How London’s Winter Wonderland will be different this year – much-loved ride set to return and new themed ice kingdom
LONDON’s Winter Wonderland will be opening next month with some updates – a much-loved rollercoaster is set to return following a one-year hiatus, as well as other reimagined activities.
The winter attraction will run for six weeks in the capital’s Hyde Park, with a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, and food on offer.
After a break from Winter Wonderland last year, the rollercoaster Wilde Maus XXL will make its return in 2024.
The 30-metre tall coaster rollercoaster features multiple twists and turns with a G force of 2.5, and the queue is even interesting – with spinning platforms and stepping stones over water.
Munich Looping, the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster, will also be part of this year’s lineup.
Other rides include the Aeronaut Starflyer, the Hangover and the Euro Coaster.
The Magical Ice Kingdom is back for another year, but this time with a brand-new theme: Alice in Wonderland.
Inside the Alice in Wonderland Ice Village, more than 500 tonnes of snow and ice will be used to bring Lewis Carroll’s story to life.
Visitors enter through the Queen of Hearts‘ castle before discovering key scenes and characters like the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and the Cheshire Cat.
The Magical Ice Kingdom claims to be one of the largest ice exhibitions in Europe, with some carved sculptures taller than five metres.
Fan favourites, like the Real Ice Slide, will be part of this year’s festivities.
The Real Ice Slide sees visitors climb to the top of the slide before heading down the 35m slope on a rubber ring.
Meanwhile, the open-air Ice Rink will also be returning for the 2024 season.
Visitors will be able to skate across the 1,795 square metre rink as live acoustic music plays in the background.
Bar Ice, the Apres-ski-themed Bar, will also return for 2024.
The freezing cold bar has been brought back to London in association with Mixtons Cocktails – think DJ beats and classic cocktails with a twist.
Other popular attractions include the Giant Wheel, ice sculpting workshops, and Zippos Christmas Circus.
Those who aren’t keen on big rides will be able to watch the Cirque Berserk show Thunderbolt – an “adrenaline-fuelled circus stunt” show performed by a troupe of daredevils.
And following a run of sell-out performances in 2023, Children’s TV Megastar Justin Fletcher, known for his role as Mr Tumble on CBeebies, will also return for 2024 – and tickets are already limited.
More than 20 new traders will be making their Winter Wonderland debut in 2024, with the site’s Christmas Market featuring a diverse range of handmade crafts.
As part of the new line-up, live demonstrations will also be hosted at the market.
Food and drinks like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and tankards of Bavarian beer can also be purchased.
What else do I need to know?
While entry is free into Winter Wonderland in the morning and early afternoons on certain days (normally weekdays), entry prices for peak times range from £5-£7.50.
Visitors will then need to pay if they want to go on any of the rides or experience any of the other attractions.
For example, ice rink tickets cost £17 for a full-paying adult and £11 for a child and entry into the Ice Kingdom costs £13 for a full-paying adult and £11.
Fast-track tickets on the Giant Wheel cost £16 per adult and £12 per child, cheaper tickets are available for those who don’t want to purchase fast-track.
Entry to Bar Ice cost £18 per person, with one cocktail included in the price.
If you’re clever and book activities in advance online, you can get free entry into the park when you spend over £25.
Visitors can also purchase the Santaland Unlimited Ride Pass, which gives park-goers unrestricted access to over 12 family-friendly rides, including Race-O-Rama, Santaland Express Train, Winter Spinner, and Racing Coaster – although this is three rides less than last year.
The pass costs £25, and it includes free entry to Winter Wonderland.
A new Off-Peak offer is on the cards for 2024, with off-peak visitors unlocking 20 per cent of selected Magical Ice Kingdom and Ice Skating tickets.
Winter Wonderland will run for six weeks from November 21, 2024, until January 5, 2025.
It will be open from 10am until 10pm every day between those two dates, excluding Christmas Day.
The nearest London Underground stations to Hyde Park are Bond Street, Green Park, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Paddington, and Victoria.
Several bus routes will also get you there, and Paddington, Victoria, and Marylebone train stations are also nearby.
What's it like to visit London's Winter Wonderland?
The Sun’s Travel reporter Hope Brotherton visited London’s Winter Wonderland last year, here’s what she thought…
THE smell of deep-fat fried batter wafts through the air, and bright, sometimes flashing, lights can be seen in every direction.
A mixture of pop songs and Christmas jingles also compete for some attention, which means I can only be in one place – London‘s Winter Wonderland.
It’s a sprawling maze of high-octane rollercoasters, funfair rides, wooden stalls, food vans, and other activities.
While there’s no real way to explore the festive attraction, I made a beeline for the Magical Ice Kingdom.
Last year’s theme centred around Norse Mythology but I’m equally excited to see the Alice in Wonderland-themed ice carvings at this year’s attraction.
For me, another one of Winter Wonderland’s highlights was the Real Ice Slide – a 35m slope.
Despite being over in seconds, the Real Ice Slide was a true rush of fun.
Another one of Winter Wonderland’s highlights is the Giant Ferris Wheel, where park-goers are treated to spectacular views of both the park and the London Skyline.
Journeys on the Ferris Wheel last around 15 minutes, making it well worth the wait.
No trip to Winter Wonderland is complete without riding at least one rollercoaster – and I opted for Munich Looping, the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster.
I gave several other rides a go, including the Haunted Mansion and the Traditional Wave Swinger.
I also had a good wander through the wooden market stalls, and I watched as other park-goers won prizes on one of the many funfair games.
In the mean time, here is Butlin’s ‘ultimate Christmas holiday weekend’ launching this year.
And here are some affordable December city breaks you can still book.