As the weather gets colder throughout London, the Christmas Fair Season starts to heat up. The best Christmas Fair in all of London is located in Hyde Park, which is easily accessible after a day spent exploring Westminster, or talking a tour of England’s Royal sights near Buckingham Palace.
For over 10 years, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has been spreading the Christmas spirit throughout London. A bonafide landmark event for Londoners and tourists alike, With humble beginnings as an open-air Christmas market, Winter Wonderland has expanded into an extravaganza with ice skating, shows, roller coaster rides, street food stalls, festive bars and live music. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland typically runs from mid-November to early January each year and includes everything from artisan crafts, delicious food, and fun rides for both adults and children to enjoy. The Winter wonderland also is completely free to enter, although the smells of some of the bavarian sausages and cinnamon churros will tempt even the most frugal of visitors to open their wallets. The Winter Wonderland boasts over 100 spectacular rides and attractions, it is no wonder why thousands of visitors return to Winter Wonderland each year to celebrate the Christmas season.
While adrenaline junkies can find their place on one of Winter Wonderlands rollercoasters, the most iconic and family friendly ride at the festival is the Winter Wonderland observation wheel. Visitors can expect to Soar 60 metres into the air inside an enclosed pod for up to six people and enjoy panoramic views of the London. Each rotation takes between 12 and 15 minutes, giving visitors ample time to take in the sights. The Only Ferris Wheel in London to roval the Hyde Park observation wheel may be South Banks London Eye.
Food is never far at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and the variety if food is sure to satisfy everyone in your groups. A particular tourist favorite is the Bavarian Village, a Large German-themed food and drink village, featuring numerous bars, live music and eateries serving Fränkische Bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad, and pork dishes.
Visitors can also enjoy a tasty sit down meal, with fresh stone-baked pizzas. For those who have a sweet tooth, the chocolate calzone will make for a delicious treat. New to the park last year, was Tipi Bar which offers foodies an original Viking inspired Christmas experience. The Scandinavian pop-up tipi bar is nestled in the heart of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, complete with cosy log fires, twinkling lights and Christmas cheer. The food stalls also will offer traditional festive favourites such as mulled wine, prosecco and indulgent hot chocolate.
After a delicious meal be sure to head over to Winter Wonderland’s ice rink, the biggest outdoor rink in the UK! The Rink surrounds the Victorian bandstand and is magically lit up with more than 100,000 lights. If you’re skating, be aware that while there’s no minimum age for skaters, under-12s must be accompanied by someone 16 or over and the smallest skates for hire are children’s size 9 (adult skates go up to size 13). You can use your own skates as long as they’re not speed skates. Wheelchair users are welcome on the ice. There are also ice guides who can look after groups of up to 15 skaters at a time (for an additional charge).
Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland is also home to a number of festive shows, namely The Nutcracker on Ice which enjoyed a resounding success at the Royal Albert Hall and will now be premiering a special 60 minute show at the Winter Fest. Prepare to be enchanted, as young Clara is transported into a magical world of toys, where she meets famous characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy. With lavish costumes, projected scenery and stunning flying sequences, this real-ice adventure is sure to engage and excite. Santa Land will also thrill youngsters as they are invited into Father Christmas’ grotto: to board the Santa Express with singing and dancing elves. Next up is the ‘Enchanted Forest’, a new and immersive walk through experience filled with ice and snow sculptures.The Long time Hyde Park Winter Wonderland show, Cirque Berserk, includes a daredevil display of acrobatics and agility promising thrilling sights for anyone in attendance for this old school circus performance.
More information on sights and attractions around this Christmas festival is as always available on our website. Book a tour with us today!