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 market – will launch on November 14 and run for six weeks until January 1.

Two young women ice skating and laughing at Winter Wonderland 2025.Winter Wonderland in London is returning this week with a number of new attractionsCredit: © 2024 Joshua Atkins

As well as fan favourites, a number of new will be appearing at the extravaganza.

Here’s the rundown…

Revamped Santa Land

Santa Land has been revamped this year with a new interactive experience.

Visitors can play puzzles, spin giant cogs and help the elves bring Santa’s toys to life.

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 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 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 .

The Magical Ice Kingdom is rather chilly at -10C and it is one of ‘s largest ice attractions.

New Après-Ski Party Resort

Over in the much-loved– 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

Crowds of people at Winter Wonderland at night, with multiple ornate arches adorned with multicolored lights spanning over them, and several amusement park rides visible in the background.Luminarie light arches will feature an extension this yearCredit: © Eric Aydin-Barberini / Fanatic 2021

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 selling unique and traditional festive gifts.

New Zippos Christmas Circus show

Zippos Christmas 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 , including motorbike stunts and fire acts.

The show lasts 45 minutes and costs from £12.50 per adult and £9.50 per child.

Santa Claus sitting with a child in a red snowsuit and a dinosaur hat.There will also be a Santa’s Grotto experience that is free to visitCredit: © 2024 Joshua Atkins

Dr. Archibald VR Experience – Horror Edition

This year the Dr Archibald ride has had a revamp.

From 5pm each day, this 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 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 on the giant wheel, sip cocktails in the bar and go ice skating.

A young woman with blonde hair, wearing a white jacket and an orange helmet, smiles while snow tubing down a slope.There a number of new packaged available for visitors to pre-purchase this yearCredit: © 2024 Joshua Atkins

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 in the Bavarian village.

Returning favourites

A number of attractions will be returning including the UK’s largest

The Giant 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 for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.

Plus, that attracts nearly two million visitors is getting three new attractions.

Aerial view of Winter Wonderland at night, showing brightly lit rides, tents, and crowds of people.Winter Wonderland will then be open until JanuaryCredit: © 2024 Joshua Atkins