From 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, Hyde Park will transform into a winter wonderland, featuring over 100 rides, performances, and an immersive ice sculpture experience themed around ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’.
Hyde Park, one of London’s most renowned green spaces, is set to transform into a winter wonderland from 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. This annual event, now a beloved holiday tradition, promises six weeks filled with festive fun, catering to visitors of all ages. With over 100 rides and various attractions, this year’s Winter Wonderland is anticipated to illuminate the city once more, attracting locals and tourists alike.
A highlight of the event, the towering Giant Wheel, this year presented by Disney+, offers guests panoramic views of the city’s winter landscape, while the open-air ice rink invites skaters to glide beneath the festive lights. Notably, the ice rink includes a limited number of accessible sessions, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all participants.
For those seeking spectacle and performance, returning favourites such as Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk are set to dazzle once again, with shows equipped with hearing loop facilities to accommodate those who are hearing impaired. In addition to these crowd-pleasers, the expansive Christmas market is back, showcasing an array of over 20 new traders. These vendors offer a variety of locally sourced, handmade crafts, setting the stage for a vibrant market square enriched with live music.
Introducing a fresh theme for 2024, the Magical Ice Kingdom presents “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” This immersive experience invites guests into a world crafted with over 500 tonnes of ice and snow, sculpted by a team of expert artists. Visitors can explore the Queen of Heart’s castle, take part in the Mad Hatter’s tea party, and marvel at life-sized ice sculptures depicting iconic characters such as the Cheshire Cat and a giant caterpillar. Additionally, the venue offers ice sculpting workshops, providing a unique interactive opportunity for guests to try their hand at this intricate art form.
Winter Wonderland will operate daily from 10 am to 10 pm, excluding Christmas Day. Mornings are typically quieter and more suited for families wishing to enjoy a leisurely exploration, while the evenings come alive in a dazzling display of lights.
Ensuring accessibility for all, all event entrances are step-free, with access champions on hand to assist guests as needed. Additionally, the event hosts disability-friendly toilet facilities, including the provision of Changing Places toilets. Attendees requiring assistance are encouraged to register for a Nimbus card via the event’s website, where a comprehensive access guide is available.
This festive event not only brings entertainment and holiday cheer but also strives to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all visitors. Full details and booking options can be found on their official website.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Image: Courtest of Winter Wonderland