Winter Wonderland 2023

Winter Wonderland first started way back in the early 2000s when it was just an outdoor ice rink and a Christmas market. Since then, it’s grown to become one of the most popular places to visit in London at Christmas! From mid-November to January, a huge area near Hyde Park Corner transforms into a fairy-tale land, complete with traditional fairground rides, a giant observation wheel, a circus and – of course – Santa’s Grotto. There’s something to make everyone feel merry and bright with beautiful festive displays, exciting amusements and plenty of mulled wine and hot chocolate served from Bavarian-style bars and cafes!

Not all of the rides and stalls accept cards, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash in with you to the event. Planning ahead is key – tickets to get into the event will need to be bought in advance, and you’ll also need to pre-book slots for the most popular rides and activities.

Meeting Santa
He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice – and he’s sitting in his grotto in Santa Land every day from 10am to 6pm! It’s free to enter Santa’s Grotto and kids even get a small gift afterwards – however, bear in mind that this is one of the most popular Winter Wonderland activities. Meet and greets with Santa can’t be pre-booked, which can lead to long queues and even early closures on busy days. Santa Land itself is also free to enter, but you’ll need to pay for any rides with tokens from the token booths.

Rides
The festive fairground is one of the most popular parts of Winter Wonderland Hyde Park – and with so many rides to choose from, it’s easy to see why! There’s everything from classics like The Giant Wheel and Helter Skelter to modern rides like Euro Coaster and the Aeronaut Starflyer, and the Munich Looping ride – the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster – is a must for thrill-seekers. Plus, with a Real Ice Slide, funhouses like the Magic Circus and wild indoor rides like Ice Mountain, there’s something to keep all ages entertained.

Food & drink
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a dream come true for foodies! From chocolate-covered waffles and pancakes to festival favourites like hot dog and chips, Street Food Village offers all kinds of festive treats to tuck into. The beloved Bavarian Village is the perfect place to snuggle up and enjoy a beer and a bratwurst, and spots like The Fire Pit and The Explorer’s Rest are ideal for Christmas work parties thanks to their mix of live music and drinks!

Ice Rink
If you’re enjoying romantic breaks in London, then gliding around Hyde Park’s Ice Rink with live music playing from the Victorian bandstand might be the perfect way to end your day out. The largest open air ice rink in the UK is open from 10am to 9pm every day, and open to all ages. Sessions start on the hour and last for 50 minutes but must be booked in advance – this is one of the most popular things to do in London at Christmas, so you won’t be able to just turn up and skate. If you’re a bit unsteady, you can even book an Ice Guide for a lesson – or just to help you up when you fall over!

Magical Ice Kingdom
Hyde Park’s Magical Ice Kingdom is a must-see for all ages! Experience this enchanting walk-through attraction filled with ice sculptures of magical creatures, mythical palaces and much more – just be sure to wrap up warm! Afterwards, adults can chill out at Bar Ice, an Apres-ski themed club complete with a DJ and tasty ice cocktails. Sessions start from £14 for a 20-minute visit, which includes a cocktail. Sounds short, but thanks to the -10°C temperature, you wouldn’t want to stay for much longer!

Christmas markets and stalls
From last minute Christmas gifts for friends and family to unique handmade ornaments for yourself, you won’t want to miss exploring what’s on offer at the Hyde Park Christmas Market! Over 200 traditional wooden chalets are packed with lovely Christmassy things for you to discover, including all kinds of festive arts, crafts and souvenirs – you’ll feel like you’re strolling through German Christmas markets right in the heart of London!
 

Looking for hotels near Winter Wonderland? With so many things to do in the UK this Christmas, it’s time to turn a day out into a weekend break! Why not make the most out of your stay and visit all the best UK Christmas markets?
 

Do I need to book in advance?
You’ll need to book your tickets to Winter Wonderland in advance through the event’s official website. Just choose your perfect date and time, buy your tickets, and then – eat, drink and be merry!

Can I buy tickets for rides ahead of time?
Planning your trip to Winter Wonderland? Slots on some of the most popular rides and activities – like Ice Mountain and Munich Looping – can be booked in advance, while others like meeting Santa are available on a first come, first served basis each day. So make sure you do your research to get the most out of your visit!

How much is a ticket for Winter Wonderland this year?
Entry is free during off-peak times, or between £5 and £7.50 if you’re visiting during peak hours. Most of the rides and amusements are also payable, and token booths are available around the attraction.

Where is Winter Wonderland?
Winter Wonderland is located in Hyde Park, one of the most famous parks in the capital. Plus, it’s surrounded by other iconic London landmarks such as Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Albert Hall!

How to get to Winter Wonderland?
Getting to Winter Wonderland is probably easiest via public transport. The nearest mainline stations are Paddington and Victoria, but there are several tube stations nearby too – Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner are closest, while Green Park station is best if you want a tube station with no steps. You’ll be spoilt for choice with buses near Hyde Park too. Cycling is another great option, just make sure you park your bike in an authorised spot. Alternatively, why not hire a bike? There are Santander Cycle docking stations all over Hyde Park while let you hire a bike from as little as £2, before putting it back in another station when you’ve finished. If you’re planning on driving to Winter Wonderland, just bear in mind that traffic can be heavy in Central London – and parking is expensive!

When does Winter Wonderland start this year?
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2023 opens on November 17th 2023 and runs to January 1st 2024. Make sure you book your tickets in advance though – this is one of the most popular Christmas attractions in the UK!

What time does Winter Wonderland open?
Winter Wonderland is open from 10am to 10pm, except on Christmas Day. It’s worth planning exactly when you’d Winter Wonderland is open from 10am to 10pm, except on Christmas Day. It’s worth planning exactly when you’d like to visit though – while Winter Wonderland looks incredible all lit-up at night, it’s a much quieter attraction during the day. So, if you want to beat the crowds, morning and afternoon visits are ideal!