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The Grinch would have a real job stealing all the Christmas from Hyde Park’s huge tribute to festive fun. The annual favourite is back for its sixteenth year in 2023. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free during off-peak hours and either £5 or £7.50 during peak times, and you can head along for cheerily lit fairground rides, a child-friendly Santa Land (including Santa’s grotto) and quaint Christmas markets. It’s a real treat for anyone wanting to get into the festive spirit – as long as you’re ready to hear all those songs as you potter around.
Other highlights of Hyde Park’s annual Christmas treat include circuses and the biggest outdoor rink in the UK – it surrounds the Victorian bandstand and is illuminated with more than 100,000 lights. There's also the Real Ice Slide, ice sculpting workshops and a German-style Bavarian Village full of frothing steins and live music.
The usual line-up of rollercoasters and fairground rides is sure to keep thrill-seekers happy. A good alternative for those who prefer to stay on solid ground is the selection of themed bars with real fires, except for the Bar Ice (for obvious structural reasons) where even the glasses you drink from are made of ice.
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).
Is Winter Wonderland free entry?
Only during off-peak hours. An adult ticket for Winter Wonderland will cost £5 during standard times and £7.50 during peak times.
What dates is Winter Wonderland in London?
Winter Wonderland will be open to the public from Friday November 17 until Monday January 1, 2024.
How to get tickets?
Easy! If you're looking to visit at a popular time (such as weekends, or once the school holidays start), then pre-book your tickets via Winter Wonderland's website to make sure you get in with no fuss. You'll be asked to select a two hour timeslot to arrive within. There's also the option to snag a ticket on the door, although these spots are subject to availability.
Tips for visiting Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
This winter spectacle is super popular every year, but there's a couple of things that are good to know before you go.
The queues can get pretty long, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance. Plus, there's so much to explore that you need to leave a fair bit of time — it tends to take about three hours. Make sure you wrap up warm, too!