call 519-661-4600; the branch is scent-free.
See dates and details from London Public Library (opens in a new tab)More Christmas events for kids in Canada
- Christmas events for kids in Toronto
- Christmas events for kids in Montreal
- Christmas events for kids in Vancouver
- Christmas events for kids in Calgary
- Christmas events for kids in Edmonton
- Christmas events for kids in Ottawa
- Christmas events for kids in Winnipeg
- Christmas events for kids in Mississauga
- Christmas events for kids in Hamilton
- Christmas events for kids in Quebec City
- Christmas events for kids in Halifax
- Christmas events for kids in Victoria
- Christmas events for kids in Kitchener-Waterloo
- Christmas events for kids in Canada
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cozy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab)London, Ontario Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in London, Ontario in 2026?
We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in London, Ontario for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including 70th annual London Santa Claus Parade (London), Magic of Lights (London), Hyde Park Santa Parade (London), Argyle Santa Claus Parade 2026 (London), Breakfast with Santa (London), Christmas at the Village & Breakfast with St. Nick (London), Christmas in the Village (London), Holiday Open House (London), Special Guest: Santa Claus (London), Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas (London), Hands-on Makers: Felt Ornament with Cricut (London) and Winter Wonders! (London). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in London, Ontario?
Yes. 8 of the 14 events here are free, including 70th annual London Santa Claus Parade (London), Hyde Park Santa Parade (London), Argyle Santa Claus Parade 2026 (London), Breakfast with Santa (London), Christmas in the Village (London), Holiday Open House (London), Hands-on Makers: Felt Ornament with Cricut (London) and STEAM Lab (Ages 2 to 5): Holiday Edition (London). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in London, Ontario this year?
Santa appears at 70th annual London Santa Claus Parade (London), Hyde Park Santa Parade (London), Argyle Santa Claus Parade 2026 (London), Breakfast with Santa (London), Christmas at the Village & Breakfast with St. Nick (London) and Special Guest: Santa Claus (London). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in London, Ontario?
Christmas story times on this page: Breakfast with Santa (London).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
