London: German Christmas market at Hyde Park question...
 

Is it necessary to purchase tickets to be able to access the German Christmas market?

Thank you. :)

No.

There's a wide range of opportunities to spend money throughout the "Winter Wonderland "(ugh) stunt, of which the "German" market is part, so they're graciously letting you into it for free.

Thank you!

I gather, flanneruk, that you are not thrilled with the event. Is it a madhouse?

My son tells me there is tobogganing -- do they make snow or is there some sort of cement course? Just want to know if we should pack a helmet and some padding for him, lol. :D

"Is it a madhouse?"

No. It's a park. One of those green thingies with squirrels. Sort of place you can walk across.

Or used to be till someone decided parks are boring, and what we really needed was more shopping space. Because we're really, really short of shops, and there aren't enough new stations or airports to squeeze more of them into.

So now, instead of walking across the park, we've got to skirt the periphery of another bloody temporary shopping centre. I've no idea what's inside, and have no interest in finding out.

I'd just like my park back, please.

Hey!
We were at the market last Saturday. Kids had fun, while adults were freezing out! If you interested, here is our report http://burlaki.com/b2evolution/index...land_in_london.

It was not too many people. You will not need a helmet on tobogganing ride - it is padded like a playground and they spray it with cold water so it will be slippery. If you are not too thriled to stay in line for 30 min for you BBQ, go the the Hyde Park corner (entrance) and have your hotdog and chocolate there (NO LINES!)
Have fun!

Sorry, flanneruk.

Thanks, matroskin. I came across your blog while searching for information. I'll bring my boots!

Last year every public space had a sodding ice rink in it. This year it's a bloody German Market.

What the hell is that all about? We don't even like the hun.

Hey! No problem! But as German Market goes, this one was pretty good. Of course, it is not a real thing...but as long you have a good company, a couple a glasses of wine...
Also, you do not need to purchase A ferris wheel ticket in advance. We got it right there - no lines on Saturday!
Enjoy!

CW, that wasn't very nice!

I thought the ice rink at Somerset House was kind of great, with the lit torches. It's just a spectacular setting. The one at the Natural History Museum, not so much, and agree that *German Market* was weak.

I saw in the newspaper that they closed Oxford and Regent Streets to traffic for a weekend of shopping. Londoners shop like New Yorkers -- constantly is barely enough.