Having German blood coursing through my veins, I have visited many a Christmas Market in my time. This year is my first Christmas in London, and I didn't really expect much in the way of traditional German markets. I expected more commercialized displays, and overpriced technology. And when I heard about Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, I was expecting rides, ice skating and a bar with beer and mediocre 'mulled wine' (it's glühwein you idiots).
But I was presently surprised by Hyde Park's German Market. Especially when I ordered my onion and bacon potatoes (my favourite thing about being part German) and the woman could barely understand me, and through her thick German accent asked if I wanted Sauerkraut too.
Winter Wonderland, as cliche as it sounds, literally has something for everyone. It's free entry, so an evening out doesn't have to cost a fortune. There's every kind of fairground ride you could hope for, a carousel bar, traditional German food and drink stands, and a traditional German market. There was even a bar area where a pensioner DJ is singing Gangnam Style. Proper Glühwein and hot cider is available at every turn, and gingerbread hearts adorn the necks of children.
But I was just really pleased to see traditional gifts available! It's rare to see more than one stand of these in English markets, and there were some beautifully handcrafted gifts there!
Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland is open from 10am til 10pm every day until January 6th.
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