IT’S that time of year again where the festive markets open their doors with thrilling rides and magical experiences – and the best one in the UK will open in a matter of days.
Winter Wonderland in London – which was recently named the UK’s best Christmas market – will launch on November 14 and run for six weeks until January 1.
As well as fan favourites, a number of new experiences and attractions will be appearing at the extravaganza.
Here’s the rundown…
Revamped Santa Land
Santa Land has been revamped this year with a new interactive Elves Workshop experience.
Visitors can play puzzles, spin giant cogs and help the elves bring Santa’s toys to life.
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Families can also uncover hidden treasures and get Santa’s autograph.
Then they can head into a snow-dusted forest, with the scent of pine in the air, to sit in Santa’s sleigh.
Free Santa’s Grotto
Part of the revamped Santa Land will also be a free Santa’s Grotto experience.
Visitors will head off on a journey through the new Elves Workshop and see Mrs Claus before meeting the big man himself.
World’s first street food market just for kids
Completely new for this year is the world’s first street food market just for kids.
Known as Jingle Bell Bistro, inside elves have collected the top foodie finds from across the globe for kids to enjoy.
New theme for Magical Ice Kingdom
Whilst the Magical Ice Kingdom is nothing new, it will have a new theme this year – ‘A Mystical, Mythical Fantasy World’.
Visitors will be able to adventure through the Four Realms of Earth, Fire, Air and Water, which will all be made from 500 tonnes of snow and ice by sculptors from the UK and Belgium.
The Magical Ice Kingdom is rather chilly at -10C and it is one of Europe‘s largest ice attractions.
New Après-Ski Party Resort
Over in the much-loved Bavarian Village – where there is usually live music, traditional German food and mulled wine – there will be a new Apres-Ski themed village.
Here visitors will be able to grab a festive-themed drink, bratwursts and enjoy live DJ sets.
New Luminarie Market
The iconic Luminarie light arches were introduced to Winter Wonderland back in 2015, but this year will feature a new extension with an additional 50,260 LED bulbs.
It will also feature a market selling unique and traditional festive gifts.
New Zippos Christmas Circus show
Zippos Christmas Circus will be returning with a new show featuring acrobats, trapeze performers and funny characters.
New Cirque Berserk show
This year the award-winning Cirque Berserk will return with their “most thrilling exclusive show yet” called Ignite.
It will include a number of daredevil performers, including motorbike stunts and fire acts.
The show lasts 45 minutes and costs from £12.50 per adult and £9.50 per child.
Dr. Archibald VR Experience – Horror Edition
This year the Dr Archibald ride has had a revamp.
From 5pm each day, this VR-supported ride is plunged into a horror edition, with special effects, zombies, man-eating plants and spiders.
It costs £9 per person, or £12 per person for fast-track.
New packages
In addition to the new attractions, Winter Wonderland also has a number of new packages available for visitors.
The Arctic Adventure package allows visitors access to the ice rink, a journey through the Magical Ice Kingdom and a race down the Real Ice Slide.
Then the Festive Favourites package, allows visitors to take in panoramic views of London on the giant wheel, sip cocktails in the bar and go ice skating.
The Show Spectacular package includes the top fairground activities, including entry to either Zippos Christmas Circus or Cirque Berserk: Ignite.
Finally, The Taste of Bavaria package allows visitors to enjoy food and festive brews in the Bavarian village.
Returning favourites
A number of attractions will be returning including the UK’s largest ice rink.
The Giant Observation Wheel, which measures 60 metres tall, will also return and is great for looking over the city.
Of course, the popular Bavarian Village will be back as will the tonnes of stalls selling pretty gifts and decorations.
If you are looking for other festive things to do this winter, here are 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.
Plus, UK Christmas market that attracts nearly two million visitors is getting three new attractions.