London is getting set for the Lighting of the Lights ceremony.
The event is set to kick off Friday, November 24 and is set to feature plenty of activities to highlight the night.
“The Lighting of the Lights is really a London tradition,” says Trevor Johnson, Special Events Manager with the City of London.
“Its roots actually go back to the 1950s and it’s something we celebrate each year as a moment to kick-off the holiday season.”
He says that he, as well as much of London, is excited for the event, with London Mayor Josh Morgan describing his excitement as well.
“Since 1958, the Lighting of the Lights has marked the official start of the holiday season in London,” says Morgan.
“I can’t wait to see all the trees in Victoria Park lit up and hope it will help fill Londoners with the spirit of the holidays.”
Along with the city’s popular Santa Claus Parade, the Lighting of the Lights have become one of the city’s key holiday staples, with many Londoners making the trek to downtown London to join in on the festivities.
“It’s a great opportunity to get outside, see downtown, enjoy something a little bit different, and be with your community.”
Over 75-thousand lights will be illuminating the park nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. until the end of February.
Johnson adds that the event will have plenty to offer for everyone with food trucks, live music, and more set to be featured during the event.
As well, he adds that the occasion will also have an important focus specifically for this year’s event.
“We’re taking time to recognize the recent passing of Chris Bruinink, who was a Captain in the London Fire Department. A well known and highly regarded member of the force, so his family will be the special guests with the Mayor switching on the lights this year.”
The event in Victoria Park will also have a free 360 degree photo booth available to capture selfies with friends and family.
With the Lighting of the Lights, other festive London events will begin as well, some of which get started right once the event ends.
“Immediately after that is the Holly Jolly Holiday Market, which is at Covent Garden Market, and they have a special tree lighting at 8:00 p.m., so folks that are coming down for the lights at Victoria Park are certainly invited to come over.”
Johnson goes on to talk about some of the other events going on in the city throughout December, now that the holiday season has begun.
“Throughout December, there’s activities all through downtown that families and individuals are invited to come down and participate in that are accessible and free for everyone. Horse and carriage rides, a number of different displays, that sort of thing. It’ll be a bustling market district and we’re looking forward to it.”
The event is set to begin at 5:30 p.m., with the lights officially being lit at 6:50 p.m.
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