It’s Thursday afternoon and the rain has just let up for the first time all day. But neither the water nor the cold have prevented hundreds of people from queuing at the entrances to ‘Winter Wonderland’, the largest Christmas fair in London, to enjoy the impressive attractions, the souvenir stalls and the numerous stalls selling mulled wine, sausages and chips. This christmas classic in the British capital, located in the center Hyde Parkhas become a mandatory stop for thousands of tourists and local since its first edition in 2007.
Inside the enormous enclosure you can breathe the christmas spirit everywhere. Families with children, groups of friends and couples in love walk under the colorful lights of the attractions —including the roller coasters, the flying chairs or the dizzying 65-meter-high pendulum—, which are interspersed with Christmas songs and the smell of waffles already hot chocolate. In the dozens of fair booths There are games of all kinds to test the aim and skill of the visitors, who put all their effort into achieving the desired goals. stuffed dolls that populate the shelves.
The Hyde Park Christmas Fair Ferris Wheel / Joshua Atkins
Lisa Belmontea French woman who has lived in London for 18 years, has just finished a game with her family, who are visiting the city. “It is a tradition to come here every year. We like attractions, mulled wine and food. It’s always fun,” says Belmonte, who highlights the evolution of the fair in recent years. “The food stalls are of better quality and the attractions are getting better”, he assures.
Exponential growth
‘Winter Wonderland’ was born as a small Christmas marketad with some attractions, including a noria and one ice skating rink. But since then has not stopped growing: other spaces have been included such as circushe igloo bar and the ice slidesin addition to the programming of numerous shows and concerts on stages spread throughout the venue. The market has also increased in size and there are increasingly more booths with their own productss of this time of year—gloves, scarves, and coats—and also with unorthodox services, such as a teeth whitening.
“The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland was originally inspired by the northern europe christmas marketsa, like those of Cologne and Stuttgart, but it quickly forged its own unique identity and personality”explains Suzy Griffithsvice president of Arts and Entertainment at IMG, the organizing company. Griffiths highlights as the main novelties this year the creation of an interactive elf workshop and the incorporation of a street market with food specially designed for children. “Currently we are the most magical event in the capital and the biggest party of the season for Londoners, welcoming million visitors every year”.
A child with Santa Claus at the fair. / Joshua Atkins
The growth of the fair has also been noted in prices. To the Prohibitedof something more than 8 eurosthe fees for the attractions are added, which must be paid separately. At one of the food stalls they offer six churros at 9 euros and hot chocolate for about 5 euros; in another, the burgers are 13 euros and pints of beer, at 8. High prices that, for most, are worth paying. “They are the typical London prices”explains Sophie Kinrossa 25-year-old girl who goes to the fair practically every year. “Some may consider it expensive, but you have a good time and it only happens once a year“, adds his partner, Michael Chung.
German market
In it ‘Baviera Village’an area of the venue inspired by the ‘Oktoberfest’there is a huge tent set up with long tables and about twenty food stalls around it. Rafa Ricoa young Spaniard who has lived in London for five years, has just arrived with his friends, Pedro y Maríawho have come to spend a few days. “This fair is something out of the ordinary, we are not used to this. It is a good way to prepare for the holidays”says Pedro, taking a look at the lively atmosphere.
At the opposite end, on a huge stage, the Bavarian band ‘Frontal’ He begins to sing his first songs in front of a dedicated audience. Here there are many beer mugsthe hats Santa Clausthe headbands with shiny antennae and the christmas sweaters. The consumption of alcohol begins to have its effects and the attendees sing more and more loudly some Christmas classics, combined with songs that are never missing in any celebration, including the ‘Sweet Caroline‘. Rico watches the scene from afar, while taking a bite of his huge sausage. “Today it’s still quiet. On weekends you can’t even go in.”
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