For everything Christmassy head to Hyde Park for their Winter Wonderland celebration, now in its 17th year. With everything from an ice slide or ice skating to a Christmas market and festive bars, they have all you need to get in the festive frame of mind. Looking for more winter fun? Be sure to check our top winter markets and festivals, plus our guide to the best winter illuminations.
Is Winter Wonderland Free?
Winter Wonderland is free during off-peak periods, generally during weekdays before 2pm; remember, once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like. Also, if you book in advance and spend at least £25.00 on games, attractions, rides and food packages in one transaction, you get in for free.
Otherwise tickets for admission are priced at £5.00 at “standard” times, and £7.50 during peak times (dates nearer Christmas and later in the day). Remember that tickets for shows, rides etc. need to be bought separately.
What is there to do at Winter Wonderland?
Fairground
There are over 100 fairground rides to choose from, from heart-stopping roller-coasters to child-friendly attractions, as well as classics like the Starflyer. Highlights for 2023 include the return of the the largest (70m) transportable Ferris wheel in the world; Munich Looping, the largest transportable roller coaster; and old favourites the Eurocoaster, the Hangover drop tower and the XXL, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Shows
Watch Cirque Berserk’s daredevils or the clowns, jugglers and acrobats of Zippo’s Christmas circus and make some special festive family memories.
Santaland
Take kids to Santaland and enjoy traditional fairground rides including a carousel, helter skelter, vintage games and the Santaland Express train; new for 2023 is the chance to book an unlimited ride pass, which includes entry. There is a quiet chill space for overexcited small people, where you can also warm up bottles and baby food.
Ice skating and slide
Welcome to the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, Lidl on Ice. Skate around the original Victorian bandstand in Hyde Park, under a roof of fairy lights. There’s also an ice slide, so grab that rubber ring and race your mates.
Magical Ice Kingdom
The theme for 2023 is the nine realms of Norse mythology. Wander through the magical, mythical frozen world of the Lands of Giants, Fire & Ice and discover a Viking village with stunning ice sculptures, some over 5 metres high.
Food & drink
Street Food Village brings you a whole range of delicious street eats; the line-up is yet to be announced but we will update you as soon as we hear! One thing we can say is that it will include Candy Cane Lane for your own personal sugar high and the return of last year’s newbie the Sleigh-By, with more food stalls, a bar and a festive chill-out zone.
Talking about bars, what’s cooler than Bar Ice? Don the provided cloak and gloves and head into an 80’s après-ski themed bar where everything is made of ice – even the furniture and glasses! Warm up afterwards at the Fire Pit, an open air bar with live music and DJs.
It wouldn’t be Winter Wonderland without Bavarian Village, for all your beer and bratwurst needs. There’s also lots of seating, bars, cafes and restaurants, with pre-bookable meal deals.
Oh, and don’t forget your reusable water bottle, as there are rehydration stations at all bars and at points around the site.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opening times
Winter Wonderland will be open every day except Christmas day from 10am to 10pm, until January 1st. As mentioned, most of the attractions require tickets, and they’re not cheap. Tickets can be reserved online or purchased on the day but it is expected that some events will sell out for weekends and dates closer to Christmas.
Organisers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
