Winter Wonderlands

scorza · 24 Nov 2014 at 14:45

Just been reading about Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's woes with his Winter Wonderland venture, which follows previous embarrassing failures for other people offering similar experiences.

I'm wondering if anyone here has been to one of these type things and would care to share their experiences, good or bad. The whole idea of these things sounds ghastly to me - even if they were well put on, so I'm really curious if anyone has enjoyed themselves at one and why.

Where did these things come from? Presumably the USA where I bet they put on a better show than we do.

londonbairn · 24 Nov 2014 at 14:48

London one is really good, German beer apres ski style is awesome. Go every year and always have a good time.

Cosimo · 24 Nov 2014 at 14:49

londonbairn said:
London one is really good, German beer apres ski style is awesome. Go every year and always have a good time.

Where is that?

gjrc · 24 Nov 2014 at 14:51

Cosimo said:
Where is that?

hyde park.

its good, just dont look at whats holding up the roller coasters / spinning rides etc... scary!

/edit its also damn expensive. everything is basically a fiver. drink, food , rides everything.

robfosters · 24 Nov 2014 at 15:06

Problem with these places is they don't own the locations. They literally rent them out for 2 or so months. That gives them no time for proper planning and most importantly, installation. If one was to be built permanently, it would be a different story. But then you can't have land and park that size and only use it 1 month a year. So they're just a waste of time and money in general.

Mat · 24 Nov 2014 at 15:13

We went to the one in London last year too and thought it was very good. We took in the circus type acrobatics show (which was amazing) did some skating (both of which we had to book in advance) and generally had a great time.

Would recommend.

robgmun · 24 Nov 2014 at 15:34

Birmingham is probably the best UK one, and it seems to get bigger every year

CLAWS · 24 Nov 2014 at 15:49

The company I work for are doing something called Winterville in Victoria Park. Might check that out instead of Winter Wonderland.

Normally head up to Birmingham this time of year for the German Market(s). Always enjoy the food and drink there but everything is ridiculously overpriced. Being able to spend time with family there softens the blow somewhat

Xire · 24 Nov 2014 at 16:25

The London one is very good. Problem is it is ALWAYS so rammed full of people.

TheVoice · 24 Nov 2014 at 16:40

What was that one a few years back which was in the news and was probably the most depressing, awful Christmas-themed thing ever? It looked more like a construction site than a 'wonderland'.

Maccy · 24 Nov 2014 at 16:43

Hyde Park isn't too bad, it's just too busy.

Malevolence · 24 Nov 2014 at 16:51

This bear from Lapland UK 2008 never fails to get me every time.

Pawnless Endgame · 24 Nov 2014 at 17:32

I'm hoping to go to Hyde Park this Saturday. They've got a new European ride this year called XXL :-)

holymonk · 24 Nov 2014 at 18:35

I don't understand why any parents would bother with them.

Capt Doufos · 24 Nov 2014 at 19:34

Birmingham is closest to traditional German markets (Because it is one)

Tom0 · 24 Nov 2014 at 19:46

Been to the one in Brum too, really good.

Xordium · 24 Nov 2014 at 19:59

I went to the Brum one today - it's a lot better than previous years - can barely type though too much Schnapps and Gluwein ...

Em3bbs · 24 Nov 2014 at 19:59

holymonk said:
I don't understand why any parents would bother with them.

The Hyde Park one has something for everyone, rides, food, Christmas market with gluehwein (mulled wine) and beer. It's just a nice day out for the family in a nice and massive setting.

mjt · 24 Nov 2014 at 20:10

Hop on the Eurostar to Brussels, take the ICE to Cologne and go to a proper Christmas market.

/thread

daz · 24 Nov 2014 at 20:12

mjt said:
Hop on the Eurostar, take the ICE all the way to Cologne and go to a proper Christmas market.

/thread

The one in Hyde Park is actually a proper Christmas market - all of the stalls are German/from Europe. The beer and currywurst is delicious, and, whilst it is a bit crowded it is a fun day or evening out.