Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Winter Wishes 2025: A magical and accessible community day

The magic of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is in full swing and on the morning of November 19, the gates were opened exclusively for the annual Winter Wishes community day; an event dedicated to providing a free, accessible, and lower-sensory experience for over 6,000 guests from charities, community groups, hospitals, and schools.

These visitors, representing more than 140 charitable organisations and 37 London schools, received complimentary entry and unlimited access to over 100 rides and attractions, in what was truly a magical day for all.

The Winter Wishes day featured enhanced accessibility measures for all, including reduced lighting and sound levels, low-sensory skating on the open-air Ice Rink and audio guides for the Magical Ice Kingdom experience.

Guests also enjoyed a free performance of Zippos Christmas Circus, with an expanded seating area for wheelchair users. Plus, invitees had the chance to meet Father Christmas himself in Santa’s Grotto. Meanwhile dedicated customer service team members and trained access champions were on hand all morning to guide guests around the event.

This is the third year of Winter Wishes returning to Winter Wonderland, with guests attending from: Make-A-Wish UK, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Evelina London Children’s Charity, Open Age Charity, The King’s Trust, Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity, Shelter, NSPCC, Barnado’s, Centrepoint and Royal Society for Blind Children – to name just a few.

As well as incredible charitable organisations, a number of SEN, primary and secondary schools attended and enjoyed the festivities from boroughs across London.

Stephen Flint Wood, Managing Director, Arts & Entertainment, IMG says:

“Winter Wishes was introduced to allow more people the opportunity to experience the magic and joy of Winter Wonderland, whilst also supporting the incredible work carried out by a large range of UK charities, hospitals, and local organisations. 
Building on the success of our past two events, we continue our commitment to creating a space where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can enjoy an enchanting day out over the festive season.”

Emma Foulds, CEO of Open Age Charity says:

‘Open Age is very grateful to Winter Wonderland for inviting our hard-working member-volunteers to such a special day out. Open Age is a London charity which supports over 5000 older people to lead happier, healthier, more connected lives by offering low-cost, fun-filled activities and events. Age really is just a number as our members here today proved!”

Sally McFawn, NSPCC London and SE Schools Manager: 

“Thank you so much, it was a great deal for all our families.  The accessibility and staff were fantastic and what a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. These opportunities are fantastic for our families who would not usually be able to access such a fantastic day out.”

Rob Halkyard, Interim Executive Director of Evelina London Children’s Charity says:

“It’s amazing to be able to give so many of our staff and patients the opportunity to experience Winter Wonderland free of charge. This time of year can be especially tough for families with children in hospital so we’re incredibly grateful to the Winter Wonderland team for giving everyone at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital a welcome festive boost of fun and excitement.”