Every year I tell myself the same thing: This time I’m going to be calm, reasonable, and not get swept away by the glittery madness of Winter Wonderland. And every year – without fail -I’m proven to be a delusional optimist. Because as soon as you step into Hyde Park between 14 November 2025 and 1 January 2026, all common sense evaporates like steam off a mulled wine vat. And it’s wonderful. Truly, unapologetically wonderful.
This year, we sent in one of our bravest young London families – dad Rupert, partner Gabriella, and 8-year-old Gaia – who ventured forth as our on-site reporters. They returned buzzing, slightly wind-swept, and carrying two giant plush toys that were immediately claimed by Gaia (and honestly, who could blame her). Their verdict? In their own words: “This is the best Winter Wonderland we’ve ever been to.” And if you know Rupert – whose traditional review format is a measured, “Yeah, not bad” – you’ll understand the magnitude of that statement.
According to our intrepid trio, arriving mid-morning was a stroke of tactical genius. The park was alive and festive, but not yet in its full lunchtime stampede mode. They had space to breathe, wander, explore and establish who needed the toilet, who needed a snack, and who needed both (usually Gaia), without the usual pressure of being swept along by the crowds. Apparently, this gentle entry into festivity made all the difference.
They all agreed that something felt different this year – bigger, more polished, more imaginative, and, frankly, as if someone had waved a wand and said, “Let’s go all out, shall we?” From the improved layout to the extra sparkle in the decorations, you could feel the investment. And believe me, our reporters are not easily impressed; it takes more than an oversized bauble to elicit such enthusiasm.
The ride mission began early. The Giant Wheel – Winter Wonderland’s crown jewel – delivered spectacular views that made everyone gasp (and made Rupert suddenly very aware of his knees). The Magical Ice Kingdom was, by all accounts, absolutely sensational, as if someone had built Narnia then added extra glitter for good measure. The Real Ice Slide was the sort of thing that started as “Let’s just do this for the kids” and ended in very competitive adults shrieking their way down icy lanes in unbridled delight.
And this year’s Oktoberfest area deserves a medal. Our reporters insist the German food and beer were “surprisingly authentic”, which – coming from Rupert, a man who spent three months of his twenties backpacking Bavaria – is high praise indeed.
By the afternoon, the crowds thickened, as they inevitably do, but instead of drowning in chaos, the family said it added to the electric, festive buzz. Music, lights, laughter – all blending into that heady, only-in-London winter cocktail. Then came the moment of triumph: winning toys at the air-rifle stall. According to Rupert, this was “a defining moment”, which tells you everything you need to know about the competitive nature of grown adults armed with pellet rifles. Toys were won. Pride was restored. Gaia was ecstatic.
And now, onto the essential details – because Winter Wonderland this year isn’t just bigger; it comes with more ways to plan (or save) than ever. For 2025, you can take advantage of five new packages that bundle together the best attractions with discounted entry, ride and game credit, and even fast-track perks. The Arctic Adventure Package gives you icy thrills – Ice Skating, Magical Ice Kingdom and the Real Ice Slide – with discounts on each and £20 ride and game credit, starting from £43.45. The Festive Favourites Package brings together Bar Ice, Ice Skating and The Giant Wheel with the luxury of a fast-track wheel upgrade, from £52.30.
Families might love the Show Town Spectacular Package, offering tickets to Zippos Christmas Circus or Cirque Berserk: Ignite alongside £30 ride and game credit, from £40.35.
Of course, Winter Wonderland continues to reward the savvy planner; spend £25 on attractions, games, rides or food and drink packages in one pre-booked transaction and your entry is free – excellent news for anyone who’d rather spend that money on chocolate-dipped pretzels than entry fees. Or take advantage of the off-peak deals: ride the Real Ice Slide twice for £5, enjoy a family ticket to the Magical Ice Kingdom for £28, or – my personal favourite – get four people onto The Giant Wheel for £24.
If you’re the sort who enjoys maximum efficiency with minimal fuss (my kind of people), the Ride Passes are worth a look. The Five Peaks Ride Pass gives access to the big five thrill machines – Munich Looping, The Hangover, Aeronaut Starflyer, Airborne and Blizzard – complete with fast track. Meanwhile, little ones can live their best Christmassy lives with the Santa Land Unlimited Ride Pass, granting access to over 16 rides all day long. Wear comfortable shoes.
For families with little ones, don’t miss Justin’s Christmas Singalong.
It’s worth noting that this year Winter Wonderland opens a bit earlier and closes on select days, with varying opening hours throughout the season – so do check before setting off in full festive regalia.
But above all – what mattered to me most as editor, and to our lovely family of reviewers – was that Winter Wonderland 2025 brought back that elusive magic. The wide-eyed sparkle. The roaring laughter. The sense that, for a few hours at least, London tucks away its grey coat and puts on something dazzling.
In the words of Rupert, Gabriella and little Gaia: “Bigger, better, more magical, and absolutely worth the visit.”
And honestly? I couldn’t agree more.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
