Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the UK’s major seasonal festivals. Every winter, London’s Hyde Park is transformed into a huge festive venue featuring Christmas markets, an ice rink, fairground rides, circus performances and themed bars. Visitors can take a ride on the Ferris wheel, admire the ice sculptures, buy presents, sample seasonal treats and spend a few hours soaking up the atmosphere of the approaching Christmas season.
Year of foundation | 2007 |
Type of festival | Seasonal Christmas festival, amusement park and winter market |
Date | From November 19, 2026, to January 3, 2027 (Closed on Christmas Day, December 25) |
Location | London, United Kingdom |
Address | Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH |
Main entrance gates | Gold, Blue and Green |
Organiser | IMG (International Management Group) in partnership with Mellors Group and The Royal Parks |
Number of visitors | Between 2.5 and 3.5 million people each year |
Number of attractions, rides and shows | Over 150 |
Opening hours | Daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Last entry at 9:15 pm) |
Ticket prices |
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Duration of the walk | Approximately from 2 to 4 hours |
Parking | No dedicated parking available |
Official website |
About the festival
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has been running since 2007. Over the years, it has evolved from a Christmas market into a major winter event, attracting millions of visitors every year. The festival occupies a significant part of Hyde Park, and the site is divided into themed zones, each with its own attractions, shopping areas, venues and stages.
Get Festive at Winter Wonderland
The event is organised by IMG in partnership with The Royal Parks. The festival takes place in Hyde Park with the permission of the park’s management. The announced partners for 2026 include:
- Priority from O2;
- Pepsi;
- Joybuy;
- Viva.com;
- Energizer;
- Brothers Cider;
- BAU Drinks.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Sponsors 2026
Winter Wonderland offers not only a Christmas market, but also an ice rink, fairground rides, circus shows, music and themed bars. Tickets specify an entry time, but visitors may remain on the premises until closing time.
Festival Programme
The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland programme brings together circus shows, musical performances, ice skating, fairground stalls and children’s entertainment. For the 2026 season, the organisers have put together the following activities:
- Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus: A new circus production combining elements of modern pop culture, K-pop, circus acts and dragon-themed imagery. The show is aimed at families and will be one of the season’s major premieres.
- Christmas by Candlelight: A musical programme featuring Christmas songs performed by West End artists. The concert is conceived as a festive performance with a candlelit atmosphere.
- Giant Wheel Light Show: A light show on the Giant Wheel. The illuminations and movement of the light elements are accompanied by music inspired by the Christmas story ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’.
- Musical performances in the Bavarian Village: Visitors will be able to listen to live music, relax at a table and sample traditional German cuisine.
- Entertainment in Santa Land: The children’s programme includes meetings with Santa Claus, a visit to Santa’s Grotto, the Elves’ Workshop and play attractions.
- Christmas workshops at the Christmas Market: At the market, you can not only buy gifts and decorations, but also discover the work of local artisans and watch craft demonstrations.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Festival Programme
It’s best to check the official website for the exact schedule of performances and sessions before you travel: show times and the availability of individual attractions may vary depending on the date.
Main sights and attractions
For the 2026 season, over 150 entertainment options, attractions and shows are scheduled to take place on the site.
- Magical Ice Kingdom: An exhibition of ice sculptures, dedicated in 2026 to the story of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. Over 500 tonnes of ice are used to create the exhibition.
- Giant Observation Wheel: A Ferris wheel offering views of Hyde Park and the surrounding area. In the evening, it is adorned with festive lighting and a light show.
- Munich Looping: A mobile rollercoaster with several loops, designed for thrill-seekers.
- Ice Rink: An open-air ice rink with 45-minute sessions. Children aged three and over can skate; those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Bar Ice: An ice bar with temperatures as low as −10 degrees. Visitors are provided with warm clothing and gloves; each session lasts 20 minutes.
- Bavarian Village: A Bavarian village with wooden cottages, restaurants, bars, German cuisine and live music.
- Christmas Market: A Christmas market with over 100 stalls. Here you can buy gifts, souvenirs, decorations and festive treats.
- Santa Land: A children’s area with rides, Santa’s Grotto and the Elves’ Workshop. A separate unlimited pass is provided for access to over 16 rides.
- Luminarie Lane: An avenue featuring spectacular illuminated arches and festive installations. This is one of the most popular spots for taking photos. In the evening, the illuminations stand out particularly well against the dark sky.
In addition to the attractions listed above, the festival features other roller coasters, carousels, play areas and the Real Ice Slide. Among the new additions for 2026 is The Spinning Racer, which has been added to the traditional attractions.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Attractions
Information for visitors
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will take place from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The festival is closed on 25 December.
Opening hours
Normal opening hours are from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, but on some days the opening time is later:
- Thursday 19 November to Friday 20 November: Open from 12:00 pm;
- Monday 23 November to Thursday 26 November: Open from 12:00 pm;
- Friday 27 November: Open from 11:00 am;
- Monday 30 November: Open from 12:00 pm;
- Tuesday 1 December: Open from 2:00 pm;
- Wednesday 2 December: Open from 12:00 pm;
- Thursday 3 December to Friday 4 December: Open from 11:00 am;
- Monday 7 December to Friday 11 December: Open from 11:00 am;
- Monday 14 December to Friday 18 December: Open from 11:00 am;
- Monday 28 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027: Open from 11:00 am.
Last admission is at 9:15 pm.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – Food and drink
Tickets
Admission prices:
- £1.00 (Off-Peak);
- £5.50 (Standard);
- £8.25 (Peak).
Off-Peak applies during less busy times, including Monday to Thursday in November.
With advance booking, entry is free provided you spend at least £25.00 on entertainment, food or drinks in a single transaction. Children also require a ticket.
The ice rink, rides and shows are charged separately. Tickets are available on the festival’s official website.
How to get there
The festival takes place in Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH. Winter Wonderland entrance address: Louisa Duckworth Walk, London, W1K 7AN.
The nearest Underground stations are:
- Marble Arch – Central line;
- Hyde Park Corner – Piccadilly line;
- Knightsbridge – Piccadilly line.
It is best to travel by Underground or bus: during the festival, traffic and parking in the area around the park may be difficult.
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FAQ
When is the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland festival taking place?
From 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The festival is closed on 25 December.
How much do tickets cost?
Off-Peak – free or £1.00 when booked in advance, Standard – from £5.50, Peak – from £8.25. Rides and other attractions are charged separately.
What time does the festival close?
Usually at 10:00 pm (last entry at 9:15 pm). Opening times vary depending on the date.
