After a pandemic-related cancellation in 2020, the tradition of turning on the holiday lights in Victoria Park will return this year.
The City of London announced Tuesday that the Lighting of the Lights will be held the evening of November 26.
“Victoria Park’s Lighting of the Lights is a longstanding tradition in London’s celebration of the holiday season and one I’m personally excited to bring back to our community,” Mayor Ed Holder said in a news release issued Tuesday. “This time last year, we were asking everyone to stay home and physically apart. While there are still COVID-19 precautions in place for Lighting of the Lights, I invite everyone to come out and join the festivities safely.”
The festivities will get underway with caroling at 6:15 p.m., followed by the lights coming on at 6:50 p.m.
According to the City, the park will be lit up by over 75,000 lights between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. each night from November 26 to January 1. It added there will be other attractions in the park, including Santa and his reindeer, a Christmas train, and Santa's Mailbox.
For those who plan to attend the Lighting of the Lights, the city is reminding them to follow public health guidelines in an effort to avoid the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines include maintaining two metres of physical distance from anyone who isn’t part of your household, wearing a mask or face covering, and staying home if you feel unwell.
Due to the pandemic, the City Hall Promenade Deck will remain closed this year.