Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a large annual Christmas event held in Hyde Park, London, typically from mid-November to early January each year. It is one of the biggest, and most well-attended such events in the world, featuring several festive markets, over 100 rides and attractions from across Europe, a Giant Wheel, numerous live shows, including a circus, ice show, and live music, as well as numerous bars and restaurants. Since its launch in 2007, Winter Wonderland has attracted 14 million visitors.
The event is open from 10am to 10pm each day, except for opening day, and Christmas Day. The main entrance is near Marble Arch, with secondary entrances on Serpentine Road.
2005-6 - A small, unsuccessful funfair operates through the Christmas period at the edge of Hyde Park. The lack of success leads The Royal Parks to look at alternative events.
2007 - The Royal Parks invites AEG Live and PWR Events to co-operate on organising the new Winter Wonderland event. The event includes a Christmas Market, temporary Ice Rink, Giant Wheel, and a small selection of amusement rides along Serpentine Road in Hyde Park.
2008-10 - The event grows substantially, introducing the Bavarian Village (a German style food and drink centre), Zippo's Circus, Santa Land (an area with smaller rides for children and families), and the introduction of several larger rides, such as the Power Tower 2 freefall tower.
2012 - Large expansion of the site. Introduction of Wilde Maus XXL roller coaster; Magical Ice Kingdom (a walk-through exhibition of ice sculptures); Bavarian Village expands to include The Great Hall; an Oktoberfest style beer tent with live music.
2016 - Introduction of Munich Looping, the world's largest portable roller coaster; and the Imperial Ice Stars ice show.
2018 - Introduction of Dr Archibald - Master of Time dark ride; the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club; The Snowman Experience; and the Teletubbies Christmas Show.