Image by Freepik
By Tali Stutt, Becky Chesson, and Betty del Pilar Jimenez Garzon
Christmas markets have returned to London with lights, music, and thousands of tourists. This year, many visitors agree on one thing: they are more expensive now than ever.
Popular venues such as Winter Wonderland, Southbank Winter Market, and Covent Garden have seen prices for food, drinks, and attractions rise. This resulted in complaints from Londoners and tourists who were expecting a more affordable experience.
One Islington resident, Margarita Damai, 23, who has recently visited Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square markets, explained, “It’s just a money-making scheme, because if it was just for the festive season, it wouldn’t be priced so high. Chocolate strawberries were £8, which is so ridiculous.”
Christmas Tree at London Metropolitan University, photographed by Tali Stutt
Millions of visitors
Winter Wonderland attracts almost 2.5 million visitors every year, with tourists coming into London specifically for the Hyde Park attraction, with food and drink prices ranging from £9 to £11.50, and attractions such as Santa’s Grotto, the Big Wheel and the Ice Ride ranging from £9 – £18.
Amelia Hunt, 21, says, “I don’t love the price of the Christmas markets in London, but it has become a bit of a tradition for me to buy my family’s presents from Covent Garden every year. I guess the prices don’t matter to me that much.”
Some people, however, think it’s worth the hype. “Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is like stepping into a Christmas fairy tale. The lights, the decorations, the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts—it’s absolutely magical,” wrote Reina RK on Tripadvisor.
Image by Freepik
Rupert Reed, however, dubbed it a “hellish experience”. He wrote on Tripadvisor: “It turns out the event has grown beyond all recognition – it is now an enormous site: a nightmare of noise, massively over-crowded, long queues (well over an hour for pre-booked rides) and ridiculously expensive.”
Top tips
- If you want to treat the family but are on a limited budget, it’s possible to visit Winter Wonderland for free on specific off-peak times – but you will still need to book tickets in advance.
- Be aware, however, that bringing your own food – apart from specific dietary items and baby formula – is strictly prohibited – but might be hard to enforce.
- Families with young children might consider eating a meal beforehand, and just purchasing a small treat for the little ones.
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