From outdoor skating to shopping, here’s what programs and services are being offered by the city this holiday season

Festive lights in Victoria Park (Source: City of London)

With the Christmas holidays finally here, Londoners might not know what city services or programs are open or closed.

Whether you’re looking to get outside and stay active, do some shopping in the downtown area, or you’re looking for family-friendly activities for you and your children, the City of London has got you covered this holiday season.

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.

Arenas will be closed Dec. 24 and 31 starting at 11 a.m. and all-day Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Skate times and registration can be found online.

If you’re looking for skating with more of a holiday feel, the 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, you can call 519-661-4529. More information on outdoor skating rinks can be found online.

Finally, if you’re looking for an outdoor skating adventure that’s fun for the whole family, you can attend Winter’s Glow at Storybook Gardens.

Families can enjoy skating through a 250-metre skate trail which loops around the park grounds. After skating, you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or Beavertails pastry.

For a full list of holiday hours, admission information and to purchase admission tickets you can check the Storybook Gardens website.

Free holiday recreation drop-in programs

Free recreational activities are being offered by the city on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Londoners can enjoy activities like Zumba, badminton, family open gym, arts and crafts and science workshops, among many others.

A full list of activities and registration information can be found online.

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.

The schedule, including free recreation swims, or to book your swim time can be done online.

Free parking in the core area

If you’re looking to explore the downtown core area or do some shopping, don’t forget that you can get one hour free of downtown parking at on-street meters in London’s core until Dec. 31.

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the City of London is offering two hours of free parking at these locations.

To take advantage, enter the promo code ‘CORE’ in the HONK app at checkout. Find more parking details by visiting the City of London website.

Free parking is also available in Old East Village Lots #1 and #2 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ring in the New Year at London’s biggest New Year’s Eve party 

London’s annual New Year’s Eve in the Park will return on Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight in Victoria Park. 

Londoners can ring in the new year under the stars with live music, food trucks, a 360° photo booth, and two fireworks displays.

More information on the event can be found online.

Overnight parking

If you’re having overnight guests during the holidays the city reminds residents 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 and do not need to be printed or displayed in the vehicle. If you have used all 15 free overnight passes, additional passes can be purchased online.

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, Londoners are advised to look for street signage that indicates whether parking is not permitted on that street.

What else should Londoners know?

Many City of London offices, programs and services will be closed from 12 p.m. on Dec. 24 and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2026.

A full list of city services open during the holidays is available online.

Snow-related information 

With Londoners already seeing more than their fair share of snow this year, being a little extra prepared can go a long way.

Londoners are asked to go online to get the latest updates on snow clearing, confirming the status of on-street parking, or checking for updated hours of operation for community centres and recreation programs.