Hyde Park in London has the most amazing Wonder Wonderland and entry is free. All rides though have to be booked in advance and these can work out expensive. If you just want to wander around and sip a cup of mulled wine, or treat yourself to some Christmas treats it is a fabulous place to visit. The best time to go is just before it actually gets dark, then as you roam around all the lights come on and it is magical. There are plenty of scary rides for the brave, ice skating, a circus and a wonderful big wheel. Santa can be seen riding by the wheel on his sleigh. As it gets really dark the whole place seems to shimmer with light and it does indeed feel very festive. It is extremely busy, we had a one year old with us and although she was being carried by her daddy, it was still difficult to push the buggy around. When we were leaving the queue to come into the area was two to three hours long! that would be no fun in the freezing cold. So do go early. We only waited ten minutes to go in at 3.30 pm. Hyde Park tube station had been closed for safety reasons due to the sheer number of people by 5 pm. We walked to Green Park to get the tube home. This is a fairly long walk if you had young children or people who had walking difficulties. Marble Arch would be a better choice.
