London's highly anticipated festive attraction, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, is set to open its gates for the 2025 season on Friday, 14th November, despite an official weather warning for torrential rain issued by the Met Office.
Weather Warning and Potential Disruption
The Met Office has activated a yellow weather warning for torrential rain, which is scheduled to come into effect at 6am on Friday, 14th November. Forecasters are predicting over 24 hours of heavy and prolonged rainfall across the capital, accompanied by strong, blustery winds.
The national weather service has explicitly stated that these heavy downpours could lead to localised flooding and significant travel disruption. This adverse forecast has left many ticket-holders questioning whether the grand seasonal opening will proceed as scheduled.
Winter Wonderland's Stance on Inclement Weather
Despite the dire weather predictions, organisers are currently proceeding with the launch. A statement on the official Winter Wonderland website addresses the situation directly, clarifying the event's outdoor nature.
The website advises visitors: “Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is an outdoor event, so make sure you dress appropriately as we will be open in rain, snow or shine!” It further confirms that the popular Ice Rink operates in all weather conditions.
For those seeking shelter, the site offers multiple covered and partially heated seating areas, along with numerous benches. The official policy states that no refunds will be issued due to inclement weather.
Contingency Plans for Ticketed Events
While the general admission event is prepared for bad weather, there is a contingency for specific, ticketed attractions. The policy notes that “In the unlikely event that ticketed events are closed, PWR Events reserves the right to offer a refund or reschedule your booking to an alternative date/time.”
This is not the first time weather has threatened the event; in previous years, the park has been forced to close entirely due to severe conditions. The opening night was preceded by an exclusive press and influencer event on Thursday evening. A spokesperson for Winter Wonderland has been contacted for further comment on the specific plans for Friday's opening.
