London's iconic Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has been named one of the most expensive Christmas markets in the United Kingdom for 2025, according to a revealing new study. While entry tickets start from around £7.50 at peak times, the real cost unfolds inside the festive gates.
The Price of a Festive Pint and Glass of Glühwein
Catering specialists Alliance Online conducted research into food and beverage costs across the nation's most popular festive markets. Their findings place Winter Wonderland at the top for the priciest pint of beer, costing visitors approximately £7.90. In stark contrast, the city of Leeds offers the best value, with a pint averaging just £6.
When it comes to mulled wine, the London attraction also claims the dubious honour of being the most expensive market in the UK. A warming glass will set you back roughly £7.40, a price deemed standard for the capital but exorbitant compared to other regions.
A Sweet Spot for Hot Chocolate Lovers
It's not all bad news for those with a sweet tooth, however. Amid the high costs, Winter Wonderland offers a relative bargain. Its hot chocolate, priced at £3.80, ranks as the second-cheapest among the UK's major Christmas markets. This puts it on par with, or even below, the cost of offerings from some high-street coffee chains.
Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online commented on the findings, stating: "Christmas markets mark the start of the festive season for many people, but they can also be some of the most expensive activities. By unveiling the costs of drinks at UK Christmas markets, we hope we can help visitors plan their visits accordingly and enjoy the celebrations without worrying about overspending."
Planning Your Winter Wonderland Visit
The 2025 event in Hyde Park, spanning 350 acres, features over 150 stalls alongside attractions like an ice skating rink, the 'Ice Kingdom', rides, and Bavarian food outlets. With the detailed price breakdown now public, attendees can better budget for their festive day out, balancing the costly drinks with the more affordable hot chocolate and the sheer scale of the entertainment on offer.
