Walking in a Winter Wonderland

The 23rd November saw London's Hyde Park fall under its annual Christmas spell as it made its yearly transformation from a hub of summer rock concerts to a land of log cabins, Christmas trees and glistening lights of red, white, gold and green - all in aid of 2012's season to be jolly.

Brimming with fantastically festive food and drink, an Ice Age 4 Ice Skating Rink and a Bavarian Village to boot, Winter Wonderland has the exciting potential to be a fun experience for all who visit it in its lengthy 6 week run.

The capital's much loved festive arcadia - or place of indulgence and decadence, depending on your own experience of it - has once again taken strides to be bigger and better than its predecessor. 2012's site includes the addition of of The Magical Ice Kingdom - an awe inspiring experience created from over 200 tons of ice and snow, developed over 4 months by 20 sculptors, hosting over 500 ice and snow sculptors - as well as the return of Zippo's Circus, a UK favourite, and the hundreds of unique stalls and fairground rides. All these elements make this year's wonderland a genuine extravaganza, but most notably, this time around, the atmosphere is much more lively (and perhaps a little boisterous at times), and whilst that may attract a younger crowd looking to party, it may deter families looking for a family night of festive fun.

Party atmosphere

The party really takes place in the festival's 'Bavarian Village, which in 2012 has become much more Oktoberfest and far less the usual idyllic re-imagining of a traditionally festive Bavarian community, with thousands of people dancing around long wooden tables and stools to pounding German electro whilst guzzling steins of German beer aplenty. The atmosphere is good natured and there are even a few youngsters dotted around getting stuck into the fun, but at times it's hard to avoid unfortunate comparisons to a Saturday night at an 18-30's night at Pontins.

Family friendly

Families really shouldn't be put off though as the event runs daily between the hours of 10am and 10pm, and during the weekdays and weekend day time, things will no doubt be much more relaxed and family friendly. The 'Ice Age 4' Ice Rink is a real draw and numerous child-friendly rides like the Irrgarten Fun House are dotted all over the site, and will no doubt capture the imaginations of the younger folk in attendance. To add even more Christmas authenticity to things, Father Christmas has returned to Santa Land with the new Santa’s Factory - a fun-house where his elves are busy making gifts ahead of the big day. Last year, Santa gifted 50,000 presents and will be there every-day to hand out treats to those children who have been good.

So, with a Yuletide Market offering traditional Christmas items such as wooden toys, nativity scenes and decorations; a fairground that captures the childlike wonderment of younger visitors; hundreds of stalls selling mouth-watering food and drink aplenty, and a buzzing party-like atmosphere that features DJs, bands and dancers, 2012's Winter Wonderland once again feels like a step up from the last.

It's a fast and bustling pace, and whilst somewhat chaotic at times is befitting of its capital city host - finding that fine balance between festive and all out barmy in the way that only London could manage to achieve.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs at Hyde Park until 6th January 2013. Open daily 10am-10pm (except Christmas Day)

Find out more at hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Words: Russell Cook

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