Wintertime in London is one of the best times to enjoy the great outdoor activities that come along with the snow, and it’s the perfect time to have some fun with your family. The area is full of great places to go and exciting events that are designed for families. If you want to know a bit more, have a look at the ultimate guide to winter fun in London, Ontario.
Check out the London Children’s Museum
Visiting the children’s museum is one of the best things to do in winter in London, Ontario if you have little ones in your family and they have some incredible events coming up.
December 16th – Early Years Santa Visit
December 17th- Morning with Santa!
December 27th- 30th Winter Day Camp
January 2nd – 6th Winter Day Camp
They also have ongoing STEAM events that are holiday themed, like “The Science of Spinning Dreidels” and “Melting snowmen,” which are great for children that are looking for some great science-themed crafts. The museum also has plenty of events coming up that are sensory-friendly, so check out their jam-packed calendar if you are looking for something fun to do with the kids.
Step Back in Time at the Eldon House (December 1st to January 1st)
The Eldon house is well known for hosting fantastic celebrations every holiday and decorating the beautiful home. This year’s theme is Victorian Christmas, so you get to experience some amazing vintage decor. You don’t need to make an appointment, and drop-in hours are 12 pm to 5 pm on Wednesday through Sunday. Come have a look at the oldest home in the city and learn a bit more about London’s fascinating history.
Enjoy Local Theatre at the Grand Theater
The Grand Theater is well known for putting on some of the best theatres in the area. For the holiday season, they have extended their run of the amazing music Elf, which is based on the hit movie. In January, the theatre switches to Controlled Damage, which is the story of the amazing African American activist Viola Desmond who is famous for sitting in the segregated area of the theatre in Nova Scotia back in 1946. February starts their run of Boom X, which explores the effect that music and culture had on the post-Woodstock Generation X.
Check out some of the Upcoming events at the Budweiser Gardens
Budweiser Gardens always has something great going on, and it has become one of the best places in southwest Ontario to see incredible musicians and shows. Let’s take a look at some of the best events that are coming up for families.
London Knights Games
Going to a hockey game is one of the quintessential Canadian activities to do with the family, so if you have any visitors from out of the country, taking them to a Knights game is a great idea. Tickets are available all the time through their website and at the arena so have a look at their upcoming schedule to find a game that suits your schedule.
Blue Man Group (January 2nd)
Blue Man Group is world-renowned for its unique and exciting shows that will leave you breathless. They fuse music, art, and performance in a fantastic show that is great for all ages. Ticket prices vary by age, so make sure to check the website if you are looking to book with your friends and family.
Disney on Ice (January 26th- January 29th)
Disney on Ice is one of the most incredible ice performances you will ever see, and the kids in your family will love seeing their favourite characters skating around in front of them. Tickets are selling out fast and this event, but there are evening and daytime shows available, so you have plenty of chances to catch this great show.
Get some shopping done at one of the Holiday Markets
If you are looking for a place where you can grab the perfect gift for everyone on your list, then you might be searching for a while unless you check out one of the great holiday markets in town. There are quite a few going on, so let’s check out some of the most popular ones.
The Merry Market at 100 Kellog Lane (December 1st-4th, December 8th-11th, December 15th- 18th)
This amazing building has become one of the best places to check out for a fun time, but they have also become a great shopping destination during the holidays. The Merry market is running for its third year, and it features vendors from all over the city that are selling some of the most unique and exciting items. There are great places for photos, and you can even bring your Santa list to drop off at their mailbox so your kids can make sure it gets to the North Pole on time.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market at Covent Garden Market (December 2nd- December 18th)
You are likely going to be stopping by the market to pick up some ingredients for your holiday feast, so why not stop by the incredible Holly Jolly holiday market? The outdoor market features artisans and food vendors along with some great photo spots and even a visit from the big jolly man himself! The market also features live music, including a performance from one of Canada’s biggest children’s music acts, Splash N’ Boots!
Caso Station Holiday Market in St Thomas (December 11th) 11 pm-3 pm
The rail city is just a 20-minute drive from London, but this market will feature plenty of great vendors who might not be able to make it to London. This is one of the best places to find interesting handmade items and amazing gifts for all of your family members. There are over 40 different booths, so you will have no problem finding something that you can’t leave without.
Get Outdoors at one of London’s great Ski Hills
London has plenty of great ski and snowboard hills in the area, and these are fantastic places to go to let your kids burn off some of that stored-up winter energy. Unfortunately, winter in London, Ontario, has not given up the same amount of snow as it usually has at this point in the year, so as of writing, there is no predicted time for the hills to be open. Luckily, Bolar mountain has received a new piece of equipment that allows them to make snow in plus 17-degree weather, so they should be open anytime soon.
Skate through the City at beautiful Storybook Gardens
Storybook Gardens always hosts some of the best winter activities to do in London, Ontario, and this year is no exception. Their skate trail is all lined up to start running by December 3ed, and it plans on running through the rest of the winter to give everyone an opportunity to enjoy it. The 250-meter skating trail makes its way through the park, and it’s a great experience for those who love to enjoy the park in the warmer months.
Get close to nature at S.A.M.Y.s Alpaca Farm
If you want a truly unique experience for your family this winter holiday, take them over to S.A.M.Y.’s Alpaca farm, which is just outside of the city. Located just north of Strathroy, the farm offers tours for those who book online, which allow you and your family to visit with these furry creatures up close. They offer Alpaca Walks, which include an hour of time learning about alpacas, feeding them by hand, and walking them around the farm on a leash. Prices and booking times are available online so have a look at their website to choose a time that suits you the best.
Learn about a true Ontario tradition at a local Maple Syrup Farm
Maple syrups farms are all over the area, which is fantastic for those who are looking for a local trip. Many of these farms open later in the year, so make sure you check their websites to see what events they have running.
McLachlan Maple Syrum Farm (Komoka) Opens in Early March
This syrup farm has been around for over 100 years, and they are still tapping some of the same trees that they did when the farm first began! The farm has many different activities that go on throughout the year, including tractor rides, nature trails, and an educational demonstration of how maple syrup is gathered and prepared. They also have a restaurant that serves up some of the pancakes that are smothered with local maple syrup, so you don’t need to go far to get a taste.
London is full of incredible places to take your friends and family over the winter months. These are just a few of the best places in the London area, but there are plenty of other hidden gems. Check out the London Tourism website for one of the best-updated guides for local entertainment and events in the area, and you’ll definitely find something that is perfect for the entire family.
