Alright, my fellow festive fans, it’s that time of year again when London’s Hyde Park transforms into the enchanting wonderland that is… well, Winter Wonderland! If you’ve never experienced it, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a returning visitor, you’ll know that this winter extravaganza just keeps getting better. So, let’s dive into the twinkling lights, the festive cheer, and all the jolly stuff you can find in this incredible Christmas celebration. Since I moved to London in 2019, Winter Wonderland is an obligatory stop on my pre-Christmas agenda.

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park – what is it?

Before I went to Winter Wonderland for the first time, I thought it was a Christmas market. My impression wasn’t entirely wrong, but to call Winter Wonderland a Christmas market is an understatement. In fact, it’s a Christmassy festival. The Christmas market is just a small part of it. You’ll also find a fun fair, an ice rink, shows, workshops and lots of food and drink options.

When is Winter Wonderland open?

Winter Wonderland opens mid-November and runs until the end of the year.

Do you need to book entrance to Winter Wonderland?

Yes. You can only enter Winter Wonderland if you have a valid ticket. Once you’ve entered the festival area, you can stay as long as you wish.

How much does it cost to visit Winter Wonderland?

Entrance to Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park used to be free. The festival didn’t take place in 2020 due to the pandemic and made a comeback in 2021, this time with ticketed entry which was justified by having to control the number of attendees to enable social distancing. But now, in 2023, when all of the pandemic restrictions are long forgotten… the entry is still ticketed, unfortunately. I suppose the organisers enjoyed the extra cash coming from the entry fees. 

The entry fee varies depending on the day and time of your visit. You can snatch completely free tickets for Off-Peak times, while adult tickets for Peak entry are £7.50. Not a huge amount, but it adds up. It’s particularly sad if you remember being able to enter without a charge. Keep in mind that the fee only covers the entrance alone. You’ll likely to spend a lot more if you buy food and drink or go on any rides.

It’s worth noting that entrance becomes free of charge if you also book additional attractions for a total above a set threshold (£25 in 2023). 

You can check the ticket prices and conditions and book your visit on the official website: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/ . 

How to get to Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is located in the north-east part of London’s Hyde Park. There are multiple underground stations nearby, the closest being Marble Arch. Keep in mind that in Peak times, those nearby stations will get incredibly busy. Some of them might even be temporarily closed. It’s best to check the latest traffic status online and follow the announcements at the stations.

What’s inside Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

The Christmas Market

First things first – the Angels Christmas market! It’s like stepping into a holiday dream, with rows of charming wooden chalets selling all the Christmassy goodies you could ever want. You’ll find unique gifts, handcrafted ornaments, and all the festive nibbles you could dream of. It’s a good place to find that one-of-a-kind present for your loved ones… unless you’re a Christmas market regular. Most of the stands are exactly the same in all festive markets in London, and a lot of them can also be found in Christmas markets in other big cities in the country. Quite frankly, if your main motivation for going to Winter Wonderland is to buy festive gifts, you might as well go to Trafalgar Square instead. The Angels Christmas market isn’t bad, but it’s not outstanding either.

Fun Fair Rides and Games

Winter Wonderland isn’t just about shopping, though. It’s a full-on funfair too! The rides will make your tummy do somersaults – from towering roller coasters to traditional carousels that’ll transport you back to your childhood. And for those feeling competitive, there are loads of games to test your skills. Try your luck at hook-a-duck or test your sharpshooting prowess at the shooting range. You could win a giant stuffed bear to lug home on the Tube!

Ferris Wheel

This towering beauty, known as the Giant Observation Wheel, offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the entire Winter Wonderland and the London skyline. Riding it at night, with the dazzling lights of the fair and the city spread out before you, is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s a romantic must-do for couples, a thrill for kids and adults alike, and a fantastic way to capture some Instagram-worthy shots. So, if you want to see Winter Wonderland in all its glory from above, be sure to hop on this majestic Ferris wheel for a ride that’ll take your breath away.

Bavarian Village: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Feeling peckish after all that excitement? Head over to the Bavarian Village. It’s like a slice of Germany landed in London. You can’t miss the oompah bands and the colossal steins of beer. Bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut are the stars of the show here. It’s the perfect place to get a bit merry and embrace your inner Oktoberfest spirit.

Ice Rink

If you’re feeling brave, put on your (rented) skates and take a spin on the ice rink. It’s a fantastic way to embrace the frosty spirit of the season. After all, can you think of a more Christmassy activity than ice skating around a Christmas tree? Just don’t expect to be able to work on your sprints or jumps there. The ice rink is small and packed, and its surface far from Olympic standards. Still, it can be fun to do with friends before grabbing a mug of hot mulled wine in a nearby bar.

Magical Ice Kingdom

Speaking of icy wonders, don’t miss the enchanting Magical Ice Kingdom, a mesmerizing world of frozen artistry within Winter Wonderland. This sub-zero marvel features a dazzling array of intricately carved ice sculptures that will leave you spellbound. Step into this frigid kingdom and prepare to be transported to a realm of pure magic, where you follow the trail to uncover a magical story. From frosty fairytale creatures to real size human figures, the level of detail and craftsmanship in these sculptures is simply astounding. It’s like stepping into a shimmering ice palace, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of a winter wonderland. So, wrap up snugly, venture into the Ice Kingdom, and be prepared to be awe-struck by the icy beauty that awaits. Pro tip: if you want to take lots of photos, don’t forget to bring gloves that work with your phone’s touch screen! The temperature in the Magical Ice Kingdom is around -20 C, so gloves are a must.

Food, Glorious Food

Let’s talk about food because, in Winter Wonderland, you’re spoilt for choice. Think sizzling sausages in the Bavarian village, roast chestnuts, and, of course, that quintessential Christmas treat – hot mulled wine. Or, if you prefer less Christmassy meals, you’ll find food options from all around the world – from bao buns to pizza and seafood. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the warm churros and gooey marshmallow-topped hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to warm up your insides after walking around the festival.

Is it worth visiting Winter Wonderland?

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is a magical place where the Christmas spirit comes alive in the heart of London. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, seeking thrills on the rides, indulging in festive food, or simply taking in the twinkling lights, you’re in for a memorable experience. So, wrap up warm, grab your pals, and dive headfirst into the winter wonder that is London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Cheers to the most wonderful time of the year!

Also see:

• Christmas
• Travel