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Christmas

Christmas Travel: London's Winter Wonderland

December 11, 2007 at 12:00 PM | 1 Comment

When Londoners want to get into the Christmas spirit, they go to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland where revelers can enjoy the city's biggest ice rink, a giant ferris wheel, carol concerts and a "German Christmas Market" attempting to replicate the traditional atmosphere of Britain's famed festive neighbors.

For the most part, it works, with over 25 chalet-style stalls selling authentic handicrafts, decorations and foodstuffs from mulled wine to gingerbread. So far, so German.

The ice rink is the Wonderland's main attraction, however, where an hour-long session costs between £7.50 ($16) and £12.50 ($26), depending on when you skate (earlier is cheaper).

For those whose skating skills are reminiscent of Bambi, there's plenty else to do on site. At the Bungy Dome you can perform complex aerial aerobatics, or simply jump around to your heart's content. We'd suggest doing this pre-bratwurst.

The less adventurous may prefer to simply sit back in one of the ice cafes and sip a steaming gluhwein (mulled wine) or hot chocolate while enjoying the carolers. If you're lucky, you may even see Santa, who's said to be making an appearance in the run-up to Christmas.

--Annabel Ross

Related Stories:
· Winter Wonderland [Official Site]
· Christmas coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ooitschristina]