Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, commonly referred to as Winter Wonderland, is a large annual Christmas event held in Hyde Park, London, from mid-November to early January. It features several festive markets, over 100 rides and attractions from across Europe, a Giant Wheel, numerous live shows, including a circus, ice show, and live music, as well as numerous bars and restaurants.[4] In its first ten years, Winter Wonderland had 14 million visitors.[5]

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
The Winter Wonderland in 2011
StatusActive (Postponed until 2021)
FrequencyAnnually
VenueHyde Park, London
Location(s)London, United Kingdom
Inaugurated11 December 2007[1]
FounderPWR Events[2]
Royal Parks of London
Attendance2.5 million[3]
WebsiteOfficial website

History

Winter Wonderland began in 2005 as a small funfair operating through the Christmas period at the edge of Hyde Park. The lack of success lead to The Royal Parks to look at alternative events. In 2007, The Royal Parks invites AEG Live and PWR Events to co-operate on organising the new Winter Wonderland event. The event includes a Christmas Market, temporary Ice Rink, Giant Wheel, and a small selection of amusement rides along Serpentine Road in Hyde Park.

From 2008 to 2010, the event grows substantially, introducing the Bavarian Village (a German style food and drink centre), Zippo's Circus, Santa Land (an area with smaller rides for children and families), and the introduction of several larger rides, such as the Power Tower 2 freefall tower.

In 2012, the event was granted an expansion of the site. Introduction of Wilde Maus XXL roller coaster; Magical Ice Kingdom (a walk-through exhibition of ice sculptures); Bavarian Village expands to include The Great Hall; an Oktoberfest style beer tent with live music.

In 2016, Introduction of Munich Looping, the world's largest portable roller coaster; and the Imperial Ice Stars ice show.

In 2018, Introduction of Dr Archibald - Master of Time dark ride, the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club,[6] The Snowman Experience,[7] and the Teletubbies Christmas Show.[8]

On 2 September 2020, PWR Events announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is cancelled and will return in November 2021.[9]

Attractions
The "Christmas Coaster", 2011
  • Ice Rink - The UK's largest temporary outdoor ice rink, set around the park's permanent bandstand, often featuring live music.[10]
  • Magical Ice Kingdom - an indoor walk-through exhibition of ice sculptures, and interactive exhibits e.g. ice slide.[11]
  • Bavarian Village - Large German-themed food and drink village, featuring numerous bars and eateries, and live music.[12]
  • Carousel Bar - Rotating bar, themed to resemble a traditional Gallopers/Carousel ride.[13]
  • Christmas Markets - Numerous markets around the site, selling food, drink, and gifts.[14]
  • Santa Land - Children's area, featuring smaller rides, and Santa's Grotto.[15]
  • Zippo's Mega Dome - Circus tent featuring three shows: The Mr Men Christmas Show ,[8] Zippo's Christmas Circus (afternoons),[16] and Cirque Berserk (evenings).[17]

Rides

References
  1. "Winter Wonderland: About Us". Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  2. "Hyde Park Winter Wonderland". Archived from the original on 7 January 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2019. PWR Events, an International Management Group (UK) Limited company, are proud to be actively producing sustainable events and are certified to ISO 20121, the international standard for sustainability in event management.
  3. "Winter Wonderland visitors rise to more than 2.5 million". Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  4. "London Hyde park hosting annual family-friendly Winter Wonderland". Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  5. "Hyde Park Winter Wonderland". Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  6. "Comedy Club Winter Wonderland 2019". Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
  7. "Rides and Games". Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
  8. "Spectacular Shows". Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
  9. "Winter Wonderland cancelled due to coronavirus". BBC News. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
  10. "Ice Rink". Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  11. "Magical Ice Kingdom". Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  12. "Bavarian Village official website". Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  13. "Carousel Bar official site". Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  14. "Markets". Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  15. "Santa Land". Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  16. "Zippo's Christmas Circus". Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  17. "Cirque Berserk". Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  18. "Mellors Group - Giant Wheel". Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  19. "Wilde Maus XXL official site". Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  20. "Mellors Group - Ice Mountain". Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  21. "Mellors Group - Star Flyer". Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  22. "XXL - Manufacturer's description". Retrieved 8 November 2017.

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