Christmastime is special everywhere, but the capital of the United Kingdom certainly knows how to celebrate. When December arrives, and Christmas is just around the corner, London transforms into a wintry wonderland. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the main reasons people choose this city as their Christmas destination. This year, Hyde Park’s annual festive event is back for its eighteenth year. And is bigger than ever. Tickets are now on sale for Winter Wonderland London 2024 – and we’re already excited. Some might consider it pricey, but it’s London’s iconic seasonal attraction that you shouldn’t miss.
For six weeks, London’s most famous Christmas-themed funfair attracts millions of visitors. Thrilling rides, street food stalls and themed bars for grown-ups are not only attractions waiting for you. Winter Wonderland in London 2024 also has the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, the giant wheel and the circus. It even has an ice kingdom and ice sculpting workshops. So, if you are one of those who would like to get into the Christmas spirit, then this is the place to go.
Where is Winter Wonderland in London 2024 located?
If you want to visit it, it’s good to know where you can find it. As the name suggests, you can find it in the southeast corner of Hyde Park.
How to get there
Curious about how to get here? The nearest tube stations are Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge and Green Park. Bear in mind that, during busy times, the first two options can get very busy. Alternatively, several bus routes can get you close to Hyde Park. Also, you can find Victoria station, Paddington and Marylebone stations nearby.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Before visiting, check out the official map on their website and see which tube station is close to an attraction you would like to visit.
Did you know that this popular Christmas market began as a small funfair at the edge of Hyde Park? London’s green oasis has now transformed into the UK’s best destination for festive fun. Don’t worry, you will not miss it. Just look for the big wheel and the flashing funfair lights.
Opening times in 2024
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is back with holiday festivities and the Bavarian Village in 2024. Winter Wonderland in London will open its doors on Thursday 21st November 2024 and will be open until Sunday 5th January 2025. Open daily from 10 am – 10 pm except for Christmas day (last entry 9.30 pm).
Do I need to book a ticket for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in 2024?
Before you put your favourite Christmas jumper on, you should know about an entrance ticket system. Unlike previous years, everyone who wants to visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park needs to book a ticket in advance. Yes, that is right, you cannot just turn up and walk in. You will need to pre-book your pass even if you just want to browse the market. It’s because organisers are trying to manage crowd sizes and keep everyone safe in this post-lockdown world. Hence, don’t forget to download (or print) your e-ticket.
How much are tickets in 2024?
Similarly to last year, you not only have to book a ticket but also need to pay for entry at certain times Also, you need to choose your entry time and even the attractions you would like to visit. Once you are in, you can stay as long as you want. However, you will need to enter attractions during the selected arrival slot. Also, you still need to pay the entry fee for shows and all activities.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you visit during off-peak periods in 2024, then entry is cheaper. If you come during standard times, the ticket price is £5 per person. Those visiting at peak times should expect to pay £7.50 per person.
As of 2024, the arrival time slots are every hour, from 10 am to 11 am. The last arrival time slot is between 8 pm and 9.30 pm.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you spend £25 per person or more on any of the attractions, rides or food at the time of booking, your entrance tickets will become free.
An entry fee varies depending on when you decide to arrive.
Things to do in Winter Wonderland London in 2024
Are you eager to know about the best things to do in 2024? Well, there are many festive activities here, for visitors of all ages. While some are free of charge, the most popular ones will cost you an entry ticket.
1. Angels Christmas Market
Visiting the Angels Christmas Market at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is an annual tradition for many people. Stroll through the Christmas market and soak up the festive surroundings. Over 100 traditional wooden chalets sell unique gifts, traditional Christmas decorations, and even delicious food.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Angels Christmas Market next to the ice rink. The closest gate to the Angels Market is the Blue Entrance.
2. Ice skating
Get into the festive spirit and enjoy ice skating. Find out if you are an ice skating champion or not.
Strapping on your ice skates and wobbling around the ice rink is undoubtedly one of the popular things in London. Whizz around the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink in the heart of London’s Hyde Park. The ice rink illuminated with over 100,000 twinkly lights is rather picturesque. Therefore, ice skating is a perfect festive activity for first dates and families.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Don’t forget to pre-book ice skating. It is often sold out because of its popularity. Ice rink operates in all weather conditions and is open to all ages and abilities – even wheelchairs. You can bring your own skates or hire them. The closest entrance to the ice rink is Blue Gate.
Ice skating session runs every hour between 10 am and 9 pm, and each skating session lasts 50 minutes. As of 2024, the prices for adults start from £17 and children from £12.50 (families from £48).
3. The Magical Ice Kingdom
Did you know that this festive destination is also home to the Magical Ice Kingdom? Visiting the Magical Ice Kingdom is one of the best things to do in Hyde Park because it is one of the largest ice exhibitions in Europe. When you visit it, you can see a beautiful collection of ice sculptures created from over 500 tonnes of ice and snow.
This year’s theme is the classic story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. When you visit the Magical Ice Kingdom, you can see the impressive Queen of Hearts’ palace, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and the iconic Courtroom. You can also spot all of your favourite Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland characters carved from ice and snow.
TIP:
Don’t forget to wrap up warm to make the most of your visit to the Magical Ice Kingdom– expect – 10°C.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The closest entrance to the Magical Ice Kingdom is the Gold Gate. As of 2024, the prices for adults start from £9 (off-peak), for children under 12 from £7 and family £28.
4. Bar Ice
It’s easy to see why Bar Ice is one of the popular attractions.
Afterwards, head to Bar Ice, where everything you see is made from ice. Yes, that is right, a bar, all tables, and chairs are carved out of natural ice. Even the glasses from which you will sip your drinks. The après-ski bar has a constant temperature of around -8°C. Don’t worry, you will get a pair of gloves and a winter cloak to keep yourself warm.
Visiting Bar Ice is one of the popular things to do in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland every year. It is because this unusual attraction is the coolest bar at Winter Wonderland. Hence, do not forget to pre-book your tickets if you want a slice of the Arctic North in London.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Your entrance ticket to the frozen magic includes a cocktail chilled to perfection and a 20-minute visit.
The closest entrance to Bar Ice is the Gold Gate. The nearest stations to Bar Ice are Bond Street, Paddington and Marble Arch. As of 2024, the entry fee for an adult is £15.50 (off-peak), £17 (standard) or £18 for a peak session.
5. Ice sculpting workshops
Those who want to test their skills should visit ice sculpting workshops. Try your hands and create a frosty masterpiece under expert guidance. Not only do you learn new skills, but also it is a fun and challenging experience.
Ice sculpting workshop is one of the unique festive activities at the park. The sculpting session lasts 40 minutes. It also includes entry into the Magical Ice Kingdom.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The closest entrance to Ice sculpting workshops is the Gold Gate. The entry fee per standard session for 2 people is £61.50 or £71.50 for a peak session.
6. Bavarian village
Whether you are after crepes, churros, or fish and chips, the Bavarian village has plenty of food and drink options. However, bear in mind that they are not the cheapest refuelling option.
If the thought of these frosty festive activities makes you chilly, then head to the Bavarian Village for delicious treats and hot food. Sample some classic German bratwursts and mulled wine in one of the cosy chalets. There are many to choose from – themed bars with fire pits and Bavarian-style restaurants with live music. Also, stop at the Great Hall – it is an Oktoberfest-style beer tent. It has live music and non-stop dancing inside.
7. The Giant Wheel
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is famous for its festive attractions, and the Giant Wheel is one of them. Did you know that this 70-metre-high observation wheel is the tallest transportable wheel in the world? This multi-coloured funfair wheel lights up after dark and offers impressive views of the festivities below you. Because of that, taking a ride on the Giant Wheel is one of the best things.
GOOD TO KNOW:
As of 2024, the price for adults is £8 (off-peak), £9 (standard) and £11 for peak times.
8. Rides and games
It is easy to see why Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of the most popular winter events in the United Kingdom. The park attracts visitors daily not only for its Christmas market but also for its games and rides. Did you know that Winter Wonderland is also one of the largest Christmas fairs in Europe? It is a destination for festive fun, rides and screams.
There are plenty of rides and games to choose from – all you need to do is buy ride tokens once inside. The Euro Coaster is perfect for thrill-seekers, while others are more traditional funfair rides for adults and kids.
9. Santa Land
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is child-friendly, too. Visiting Santa Land, with plenty of rides and attractions, is a memorable experience for kids. Santa Land is free to visit but you must purchase an entry ticket to the park.
Did you know that the little ones can meet up with the man in red here? Yes, that is right, Santa Claus himself takes up residency in Santa Land. He is waiting to meet every child at Santa’s Grotto. It is a memorable experience designed for families to enjoy a day in the land of Santa.
GOOD TO KNOW:
As of 2024, children’s rides start at £2. Santa’s Grotto is open daily between 10 am and 6 pm.
TIP:
Get Santaland unlimited ride pass for £25.
Visiting Santa at Santa Land is one of the most popular free things for families with children. Not only do kids have a chance to meet Santa himself, but also well-behaved children receive a gift. However, prepare for long queues.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The closest gate to Santa Land is the Red Gate.
10. Circus shows
If you are a fan of circus shows, you should know that this famous event is also home to circus shows. Yes, that is right, you can see here not one but two circus shows. One of them is Zippo’s Christmas Circus with clowns and impressive aerial and acrobatic magic. This show offers an unforgettable experience, especially for families. The other one is Cirque Berserk – a circus show showcasing the finest in traditional circus crafts and also skills. It is suitable for a more mature audience.
Now you know what are the best things to do in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland!
Have you been here? What was your favourite attraction?
Pin Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London 2024 for later!
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Last updated: 04/09/2024