November 05, 2012, 7:19 am -- /EPR NETWORK/ -- For the most spectacular Christmas in London, most people are waiting for the annual Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, which returns in 2012 on November 23rd, remaining open until January 5th.
The biggest of the capital's many Christmas fairs, the Hyde Park extravaganza is now in its sixth year. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the ice rink, constructed around the famous Victorian bandstand, which will be lit up by 108,000 pea lights.
Other attractions include regulars Zippos Circus, which this year is bringing a brand new show, Cirque Berserk, filled with daredevil stunts and high-wire thrills. There will also be the usual assortment of fairground rides, markets and plenty of food and drink stalls littered around Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
A 53-metre-high ferris wheel offers views across the park and beyond. Entry to the park itself is free, but tokens must be purchased for individual rides. Tokens for the ice rink cost between £10.50-£13.50 for adults, and £8.50-£9 for children, while a go on the giant wheel is £8 for adults and £6 for children.
More information and token prices are available via website LondonTown.com, which has recently revealed details of special discounts on local hotels. Part of their Christmas in London campaign, the discounts are designed to help visitors stay in hotels that might ordinarily be beyond their budget.
Among the deals on offer, the luxury Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London, is offering a 60% discount on their usual double room rate, making the cost of a night's stay £307 (available for the duration of Winter Wonderland).
Better still for those on a tight budget is the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel. When booking now through LondonTown.com, guests are offered a staggering 91% discount on the usual rate for a double room. The discount means you can stay within easy walking distance of Hyde Park, in the heart of London 's exclusive West End, for only £90 per night.
Deluxe double rooms are available at the Lancaster for £159 per night – an 80% reduction on the standard rate. The Lancaster is less than fifteen minutes walk from Hyde Park.
To take advantage of the above deals, view other discounted hotels and for more information on Christmas in London, visit LondonTown.com.
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