London Winter Wonderland, The City’s Ultimate Christmas Attraction

The event first took place back n 2008, when it received a lot of criticism from people used to their (original) counterparts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. At the time many (including moi) people felt London could have done a much better job with a larger market and no amusement park.

Since then, the event has been growing year after year, and nowadays visitors will find a very large Christmas market with an authentic feel. There are many wooden stalls selling everything from Christmas decorations to winter clothes and accessories, as well as sweets and the odd nick-nacks. You can even buy a box with a mix of ingredients for you to make your very own artificial snow for £3 (USD5, €3,70).

If you go to London Winter Wonderland in the late afternoon, it is generally busy, but it’s still pleasant to walk around.

There are several food stalls, but mind you, prices are quite steep. I bought an Angus beef sandwich for £12.50.

One thing that attracts a lot of adults to places like London Winter Wonderland, is a good hot mulled wine, or Glüwein as the Germans call it. For those not familiar, it’s warm red wine mixed with spices such as cinnamon, anise, nutmeg, and cloves. It is served at most stalls and you can even find a cosy wooden cabin with a log fire, where you could get away from the cold and enjoy a cup of mulled wine. The prices are around £5 a cup.

For those who prefer a cold drink no matter the temperature, the large bar called Bavarian Village has a number of different German beers.

There is also an ice rink at London’s Winter Wonderland, which you must book in advance via Winter Wonderland’s official website. Considering that ice-skating is not big in the UK, there are some really good skaters that should be competing on Dancing on Ice. But if you’re a beginner, don’t be shy and just join the fun.

Families with children will definitely enjoy the event, as there is something for everybody. There is an impressive Ferris wheel and the little ones will be able to enjoy the mini-carrousel. Santa Claus also makes an appearance, posing for pictures with the little ones – and the not so little ones in some cases!

Many of the attractions at London Winter Wonderland are a tad bit kitsch. But isn’t that true with everything Christmasy?

London Winter Wonderland is open every day (except Christmas day) until 5th January, from 10am to 10pm, and the entrance is free.