Is Winter Wonderland a fair?

Yes, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London is a massive annual Christmas-themed funfair and festival, featuring rollercoasters, a giant observation wheel, over 100 rides, a German-style market, and ice skating. It acts as a seasonal,, ticketed event (open Nov–Jan) blending a traditional funfair with festive attractions, bars, and food stalls.

Is Winter Wonderland a funfair?

Winter Wonderland began in 2005 as a small funfair operating through the Christmas period at the edge of Hyde Park.

Is Winter Wonderland overpriced?

Yes, London's Winter Wonderland is generally considered expensive, with costs adding up quickly for entry (especially peak), food/drinks (notoriously pricey), and attractions/rides, though off-peak entry can be free and booking packages can offer value. Many visitors find it pricey, with food and games costing significantly more inside, making it best to budget for extras or visit during free entry slots to manage costs.
 

How much does it cost to go into Winter Wonderland?

Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) entry tickets range from free (off-peak) to £7.50 (peak), with standard entry at £5, but attractions, rides, and ice skating cost extra, though you can get free entry by spending £25 on attractions/food/drinks, or buy packages bundling entry with experiences. Prices vary by date (weekends/holidays are peak), and booking ahead is essential.
 

How to do Winter Wonderland cheaply?

To have a winter wonderland experience on a budget, focus on free activities, visit during off-peak hours for free entry, pack your own food and drinks (buying only one treat), pre-book tickets online for discounts, and choose free entertainment like festive markets and light displays over expensive rides. Create your own at home with fairy lights, flameless candles, pinecones, and birch logs for a cozy, snowy feel. 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Vlog 2025 - FULL Tour & Review

How to get into Winter Wonderland for free?

You can get free Winter Wonderland tickets by visiting during off-peak times, spending over £25 on pre-booked rides/food, using special offers like O2 Priority or Blue Light Tickets, or finding giveaways on free stuff sites. Entry is always free for off-peak slots or if you spend £25+ on attractions/packages, while special discounts and giveaways offer other ways to get free entry for the Blue Light community or O2 customers. 

How many hours do you need at Winter Wonderland?

Time well spent. How long should you allow for Winter Wonderland? Most visitors stay 4-5 hours, exploring rides, markets and food stalls. Add in ice skating, Zippos Christmas Circus and a couple races down the Real Ice Slide, and you've got yourself a full festive day or evening.

Can I just walk into Winter Wonderland?

Yes, you can walk into Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, but everyone, including babies, needs a pre-booked entry ticket for a specific time slot, even if you just plan to walk around; you can't just show up and walk in without one anymore, though booking in advance is highly recommended for price and to guarantee entry, with Off-Peak entry often being free (plus a booking fee) and busier times costing more.
 

Do you have to pay for every ride at Winter Wonderland?

Yes, you absolutely have to pay for rides at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London, with costs varying by ride and time, usually involving buying tokens or ride passes, though you can get free entry if you pre-spend £25 on attractions, rides, or food. Rides are paid for separately from entry, with options for single token purchases (around £1 each, often requiring multiple tokens per ride), pre-booked tickets, or all-day passes for specific areas like Santa Land, plus potential fast-track add-ons. 

Is Winter Wonderland cash only?

To participate in games at the Event you can either use cash or card (''Tap and Play'') on the day at the Event and/or pre-purchase Game Coins or Ride and Game Credit online. 4.2.

How much money do I need for 3 days in London?

For 3 days in London, budget around £150-£300+ for budget/mid-range (excluding flights/hotel), covering food, transport, and some attractions, but this can balloon to £1,000+ for luxury, with accommodation being the biggest variable; aim for at least £50-£70 per day for essentials if you're being frugal, or £100-£200+ per day for a comfortable experience. 

Is Winter Wonderland better at night or day?

Ice rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

It's at its best at night, when a canopy of lights hangs overhead. Book ahead, especially at busy times, or check out your other winter ice skating options in London.

Is Winter Wonderland worth the money?

Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) is a polarizing attraction: it offers a great festive atmosphere, lights, and entertainment but is frequently criticized as overpriced, overcrowded, and too commercialized, with long queues and expensive food/rides, making its "worth" highly dependent on expectations, budget, and timing, with weekday mornings being the best bet for a better experience. 

What should you wear in a Winter Wonderland?

For an understated yet sophisticated look, consider an all-white outfit. A long coat, turtleneck sweater, and white jeans create a chic and timeless appearance, contrasting beautifully with the snowy backdrop.

Why is ice skating so expensive in the UK?

“The cost of the refrigeration is astronomical,” explained Ms Coombes, citing electricity bills of £3,500 per day just to keep the rink cold 24/7. And at Christmas, you're paying for more than just time on the ice.

What's the best age to start ice skating?

Teaching a young kid to ice skate is fun for both parent and child. Although most children do not express an interest in ice skating until they are at least three years old, any child who can walk can technically learn to skate.

How much are the gloves at Icescape?

Make sure you bring your own socks and gloves when you want to ice-skate; otherwise, there will be an extra charges for the socks at RM6 and gloves at RM10. It is compulsory to wear the socks, or else you feet will be injured by the ice-skates.

How expensive is Winter Wonderland?

Winter Wonderland prices vary by location, time (off-peak vs. peak), and attractions, with Hyde Park, London offering free off-peak entry (from £1 for booking), standard entry from around £5-£7.50, and separate costs for rides like the Ice Rink (£11.50-£17) or Magical Ice Kingdom (£9-£13), while other venues like Norwich have fixed entry fees (e.g., £4-£5 for adults) plus ride tokens, and Stoke offers ride passes from ~£30.
 

How to go Winter Wonderland for free?

Get your entry for free

Spend £25 on rides, attractions, games or food and drink packages in one transaction when you pre-book online to score your entry for free.

Can I bring a backpack to Winter Wonderland?

We advise only bringing a handbag or small rucksack. We ask all guests to be vigilant and not to leave bags and belongings unattended at any time.

How to make Winter Wonderland cheaper?

With free entry during off-peak times and cheaper tickets for many of the main attractions inside, the easiest way to save money on your trip to Winter Wonderland is by planning your visit during one of the off-peak times, either earlier in the day if you're visiting in December, or by visiting in the New Year.

Do you need cash for Winter Wonderland London?

While you can use cash at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, all our bars and stalls accept contactless payments. You will also be able to use contactless payments at our rides, token booths and games. Was this article helpful?

How much are Winter Wonderland tickets in 2025?

For Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2025, entry tickets were free during off-peak times, £5 for standard entry, and £7.50 for peak entry (plus booking fees), with prices varying by date and time; major attractions like the Ice Rink, Giant Wheel, or Cirque Berserk cost extra (£8-£18+), but you could get free entry if you spent £25+ on rides/attractions in advance, with options for packages offering perks like fast-track entry.