England: London, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland Creates Holiday Magic. 
Perhaps the most exciting outdoor event of the season, Winter Wonderland presents an enchanting and festive atmosphere meant for families to share.
Here’s the scoop. I love London any time of the yearbut during the holiday season it is most magical. Perhaps the best example of the magic is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland crowned Consumer Event of The Year at the 2010 Visit London awards. Plans are set to make it even better this year beginning with the addition of ‘Zippos Cirque Extreme. ’ The Zippos one-hour spectacular experience is created by the very best contortionists, aerialists and acrobats who provide a thrilling, daring and heart-stopping act. If London is on your holiday list add Winter Wonderland to the plan.
Offering all-new winter thrills. In addition to the holiday magic, Wonderland will also showcase Alpine Adventure – perhaps the most heart-pumping thrill rides you’ll experience during the Christmas season. A never-been-seen-before roller-coaster joins the exciting array of new thrill rides. And wait for it! Exclusive to Winter Wonderland this year is the Alpine Hotel, the largest fun house in Europe.
Christmas in London - festive and fun. Winter fairs and outdoor ice skating are all the rage during the winter, and the London Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is one of the best. Full of all kinds of festive fun from ice skating to Christmas markets and observation wheels, fun fair rides and a Santa's Grotto will make for a special family event.
Enjoy unique holiday shopping. The German Christmas Market at the Winter Wonderland will offer traditional Christmas fare, unusual gifts, and refreshing alternatives to the typical High Street options. Expect to find as hand-crafted wooden and tin toys, delicate glass Christmas tree ornaments, candles in all shapes and sizes, hand-made ceramics and jewelry.
Visit Santa's Grotto at Winter Wonderland. The jolly old elf himself will be on site to entertain and delight tykes. Last year Santa gave away 50,000 presents to little nippers - but only to those who's been very good indeed.
New for 2011 - Zippos Circus. Visitors of all ages will be enchanted by a very special circus from Zippo, who will be putting together a bespoke festive event inside a huge heated big top.
Here’s the deal. The VINCI Park Mayfair Car Park (Achilles Way, Park Lane W1K 1AB) outside the congestion zone and a short stroll from Winter Wonderland is offering exclusive rates to Winter Wonderland visitors.
Location on the planet. The nearest tube to Hyde Park Corner is a one minute walk from the Piccadilly Line. For full details on public transport, walking or cycling routes to Hyde Park, visit www.tfl.gov.uk and for train information into London visit www.thetrainline.com
Make it happen. Winter Wonderland runs from mid November to early January. Entry to Wonderland itself is free and tokens for the rides and the grotto can be bought on site. Need to know. Tickets for ice skating, the observation wheel and the circus must be purchased in advance at the website. To solidify vacation plans go to
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/Add Hampton Court to your holiday. One of my favorite suggestions for families visiting London is Hampton Court. And each holiday season the palace offers an awesome glimpse of Tudor life. During “Tudor Christmas at Hampton Court Palace” the complex is alive with entertainment typical of the 16th century. Expect to enjoy songs, stories, music and dance plus festive food meant to be shared.
Bonus points: Visitors are invited to join in the singing of traditional and contemporary carols in the palace's courtyards and gardens, accompanied by a silver band.
Wait for it! During the wintery months, an ice rink is available for public use near the West Front of the Palace. (Hampton Court Surrey KT8 9AU England. 0844 482 7777 (from UK), +44 (0)20 3166 6000 (from outside the UK) or
www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/)
Walk about Kew Gardens. Also one of our family favorites Kew Gardens is rewarding any time of year. In addition to the comfy green houses, during the wintery months Kew Gardens staff members conduct free guided ‘Winter Walks’ and showcasing Christmas plants that thrive throughout winter in Kew’s 300 acre site. There’s a festive grotto where Father Christmas awaits tykes and carousel ride on Kew Palace lawn.
Wait for it! Also available is seasonal face painting at Climbers and Creepers. Bonus points: To sustain the holiday spirit without much effort take a comfy horse and carriage ride around the park. (Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte's Cottage 0844 482 7777 (from UK), +44 (0)20 3166 6000 (from outside the UK) or
www.kew.org)
London Holiday Family Vacation Planning The most helpful spot to see the big picture and all the options for families is Visit London.
www.viewlondon.co.uk/Content and images provided by Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Comments by Nancy nelson-Duac, Editor FTF. Copyright 2011.