London events,
November 16 2023
From mid-November until early January, Hyde Park transforms into a sparkling ice spectacle. You can go ice skating with friends, share a carousel ride with a loved one or bring your children to meet Father Christmas. Add in live circus stunts, ice slides and a bar made of ice and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a giant snow globe in the heart of London.
All the fun of the Winter Wonderland fairground is a natural draw. Its classic haunted mansion and helter-skelter stand alongside adrenaline-fueled roller coasters, like the Munich Looping and g-force-inducing Aeronaut Starflyer – there’s no shortage of rides, whatever your fear factor.
A fab way to view all the attractions is by riding the 70 metre City Star observation wheel. Your enclosed pod reaches above the treetops and twinkling fairground lights for stunning views of London’s skyline.
Find out about all the rides and attractions at Winter Wonderland
This is London’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink. So, whether you’re clinging to the sides as your legs slip in all directions, or you’re swishing back into a triple axel, you’ll have plenty of ice. Little ones can get a penguin aid to keep them upright, and at night you skate under a canopy of lights. Pre-book to guarantee your session on the ice, which lasts 50 minutes.
Book your Winter Wonderland ice skating trip
After all that activity, take a stroll through the traditional chalets at the Christmas market to pick out handmade decorations, find unique gifts to go under your tree and munch on a few sweet treats.
Among the Winter Wonderland stalls is the Bavarian Hall and Alpine Lodge venues where you can book a Christmas party for friends and family and enjoy bratwurst, beers, live music, DJ sets and dancing. There are a range of party packages to choose from and book.
Find out more about a Winter Wonderland Christmas party
Whether you plan on snacking on the move or enjoying a fireside sit down, there’s plenty to eat and drink. Its street food village is laden with bratwursts and pretzels, and the Bavarian Village has bars, cafés and restaurants with inviting chalets and outdoor seating.
For mulled wine around the fire, head to Thor’s Tipi Bar, a cosy Viking-themed bar. Wrap up warm to enter Bar Ice in Winter Wonderland, an 80s-themed apres-ski bar where everything is kept at a cool minus 10 degrees.
Your Winter Wonderland food and drink guide
If you’re planning to visit with family, friends or as a couple, Winter Wonderland will get you in the festive spirit. Make a weekend of your Winter Wonderland Hyde Park trip and book a room at Thistle Hyde Park Kensington Gardens where you’re a snowball’s throw from all the fun.
