London in winter is a city transformed. Twinkling lights drape across Oxford Street, shop windows shimmer with festive displays, and in the heart of Hyde Park a Christmas kingdom springs to life. From 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns, bringing six weeks of festive fun, thrill rides, shows, markets and cosy food villages. For millions of visitors, it has become a seasonal tradition — and in 2025, it promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.
Rides, thrills and icy attractions
Winter Wonderland is famous for its mix of family-friendly fun and heart-racing thrill rides. The Giant Observation Wheel offers sweeping views over London’s skyline, especially magical after dark when the city sparkles with festive lights. For adrenaline seekers, the legendary Munich Looping — the world’s largest portable roller coaster with five loops — makes a dramatic return, alongside drop rides like The Hangover, the high-speed Airborne and the soaring Aeronaut Starflyer.
Families and traditionalists will find plenty of classics too, from the nostalgic carousel and Helter Skelter to the exhilarating Real Ice Slide. One of the most breathtaking attractions is the Magical Ice Kingdom, where more than 500 tonnes of sculpted ice bring a new theme to life each year. In 2025, expect another dazzling frozen world to wander through, complete with tunnels, sculptures and photo opportunities.
And if you prefer something quirky, don’t miss the Après-ski Party Funhouse, a playful walk-through packed with trick mirrors, wobbly floors and double slides.
Ice skating under the lights
No visit to Winter Wonderland is complete without a glide across the UK’s largest outdoor rink. Set around the park’s Victorian bandstand and draped with sparkling lights, the ice rink is pure seasonal charm. Skating sessions run hourly between morning and evening, with each lasting 45 minutes. Whether you’re a confident skater or clinging to the sides, it’s one of the most atmospheric winter experiences in London.
Bars, markets and festive food
Beyond the rides, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a food and drink haven. The Christmas Market is a highlight, with rows of wooden chalets offering handcrafted ornaments, jewellery, festive trinkets and seasonal treats. The air is filled with the smell of bratwurst, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, while stalls tempt with cinnamon churros, waffles and toffee apples.
For drinks, you’re spoiled for choice. Bar Ice is unforgettable — a sub-zero Après-ski themed bar where everything, including your glass, is carved from ice. Guests are wrapped in parkas and gloves before entering the -10°C venue, where cocktails flow under neon lights. If that sounds too frosty, you can warm up at the Fire Pit bar, with live music and crackling flames, or sip a festive drink while rotating slowly at the Carousel Bar. For a lively evening, the Bavarian Village combines hearty food, craft ales and dancing to live bands.
Family favourites
Winter Wonderland is designed to be inclusive for all ages, and families will find no shortage of activities. Younger children can enjoy gentler rides at the fairground, while older ones will love the Ice Slide and roller coasters. The daytime circus shows, such as Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Beserk, deliver a mix of acrobatics, comedy and festive storytelling.
Perhaps the most magical experience for little ones is Santa’s Grotto in Santaland, where Father Christmas welcomes children with a small gift. It’s an annual tradition for many families, and the photos are guaranteed to become keepsakes.
Tickets and entry information
Entry to Winter Wonderland is ticketed, with prices depending on the time you visit. Off-peak entry is free, but a ticket is still required. Standard entry costs from £5, while peak times are priced from £7.50. Many attractions, such as ice skating, Bar Ice, circus shows and the Magical Ice Kingdom, require separate tickets, which should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
A good tip: if you pre-book £25 worth of rides, attractions or games per person, your entry is free.
The event is open daily from 10am to 10pm (closed on Christmas Day), with last entry at 9.30pm.
Getting there
Hyde Park is in central London, making Winter Wonderland easily accessible. The nearest Underground stations are Marble Arch (Central line), Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line) and Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line). Green Park is another good option, especially for step-free access. Public transport is the best way to arrive, as the area can be very busy, especially at weekends and in the evenings.
Top tips for visiting
- Book early: Popular sessions and attractions sell out quickly.
- Visit off-peak: Weekday mornings or afternoons mean smaller crowds and cheaper entry.
- Dress warmly: Much of the event is outdoors, and temperatures drop after dark.
- Plan ahead: Decide which rides and shows you want to prioritise — the site is huge.
- Budget wisely: Food, drink and rides add up, so consider package deals.
- Pick a meeting spot: Crowds are large, so agree on a place to regroup if needed.
Why you should visit in 2025
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland isn’t just an attraction — it’s a London tradition. Each year, millions of people come to soak up the festive spirit, from first-time visitors seeing the lights to locals making it part of their Christmas celebrations. With thrilling rides, magical ice sculptures, a buzzing market and cosy bars, it combines everything you love about winter in one place.
Whether you’re skating under the stars, sipping mulled wine by a fire pit, or watching your children meet Santa, Winter Wonderland London 2025 promises memories that will last long after the holiday season ends.
More information is available at hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Photos: Winter Wonderland PR
