**Winter Wonderland is open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm, excluding Christmas Day.

 

Getting Started: Planning Your Visit

 

How to Get FREE entry

Winter Wonderland offers free entry during off-peak hours, making it an excellent option for those looking to save money and avoid large crowds. Free tickets are available daily before 2pm from November 21st to December 12th, and during January, off-peak hours are any time before 4pm.

To enter for free, you’ll need to book a ticket in advance and can stay as long as you’d like once inside. While wandering the grounds is free during these times, you’ll still need to pay for rides, food, and other activities.

Alternatively, spending £25 or more on rides or food once inside also grants free entry.

Pro Tip: A great strategy is to book free entry during off-peak hours, schedule your rides and attractions for earlier in the day, and then stay to experience the magic of Winter Wonderland as night falls. This approach helps avoid large crowds while allowing you to enjoy both the daytime and evening atmosphere.

 

Family Tickets

For families visiting Winter Wonderland, the Santaland Unlimited Pass is a fantastic option. The pass provides unlimited access to over 15 family-friendly rides in Santaland for just £25. This allows families to enjoy as many rides as they like without worrying about the costs adding up.

It’s a great way to spend a magical day with your children, making memories on a budget.

 

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The Crowds

Winter Wonderland is an incredibly popular attraction, drawing an estimated 2.5 million visitors during its yearly six-week duration, so large crowds are inevitable, particularly on weekends and in the evenings.

Remember to be patient! Everyone is there to have fun, just like you! Be prepared for larger crowds and longer lines at two key points: the entry gates and the most popular attractions, such as the Ice Slide and Haunted Mansion.

Saturday evenings are especially busy and energetic, making weekday mornings the ideal time to visit if you prefer a quieter experience or are bringing young children. Crowds tend to increase closer to Christmas.

If you’re visiting with friends or family, plan to meet outside the gates or if meeting inside, be very specific about the attraction where you’ll gather, as the dense crowds and spotty phone signal inside can make finding each other challenging.

 

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Gates

Winter Wonderland has multiple entry gates, so it’s a good idea to plan your arrival beforehand to avoid unnecessary wandering around the perimeter of Winter Wonderland.

The main entrances are at Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, and Lancaster Gate, with each offering access to different areas of the park. Not all gates are always open, but signs and stewards will guide you to the correct one. For a smoother experience, check the «Plan your visit» section, which recommends the nearest station or entrance.

As mentioned earlier, you can expect some crowds at the gates, but don’t worry, they move quickly!

While Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line) and Marble Arch (Central Line) are the closest stations, they tend to get very busy. If you’re traveling with children or require step-free access, Green Park station is a great alternative.

 

Accessibility

Winter Wonderland strives to be inclusive and accessible for everyone, offering wheelchair-friendly entrances and facilities. Pathways within the site are temporary paths placed over the grass to provide smoother access.

For disabled visitors, a free Personal Assistant (PA) ticket is available when booking tickets for entry, attractions, or shows. The ice rink is also accessible for both manual and electric wheelchairs, though electric wheelchair motors must be switched off while on the ice. Accessible toilets are available at all six main toilet blocks throughout the site.

Additionally, assistance dogs are welcome at all attractions, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable visit for everyone.

 

By the way, have you read our guide: When to Visit London: Best and Worst Times of the Year and Top Events ?

 

 

Practical tips for your visit

 

What to wear in Winter Wonderland?

Winter Wonderland is primarily an outdoor event, so dressing appropriately for the cold and wet weather is essential. Layered warm clothing is recommended, as you’ll alternate between heated indoor spaces and the chilly outdoors.

Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are a must, as the ground can get muddy and wet, making it unsuitable for delicate or new footwear—unless they are wellies.

Rain is always a possibility, and while umbrellas are an option, a good raincoat or disposable poncho is often more practical to avoid dealing with wet clothes.

Keep in mind that some attractions, like the Ice Bar or the Magical Ice Kingdom, maintain literally freezing temperatures inside, so staying warm is important for a comfortable experience.

Extreme conditions may temporarily close some rides, however Winter Wonderland operates in all weather.

 

Baggages

Security at Winter Wonderland is thorough, with bag checks conducted at all entrances. To make your visit and experience smoother, it’s best to pack light. Fewer belongings mean quicker passage through security and less hassle carrying heavy or uncomfortable bags as you explore the attractions & rides for hours.

Additionally, you won’t need to bring much—Winter Wonderland offers plenty of food, drinks, and snacks to keep you fueled throughout your visit!

 

 

 

Make the most of your Winter Wonderland Experience

 

Attractions & Rides

 

Winter Wonderland offers an incredible array of attractions, rides, and experiences to delight visitors of all ages. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to enchanting ice sculptures, there’s something for everyone:

 

– The Giant Observation Wheel: Standing 70 meters tall, this iconic centerpiece provides breathtaking views of London’s sparkling skyline.

– The Ice Rink: The UK’s largest outdoor skating rink lets you glide to live music under twinkling lights.

– The Magical Ice Kingdom: Explore a wonderland of over 500 tons of ice sculptures, including themed displays inspired by the Marvel Universe, Alice in Wonderland and more. You can even participate in an ice sculpture workshop if inspired.

– Thrill Rides: Adrenaline-seekers can brave rides like the Euro Coaster, Munich Looping, XXL, or Airborne for heart-pounding excitement.

– Family-Friendly Fun: Young adventurers can enjoy carousel and helter-skelter rides, Santa’s Grotto in Santaland, and the long Ice Slide. Older children will love roller coasters and circus shows like Cirque Berserk.

– Interactive Experiences: Try the Après-Ski Party Funhouse and its shaky floors, twin slides, and alpine-themed surprises.

 

Our favorite rides, unfortunately, have the longest lines and waiting times, as they’re popular to both families and other visitors. Rides like the Haunted Mansion, Après-Ski Party Funhouse, and Dr. Archibald VR Experience are among the busiest. To skip the wait for rides, purchase game coins in advance and enjoy a variety of non-bookable games for a chance to win prizes.

– Non-Bookable Games: Test your skills at funfair classics scattered across the park and win unique & surprising prizes to take home!

 

Winter Wonderland promises unforgettable moments for every visitor!

 

What if I miss my time slot for a ride or attraction?   

Based on our experience, if you miss your time slot at Winter Wonderland, you may still be allowed entry, as we didn’t face issues with expired tickets. However, this might not be the official rule, so it’s best to aim for punctuality to avoid risking your visit or missing out on the fun.

 

Foods & Drinks

 

Food at Winter Wonderland is a key part of the festive experience. While prices can be on the higher side, it’s all part of the charm of one of London’s most iconic holiday attractions.

You’ll find numerous food stalls scattered throughout the market, including the Bavarian Village, which recreates the atmosphere of a German Christmas Market with bratwurst, craft ales, hot chocolate, and hearty meals. The Street Food Village adds variety with sweet and savory options under twinkling lights, while live bands provide a festive soundtrack.

If you wish for a drink to keep you warm, highlights include mulled wine, Bailey’s hot chocolate (alcoholic or not), and cocktails served at the Ice Bar, where even the tables and glasses are made of ice. Don’t miss the Carousel Bar, which rotates slowly as you sip your drink.

If you’re feeling hungry and need a snack to keep you going, popular food highlights that everyone loves include:

Potato Spirals: Crispy, seasoned, and fun to eat.

Cheese Fondue: Perfect for dipping bread and vegetables, while staying warm.

Bratwurst: Sausages grilled to perfection.

Fish and chips: A traditional British dish, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Festive Treats: Treat yourself to fudge, pretzels, Christmas sticks and, of course, gingerbread cookies.

 

Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or a festive drink, Winter Wonderland offers a range of options to satisfy your appetite and enhance the holiday spirit.

 

Shopping

Winter Wonderland’s shopping experience transports visitors straight to a traditional European Christmas market. Over 100 charming wooden chalets line the streets, brimming with festive treasures. Artisans and craftspeople showcase a variety of unique goods, from handmade jewelry and decorations to one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find on the high street.

If you don’t get everything on your wish list during your visit, don’t worry, Winter Wonderland’s official e-shop offers cozy souvenirs to commemorate your enchanting Christmas experience.

 

 

Special Occasions

 

Organize a Private Party

Winter Wonderland offers fantastic private party options for festive celebrations, including two curated packages: the Frost Fayre Package, set in the lively Bavarian Hall with food, drinks, and live music, and the Alpine Party Package, offering an exclusive area in festive bars with premium street food and entertainment. For larger groups, bespoke private hire options are also available, tailored to suit events of up to 1,500 guests!

Hotels in London

 

Did you book your Christmas tickets yet?

 

 

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