Last week we were invited to the opening celebrity filled night at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. It’s always a truly exciting even and knowing we would be running shoulders with the likes of Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton we were beside ourselves with anticipation. When I picked Florence up from school ready for her late night special treat, Miss Pretty told me that her eyes had been dancing on the carpet she was so looking forward to it! I have to admit, so was I!

My Mum came with us and off we went with the children to catch the very first glimpse of all that Winter Wonderland has to offer for 2014. We were bowled over from the minute we arrived with the festivities and fun all around us. I have been on previous years and not really ‘felt’ it but it was over powering with just how ‘Christmas’ everything was and we could’t wait to get on that ice rink.

We skated, we ate pretzels, we danced to the band in the bar, we went on rides, got frozen in the beautiful ice kingdom and we loved every single second of it. The skating was so pretty and with such helpful staff who helped us around even though we weren’t very good and it almost felt like we were in an old fashioned Christmas movie. I couldn’t help thinking how romantic it would be to have a date here but with children it was also perfect and both of mine had an absolute blast!

I love how the little rides in Santa Land are just right for tiny tots but there are also little rides dotted in amongst the big ones all over the site. We were slightly disappointed that the giant observation wheel wasn’t working which is exactly what happened to us last year but it was all made up for with Zippos Circus! Circus in the winter felt very decadent indeed but it was perfect and wonderful and brilliant as ever! We caught the family show but they have a darker one a bit later in the day which is more suited to adults so everyone is catered for. Zippos is a brilliant circus at the best of times but somehow in the winter, with a Christmas surround, it is even better!

We loved our time at Winter Wonderland this year and one of the best points is that you only pay for what you use. So you can wander amongst the festive Christmas markets or just stop for a drink at the Bavarian bar and not spend a penny on anything else if you wish or you could set a limit and make it a budget trip out with the children. Of course yo could go mad too but there is enough to see and do without breaking the bank!

My top picks would be the Magical Ice Kingdom (although you WILL need to be wrapped up warm, the carousel and of course the circus! I really want to say the observation wheel too but sadly I haven’t tried it myself so can only say it looks good!

A fun and festive day out for the whole family, romantics on a date, teenagers, old timers and just about everyone really! Look at the fun we had!

We were invited as VIP guests to the opening night of Winter Wonderland.

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