When the holiday lights in Victoria Park are switched on for the season this Friday, they will include a tribute to a long-serving London firefighter who lost his battle to cancer earlier this month.
The London Fire Department will be positioning its fire trucks around the downtown green space for the annual Lighting of the Lights. When the switch is flipped on the park's more than 75,000 lights and displays at 6:50 p.m., those fire trucks will turn on their flashing lights in unison.
The inclusion of the fire trucks to this year's festivities is in honour of London Fire Captain Chris Bruinink. He died from cancer on November 13, after serving as a London firefighter for over two decades.
"Captain Bruinink has been a long serving member of the London Fire Department (LFD) earning his 25-year exemplary service medal for his dedication to the fire service this year," said Fire Chief Lori Hamer. "His unwavering commitment, loyalty, and passion for his work alongside his professionalism, integrity and strong work ethic has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all of us. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the LFD."
As part of the commemoration of Bruinink, his family will flip the physical switch turning on the park's lights for the season. According to the City of London, Bruinink had a passion for the holiday season and this tribute will allow his spirit to continue to shine brightly.
The Lighting of the Lights will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday with holiday carollers and the London Symphonia on the main stage until 6:05 p.m. That will be followed by performances by The Rockin’ Reindeer featuring Doug and Bizz Varty. A digital songbook is available at London.ca to allow Londoners to sing-along throughout the night.
The park's transformation into a bright winter wonderland will include the return of traditional displays including Santa and his reindeer, the Christmas train and the snowmen family. Santa's Mailbox will also once again be placed in the park for children to mail their wish lists to the North Pole.
“Since 1958, the Lighting of the Lights has marked the official start of the holiday season in London,” said Mayor Josh 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.”
For those who don't get a chance to grab dinner before heading down to the park, there will be an assortment of food trucks on site selling a variety of food. The trucks range from Rocky Mountain Pizza Plus to New Leaf Plant Based Foods and Donut Diva.
Following the Lighting of the Lights, Victoria Park will be illuminated each night from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. until the end of February.
The lights can be viewed from above using the City Hall observation deck. It is accessible through City Hall's back entrance outside of Reginald Cooper Square. It will be open the following dates and times.
Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, November 30 to Sunday, December 3 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, December 10 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 14 to Sunday, December 17 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 21 to Sunday, December 24 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Thursday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Friday will also mark the start of the Holly Jolly Holiday Market at the Covent Garden Market. It's official tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place after the Lighting of the Lights in Victoria Park at 8 p.m. The market will feature local artisan and food vendors, live music, light displays, a hot chocolate station, and fire pits surrounding the giant Christmas tree in the centre of Rotary Square. It is free to attend.