With the holiday season upon us, the City of London is reminding residents what services and programs are open and closed, and sharing tips to make the most of the winter break in London.
If you’re looking to stay active over the holidays while having fun with family and friends, the City of London has some fun and festive recreation drop-in programs, indoor and outdoor skating and swimming options available.
Indoor and outdoor skating
Indoor public skating is available at arenas throughout the city over the holidays, including free public skate sessions. Pre-registration is required for all indoor skate times. See the skate times and register for free indoor skating online. Arenas will be closed December 24 and 31 starting at 11 a.m. and all day December 25 and January 1.
Victoria Park ice rink is open throughout the holidays for free outdoor skating. The ice rink is open daily, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The rink is closed for ice resurfacing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily. To check whether the ice rink is closed due to weather conditions please call 519-661-4529.
Experience the magic of winter at Storybook Garden’s Winter Glow. Enjoy skating through the 250-metre skate trail, which loops around the park grounds. After skating, warm up with a hot chocolate or Beavertails pastry. Visit london.ca/StorybookGardens for a full list of holiday hours, admission information and to purchase admission tickets.
Free holiday recreation drop-in programs
The City of London is offering free, fun recreation activities on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Bring your loved ones and enjoy activities like Zumba, badminton, family open gym, arts and crafts and science workshops, just to name a few. See the full list of free programs available and pre-register.
Select community centres, seniors' community centres and seniors' satellites will be open for pre-registered recreation programs over the holidays. Hours will vary by community centre and by day.
Aquatic facilities
The Canada Games Aquatic Centre, Carling Heights Pool, East Lions Community Centre and South London Community Pool are open over the holidays but schedules and drop-in swim times vary. See the schedule, including free recreation swims, and book your swim time online at london.ca/aquatics.
Overnight parking
Have guests visiting over the holidays? Don’t forget to register for an overnight parking pass if you or your guests plan to park on-street overnight. Passes are free and can be obtained online. Passes do not need to be printed or displayed in the vehicle.
The Overnight Parking Pass program applies to most City streets. Londoners are reminded that all other parking regulations remain in place including parking where otherwise prohibited or restricted, such as in front of fire hydrants, on boulevards, front lawns, or streets identified by signs as being enforced. Before parking, be sure to look for street signage that indicates whether parking is not permitted on that street.
Two-hour complimentary parking in the Core Area
Doing some last minute holiday shopping in the core area or thinking ahead to Boxing Day? Two-hour free parking is available at many City-owned parking lots and on-street meters in London’s core. To take advantage, enter the promo code ‘CORE’ in the HONK app at checkout. Find more parking details by visiting london.ca/parking-lot-information.
Bookmark london.ca/snow for snow-related information
While it doesn’t look like London will have a “white Christmas”, the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Be prepared ahead of time and bookmark london/snow-updates this winter. Whether you’re looking for snow clearing updates, confirming the status of on-street parking, or checking for updated hours of operation for community centres and recreation programs, the City of London is making it easier for you to find the information you need.
Ring in the New Year at London’s biggest New Year’s Eve party
London’s annual New Year’s Eve in the Park presented by the WSIB returns on Sunday, December 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight in Victoria Park. Enjoy two firework displays, live music and entertainment, outdoor skating, free hot chocolate and the thousands of holiday lights in Victoria Park. New Year’s Eve in the Park presented by the WSIB is free and fun for all ages. For all the details, please visit london.ca/NewYears.
City services during the holiday closure
City of London administrative services will be closed between Monday, December 25, 2023, and Monday, January 1, 2024. City administrative services will re-open on Tuesday, January. 2, 2024. A full list of City services open during the holidays is available online.
There are many diverse holidays and traditions celebrated at this time of year. We wish all Londoners a safe and healthy holiday break, and best wishes for 2024.