There’s nothing that marks the start of the holiday season quite like the arrival of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. And the moment has almost arrived! There’s less than a month to go until the doors of everyone’s favourite festive kingdom open on November 21, so we’ve rounded up some of the things everyone should be pre-booking tickets for, in preparation for this year.
Whether your ultimate festive evening out involves thrilling rides, tasty food (including a new bottomless Voodoo Ray’s pizza restaurant!) and drink, stellar entertainment or all of the above – you’ll find it, along with bucket loads of Christmas spirit at Winter Wonderland, open until January 5.
1. Journey through the Magical Ice Kingdom
This year, the Magical Ice Kingdom we all know and love has had a makeover, bringing you Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. As you venture down the rabbit hole and through the Queen of Heart’s Palace, prepare to discover a world filled with magnificent ice sculptures. Surrounded by 500 tonnes of glittering ice and snow, you can marvel at the Magical Ice Kingdom’s astonishing artwork, inspired by this year’s new theme. Make your way through the Mad Hatter’s tea party, the courtroom, and enjoy the magic of exploring the film’s most iconic scenes, reimagined in an immersive, frozen world.
2. Watch an electrifying circus show
The award-winning Cirque Berserk: Thunderbolt is returning to Winter Wonderland this year, bringing with it a troupe of multi-talented circus acts from all over the world. Expect adrenaline-fuelled stunts that are guaranteed to amaze, throughout a jaw-dropping 45 minute show. This is not one you want to miss!
3. Catch a thrill with epic rides
Whatever your threshold for thrills, you’ll find a ride that suits you at Winter Wonderland. For the adrenaline hunters among you, there’s The Hangover (at a staggering 85m high!), The Blizzard and the XXL G-Force pendulum ride, to name a few. But if you prefer to take it at a slower pace, Snow Jet or Ice Mountain are great options. By booking a Five Peaks Pass, you can enjoy a ride on Munich Looping, The Hangover, Aeronaut Starflyer, Airborne, and Blizzard, with a fast track upgrade for all!
4. Glide on a gorgeous open-air Ice Rink
Set around a gorgeous Victorian bandstand, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, is the largest open-air rink in the UK. Get your skates on and gather your friends, family (or maybe even a first date!) and glide beneath the twinkling canopy of lights – nothing will make you feel more festive.
5. Round off your ice-themed escapades with a frosty refreshment
Quite literally the coolest cocktail spot in the city, Bar Ice in association with Mixtons Cocktails, brings a little slice of the Alps to Hyde Park. Inside the Apres-ski themed alpine bar, you can chill in ice caverns whilst sipping on delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails from Mixtons. Your first drink is included in your ticket, and it’ll be served to you in a carved ice glass. They’ll even provide you with a warm Regatta jacket and gloves to keep you toasty in the sub-zero temps!
6. Gaze at the London skyline from up high
The Giant Wheel presented by Disney+, is the tallest transportable wheel in the world, and it’s coming back to Hyde Park this year. As you ascend up to 70m high, you can watch Winter Wonderland twinkle below, with breathtaking views of the London skyline before you.
7. Shop gifts and seasonal treats at the Christmas markets
As you explore, let the irresistible sights and smells of festive food and drink lead you into the traditional wooden Christmas markets. Across countless stalls you’ll find an abundance of unique gifts, decorations and culinary delights – so why not treat yourself to something delicious to eat whilst you tick off that Christmas shopping list?