Few cities embody the Christmas spirit as splendidly as London – winters are inaugurated with the clinking of mulled wine glasses and the festooning of streets with brightly coloured lights. Brimming with festive spirit and an unmistakable joie de vivre, the London holiday season is unlike any other.
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The crown jewel of London’s Christmas season is the annual Hyde Park Winter Wonderland festival. For six weeks, Hyde Park transforms into a joyous wintry retreat, decked out in dazzling adornments and presenting over 100 charming rides. With toothsome fare to boot, the holiday cheer is certainly palpable.
People from all over the country flock to this extravaganza in hopes of making Christmas memories worth cherishing and the sheer repertoire of activities at Winter Wonderland leaves one spoiled for choice.
Read on to plan your Winter Wonderland evening.
History
The tradition of winter festivals is relatively new in the United Kingdom. However, a flourishing economy paired with promotional ventures by local city councils paved the way for grand market fairs and fiestas. One of the first ever Christmas fairs in the country took place in Edinburgh in 1999, and came to be known as “Edinburgh's Christmas”.
A few years later, London followed suit with the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. It was a modest affair that unfolded on the fringes of Hyde Park. It hosted a handful of markets, a few rides, and an ice rink. Unfortunately, the event received a lukewarm response, spurring The Royal Parks to almost abandon Winter Wonderland altogether.
Two years later, The Royal Parks collaborated with entertainment company AEG Live and event management firm PWR Events, which led to the festival growing significantly. Increased funding, better administration, and compelling marketing endeavours catapulted the funfair to new heights – by 2012, multiple roller coasters, inventive enclaves such as ‘Santa Land’ and ‘Bavarian Village,’ and the beloved ferris wheel became enduring fixtures of Winter Wonderland.
The colossal success of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland sparked Christmas festivals in other parts of England, including Birmingham, Nottingham, and York.
When, Where, How
The 17th edition of Winter Wonderland commenced on 21st November 2024 and is set to end on 5th January 2025. The funfare takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, excluding Christmas Day.
Hyde Park is laid out across 350 acres and unsurprisingly, the event is the UK's largest outdoor Christmas market and festival. As such, there are several entrances to the fair. The closest tube stations are Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge, and Lancaster Gate. The most convenient entry point depends on the direction you travel from.
Family-Friendly Activities
Winter Wonderland boasts a treasure trove of incredible family-friendly activities – children in particular are well-served at this festival.
At Santaland, a utopian universe known for its sweet treats and charmed rides, young ones can fly on 'Santa’s Sleigh' or engage in playful competition with 'Penguin Bumper Cars.' Children are treated to presents and fun-filled meet-and-greets with Santa’s family at Santa’s Grotto.
Other highlights include sliding down ice domes at Real Ice Slide and marvelling at grandiose ice sculptures in the snow-clad rabbit hole, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Children particularly enjoy the Zippos Christmas Circus show, a fiesta showcasing candy-themed acrobatics, aerial performances, and astounding costumes.
Thrilling Rides
A chief attraction at Winter Wonderland is the open-air ice rink. Decked out in 100,000 Christmas lights, it is the UK’s largest ice rink, making for a hearty yet adventuresome activity.
There are several iconic roller coasters, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush, such as the Wilde Maus, The Time Machine, Euro Coaster, and Ice Mountain. ‘Munich Looping’ is the world’s largest portable roller coaster, featuring five vertical loops. The Hangover is the world’s tallest gyro-drop tower, standing at a height of 85 meters. Standing at 80 meters, the ‘Aeronaut Star Flyer’ is one of the world’s largest swing rides.
Festive Fare and Drinks
Winter Wonderland offers more than 40 food options, ranging from street food to desserts, gourmet snacks, and global cuisines. Doughnuts, doner wraps, German sausages, steaks, burgers, and burritos are part of a truly sumptuous spread.
For elevated choices, Feya’s baked goods, Smoketeers’ steak, and Alpine’s wood-fired pizzas are highly rated venues. Taco stalls, churros, hot chocolate cafes, and burger joints are aplenty. Baba Side Fried, My Big Fat Greek, and Barista Barn are particularly popular comfort food outlets.
Snug and Timber Bar and Santa’s Pub are iconic Winter Wonderland pubs known for serving heady cocktails and generous pints. At Thor's Tipi, a Viking-inspired bar, visitors can indulge in delicious mulled wine.
Rides, fare, lights, and carols abloom, Winter Wonderland truly lives up to its name. There’s no better way to end your year than to partake of the Hyde Park festivities – indeed a fitting farewell to the passing year.
