Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

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.

Main Attractions

  • Ice Rink - The UK's largest temporary outdoor ice rink, set around the park's permanent bandstand, often featuring live music.
  • Magical Ice Kingdom - an indoor walk-through exhibition of ice sculptures, and interactive exhibits e.g. ice slide.
  • Bavarian Village - Large German-themed food and drink village, featuring numerous bars and eateries, and live music.
  • Carousel Bar - Rotating bar, themed to resemble a traditional Gallopers/Carousel ride.
  • Christmas Markets - Numerous markets around the site, selling food, drink, and gifts.
  • Santa Land - Children's area, featuring smaller rides, and Santa's Grotto.
  • Zippo's Mega Dome - Circus tent featuring three shows: The Teletubbies Christmas Show (mornings), Zippo's Christmas Circus (afternoons), and Cirque Berserk (evenings).
  • The Imperial Ice Stars - A festive ice show, based on fairy tales, performed by 18 World, European and National Championship skaters.

Main Rides

  • Giant Wheel - A 60-metre Ferris Wheel.
  • Dr Archibald - Master of Time - A large dark ride, in which riders wear virtual reality headsets and board a time machine to explore a series of fantasy worlds.
  • Munich Looping - The world's largest portable roller coaster, featuring five vertical loops.
  • Wilde Maus XXL (AKA Xmas Maus) - The World's largest portable Wild Mouse roller coaster, and the first portable roller coaster to offer a Virtual Reality option.
  • Ice Mountain - A Wild Mouse style roller coaster with spinning cars, enclosed within a specially designed building.
  • North Pole Star Flyer - A 70 metre tall Star Flyer ride.
  • Hangover - An 85-metre freefall tower ride.
  • XXL - A 40 metre tall swing ride with spinning gondola.

History

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.

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Tips & Hints
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Jack Smith
1 December 2016
Lots of places to get a hot chocolate, However the very best is from the Beltane & Pop kiosk (nr. Hangover drop tower ride). Free flowing taps of white, milk & dark chocolate. Various shots & toppings
Crazycol
8 December 2014
Amazing fun worth a visit every year.Try the food while your there mulled wine and a hot dog or try a pint of German beer.The observation wheel gives great views and looks amazing at night.
Saurav Sanan
5 December 2015
Best place to go in December for all the age group in london especially kids. This places has rides, ice skating, food, circus etc. Best part is the time as it is open till 10 pm everyday
Lorena Aliaga
15 December 2015
Stop by Bavarian Bar, right next to Hyde Park entry, cheapest mulled wine in the park and amazing baileys hot chocolate! Don't forget your ID and cash only!
May♍
25 February 2015
Fairground rides, markets, Bavarian Tent, circus shows, a lot of music and more. Everyone will have fun at Winter Wonderland! Never too far from the bar for a beer, shandy or a festive mulled wine
Y Me
10 December 2014
A cup of mulled wine and live music! That's all I needed. You'd better visit there with someone you love! Or could be surrounded with lots of love and exciting vibe alone. Still amusing though!
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Konstantin Raspopov, ruX and 1,664,789 more people have been here
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0.1km from Unnamed Road, London W2 2UH, UK Get directions
Mon-Sun 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

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