Rick Steves Recommends Visiting London During Christmastime For This Epic Festival

Every winter, London explodes with festive activities leading up to Christmas Day. From decorated gardens to ice skating to elaborate light displays, this popular U.K. city is the perfect spot for a winter getaway. However, there is one specific attraction that travel expert Rick Steves calls "the city's biggest to-do." One of Steves' top tips for visiting London during Christmastime is to visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, a massive holiday carnival spanning most of London's iconic park. The sheer scale of this wintertime festival will have you and your family feeling the holiday spirit all day.

Perfect for people of all ages, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland hosts festive winter markets, an impressive collection of carnival rides, and the UK's largest ice rink. Tune in for endless live performances from Justin's Christmas Sing-along to Zippos Christmas Circus, and prepare to explore attractions like the Magical Ice Kingdom and The Elves Workshop in Santa Land. You will, of course, have the opportunity to meet the big man himself, Santa, or as they say in the U.K., Father Christmas. Santa's Grotto is the perfect place to snap a picture with your little ones and give them an opportunity to tell the big man what they want to see under the tree this year.

In addition to classic holiday attractions, Winter Wonderland hosts some of the tallest transportable rides in the world, from thrilling pendulum-style rides to staggering loop-de-loop coasters. If you aren't feeling super daring, tamer thrills lie in the slippery Ice Slide and Giant Wheel ride. Once you're done chasing thrills, you can grab a satisfying meal from the Street Food Village. Choose between a range of cuisines, from Mexican delicacies and customizable mac and cheese bowls to a classic plate of fish and chips. For adults looking to kick their feet up while the kids play, try one of the many festive bars Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has to offer.

The carnival opens on November 14th, 2025, and will last through January 1st, 2026. To enjoy one of the most festive things to do in London, be sure to grab tickets before you go. Entry starts at five pounds for standard times but can be more or less expensive depending on the time of day. Meals, attractions, and events will incur additional fees but can be booked ahead of time to take advantage of online deals.