Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the jewels of London’s Christmas calendar, and an event we always look forward to. So, we’re absolutely thrilled that Winter Wonderland will return for its 16th edition this year.
The festive fancy is back bigger and better than ever this Christmas, bringing gift-filled huts, fairground rides, and the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink to central London. Winter Wonderland will throw open the gates on November 17 – and they’re already teasing us with information about the 2023 edition on their social media pages. And tickets are now on sale, to boot!
Taking to their Instagram page on July 25, they said:
Happy Christmas in July Wonderlanders. We’ve been counting down and are so excited that we’ll be making magical memories together again in just 115 days.
Get excited with our gift to you as you can now start planning for the most magical time of year.
We’re not sure it’s time to welcome in that Christmas spirit just yet, but it’s a welcome chance to make sure you can go on the day that works best for everyone involved!
Winter Wonderland is the one-stop shop for Christmas fun; for starters, the festive village is home to over 200 rides, attractions, games, and food and drink offerings. A perfect day here is spent bouncing from the dodgems to the mulled wine stations, but before we dive into the highlights at Winter Wonderland, a word on those tickets.
Like with the last few years, timed entry tickets will be in use during the festival to help manage visitor numbers and give guests the best possible experience. Once you’re inside the wonderland, you’ll be able to stay as long as you like, but there’ll be set entry times throughout the day to aim for – ticket prices are yet to be confirmed, but last year they ranged from free (for off-peak tickets) to £7.50 (peak entry), but when you spent £25 on attractions, food, drinks, rides, or games in advance, your entry ticket will be free, regardless of timing.
So, with the details out of the way, it’s time to get hyped about the array of adventures you can have at Winter Wonderland. Amongst the returning favourites is Winter Wonderland’s enchanting ice rink, the largest outdoor rink in the entire UK, which lets you whizz around Hyde Park’s famed Victorian bandstand. That bandstand won’t be empty, either; here, you’ll find a singer who’ll serenade skaters with all the festive hits!
Last year, saw Winter Wonderland’s Magical Ice Kingdom return with a brand new theme, where 500 tonnes of carved ice sculptures filled a splendid Ice Palace, as well as the ice slide, which was made even bigger for 2022 – adrenaline junkies aren’t going to want to miss out! Meanwhile, a trip on the festival’s 70-metre Giant Wheel offers a more sedate experience – and stunning views of the illuminated park and the city.
Bar Ice, the 70s disco-themed bar inspired by the glittering soirees of old New York, is sure to be back on the agenda, too. Quite apart from the avalanche of sequins, you’ll find ice sculptures aplenty, including tables, chairs, glasses, and a bar made out of ice.
Elsewhere in Winter Wonderland, you’ll find ice sculpting workshops, family-friendly thrills at Zippo’s Christmas Circus, more daring fare at Cirque Beserk, and the new Edelweiss Funhouse, where thrills and chills aplenty should be in order. Live music at The Fire Pit and Explorer’s Rest provides a more chilled offering, and, naturally, you can make a start on all your Christmas shopping with a wander around the stalls.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will run from from November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024, from 10am to 10pm each day (except Christmas Day). You’ll need a pre-booked timed ticket in order to get in. Secure your ticket here.
🚇 The nearest stations are Bond Street, Green Park, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Paddington, and Victoria.
Also published on Medium.