Xmas Market Hyde park or South Bank?

[Joyn]

I'm thinking of taking the kids to London in the week leading up to Christmas, and was wondering where to go to get that Christmas feeling? Has anyone been to either the winter wonderland in Hyde park or the south bank Christmas Market (would probably combine that with a ride on the London eye). My kids are 8yrs, 6yrs & 2&1/2yrs.

I have been to the Winter Wonderland. It is really just a funfair in the park / in the dark .

I haven't been to the South Bank at that time of year.

Thanks Londonmumsie. Is there much to do there for really little ones (apart from visit father Christmas)?

Joyn, with really little ones, I would personally give it a miss.

TBH, when mine were tiny they liked looking at the stalls and ice skating outside the Natural History Museum and maybe having a hot chocolate. That was enough for them!

I do like the South Bank nearly all the time, just haven't done it at Xmas. Usually buskers, etc, around so often lively.

I've been to Winter Wonderland twice .Once last year,in the snow, on the 18th Dec. And 2 years ago.
My DCs wil be 12 and 9.6 at Christmas. My DD loves fairground rides, DS is a bit queasy on some (like myself.DH has to go on if they need an adult)
The rides are £3 child/£4 adult.So one ride for DH and DC £10! It adds up quick.
They loved the slamon,waltzer rides and a swinging 'magic carpet' ride. Some were closed last year, due to snow. I pre-booked the big wheel and we could.t see a flippin thing because the windows steamed up and there was a blizzard.

SouthBank is just a load of stalls.Nice to look at but we never buy anything. We are vegetarian and there are lots of Hog Roast stalls so didn't eat there.There is a carousel and some of the street entertainers.
And it's freezing by the river.
London Eye is good though.And the London Aquarium with the tank of sharps as my DS called them when he was 3yo.We don't let him forget [hgrin]

Thanks everyone, think we'll give Hyde park a try. :-)

ObvioulsyOblivious - is there anything to do there that is not paid for? i.e. things to look at, music or whatever?

From what I read on the website entry & visit to Santa is free, there are also over 100 market stalls. The website is www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com