10 Things to Do at Winterville London With Kids

You’ll find endless winter magic at Winterville with your kids! Meet Santa in London’s largest free grotto, race down the thrilling 45-meter ice slide, and watch mesmerizing performances at Zippos Christmas Circus. Your children can glide around fairy-lit ice rinks, explore interactive light installations that respond to their voices, and get creative at holiday craft workshops. Don’t miss the hourly snowfall shows, festive market browsing, and classic fairground rides that’ll create unforgettable family memories this season.

Explore the Largest Free Santa’s Grotto in London

Every December, Hyde Park transforms into a magical wonderland where you’ll discover London’s largest free Santa’s Grotto nestled within the enchanting Santa Land area. This newly revamped grotto operates on a first-come, first-served basis daily from 10am to 6pm, though queues may close early on busy days.

Your little ones will love meeting Santa, who gives well-behaved children special gifts. The experience includes an interactive Elves Workshop and Mrs. Claus waving from the grotto balcony. Families can capture these magical moments with personal cameras or smartphones to create lasting Christmas memories.

Since there’s no advance booking and no height restrictions, families across London can enjoy this festive tradition together.

Plan to arrive early and allow extra time for potential waits. The grotto pairs perfectly with nearby attractions like the 45m Ice Slide and Market Square stalls.

Experience the World’s First Kids’ Street Food Market at Jingle Bell Bistro

While most venues serve kids scaled-down adult meals, Jingle Bell Bistro breaks the mold as the world’s first street food market designed entirely for little foodies. Located within Santa Land, this innovative concept eliminates traditional kids’ menus in favor of child-first recipes and formats.

Your children can explore multiple stalls featuring globally-inspired comfort foods, all perfectly portioned for easy eating while walking between attractions.

The festive “street food elves” have curated familiar favorites with kid-friendly presentation and naming that aligns with the magical Santa Land theming. Simply scan QR codes at each stall to browse the international menu options and place your order quickly.

You’ll find excellent value through meal and ride bundles, combining unlimited access to over 16 Santa Land attractions with your dining experience. This creates a perfect central food hub for your jam-packed family day out.

Take a Thrilling Ride Down the 45-Meter Ice Slide

One of Winterville’s most exhilarating attractions sends you and your kids racing down a spectacular 45-meter real ice slide that’ll have them squealing with delight from top to bottom. Located in Santa Land, this multi-lane ice chute lets families race side-by-side on inflatable tubes down polished ice tracks.

Your little ones need to be 90cm+ tall, and kids aged 3-12 must ride with an adult. At £5 per person, you’ll get two slides per ticket – perfect for building confidence on the first run before going all-out on the second.

Book specific time slots online to avoid queues, especially during peak hours. The climb up the tower platform offers fantastic views before you experience that incredible rush of speed and adrenaline together. Queue management systems help ensure everyone gets their turn, though some queues close early to accommodate all visitors during busy periods.

Enjoy Classic Fairground Fun on the Carousel and Helter Skelter

After conquering the ice slide, your family can slow things down with two beloved fairground classics that’ll transport you straight back to childhood magic. The carousel offers gentle spinning motion with festive decorations, perfect for little ones who need a breather from high-energy attractions.

Meanwhile, the helter skelter‘s traditional spiral slide provides just enough mild thrills to keep older kids entertained without overwhelming younger siblings.

Both rides are conveniently located within Santa Land’s 150+ attractions, creating the perfect nostalgic fairground experience. You’ll find them easily accessible with the Santa Land Unlimited Ride Pass, which covers over 12 rides for all-day fun. Between rides, families can visit Mrs. Claus for a special festive encounter that adds extra magic to your Santa Land experience.

These classic carnival attractions complement nearby highlights like the Elves Workshop, making this corner of Hyde Park ideal for creating those precious family memories.

Watch Amazing Daytime Shows Including Zippos Christmas Circus

When you’re ready to give little legs a rest, head straight to the spectacular Zippos Christmas Circus for 45 minutes of jaw-dropping entertainment that’ll captivate kids and adults alike.

You’ll witness international circus superstars performing amazing acrobatics and dazzling trapeze acts, plus lovable comic characters that’ll have everyone giggling.

The surprise appearance by Father Christmas and adorable inflatable polar bears makes this show perfectly festive.

Choose from daily shows at 14:30 and 16:15, with bonus 13:00 weekend performances.

There’s no age or height restrictions, making it ideal for all children.

Arrive 20 minutes early and park buggies outside.

Tickets start from £8.50 for children, with family packages available. The circus runs throughout the festive season from 14 November through to January 1st at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Book ahead through Zippos’ website since weekend shows fill up quickly.

Meet Mrs. Claus and Visit the Interactive Elves Workshop

Step into Mrs. Claus’s magical kitchen where you’ll watch her demonstrate special treat-making techniques while the scent of delicious baked goods fills the air. She’ll share Santa’s favorite recipes and highlight cherished holiday cooking traditions as part of your immersive North Pole adventure.

Next, head to the Interactive Elves Workshop in Santa Land, offering free entry on a first-come, first-served basis with no height or age restrictions. You’ll work hands-on puzzles, spin giant cogs, and help bring Santa’s toys to life.

Sort toys at the trainee elf station, match letters to presents, and drop them at the wrapping station. Try cookie decorating, ornament making, and gingerbread house design while exploring charming elf cottages and catching glimpses of Santa’s sleigh. The merry elves working throughout the workshop are dedicated to spreading joy and creating unforgettable memories for every visitor.

Glide Around the Ice Skating Rinks With Hot Chocolate Treats

While the magical workshop experiences warm your hearts, Winterville’s ice skating rinks will have your family gliding into winter wonderland bliss. You’ll find twinkling fairy lights creating a magical canopy overhead while festive music sets the perfect skating mood.

Kids as young as four can join the fun, with penguin skate aids available for wobbly first-timers and dedicated family sessions keeping crowds manageable.

Book your 45-60 minute sessions online in advance, especially during peak holiday dates. Arrive twenty minutes early for skate fitting and dress everyone in gloves, thick socks, and layers. The venue offers wheelchair access with ramps available for those who need them.

After you’ve worked up an appetite on the ice, treat yourselves to rink-side hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and whipped cream—the perfect warming finale to your skating adventure.

Discover Interactive Light Installations and Glowing Animal Sculptures

As darkness falls over Winterville, the interactive light installations transform the winter festival into a glowing playground where your kids can touch, move, and play with art itself.

Watch them jump and dance as motion sensors trigger brilliant color changes, or encourage them to clap and shout at sound-activated displays that respond instantly to their voices.

You’ll discover oversized glowing animal sculptures that serve as perfect photo opportunities and conversation starters about conservation. These illuminated creatures often feature subtle movements and soundscapes that bring them to life.

Download the trail map to plan your route around the most kid-friendly interactive pieces, and take advantage of the 5-10pm timing that keeps little ones engaged without staying out too late. The giant interactive bubbles create an immersive experience where children can step inside glowing spheres and watch colors shift around them.

Browse Festive Markets and Experience Hourly Snowfall Shows

When the markets come alive with twinkling lights and festive cheer, you’ll find yourself wandering through wooden cabins packed with handmade treasures that’ll captivate your kids’ imagination. Winter Wonderland’s 100+ stalls showcase handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, and unique gifts perfect for little hands to explore.

Your children will love discovering stocking stuffers, sweet treats, and colorful trinkets while street performers entertain nearby.

The hourly snowfall shows create pure magic as artificial snow drifts down, transforming ordinary market browsing into winter wonderland adventures. Time your visit around these scheduled snowfall moments for maximum excitement.

Browse global food options like French pastries and Indian street food between shows. Don’t miss the market staples like meatballs and waffles served from the Scandinavian-themed stalls that add authentic Nordic charm to your family’s festive experience. Visit midday on weekdays to avoid crowds, giving your kids more space to enjoy face painting, photo opportunities, and interactive activities scattered throughout the festive marketplace.

Join Holiday Craft Workshops and Storytelling Sessions

Your kids’ creativity will soar at London’s festive craft workshops, where they’ll transform simple materials into magical holiday treasures. Upper Norwood Library Hub’s 2-day holiday camp on December 22nd-23rd offers gingerbread decorating, snow globe making, and Christmas ornament design.

Your children can craft handmade gifts like jewellery, bath salts, and mini canvas paintings while creating reindeer hats and festive cards. The camp runs from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day, providing a full schedule of creative activities for children aged 5 and above.

For younger crafters, Horley Health Hub hosts a free winter workshop on December 24th (10:30am-12pm) targeting ages 7-13, focusing on paper crafts and card making. You’ll need to stay on-site during the 90-minute session.

ClassBento offers Christmas gift mosaics workshops in South East London for £90-£125, welcoming ages 12+ and accommodating 1-7 guests with all materials provided.

The Sum Up

You’ll create magical memories at Winterville that your kids won’t stop talking about! From meeting Santa for free to zooming down that epic ice slide, there’s something exciting around every corner. Don’t forget to grab hot chocolate while ice skating and catch the hourly snowfall shows – they’re absolutely enchanting. Pack your warmest clothes, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for the ultimate winter wonderland experience in London!