It’s not Christmas without Winter Wonderland Stoke rolling into town and this year brought the joy and festive sparkle into the heart of Hanley. I want to kindly thank the event for providing me with free tickets to provide an honest and unbiased review.

With such a quick turnaround transforming a rather downtrodden car park in Hanley into a festive wonderland is by no means easy but the team at Winter Wonderland band together to deliver a magical spectacle each and every year they arrive in town.
From the plush red carpet that covers the event to the indoor heated bar, there’s just a lovely atmosphere around the place and it’s much needed in Hanley at this time of year.

Locals need a little perk in their step (me included) and Winter Wonderland does just that as you can enter the event completely free of charge and then decide what you’d like to do whilst inside.
Whether you want to go ice skating, go on the rides or simply chill inside the cosy bar or sample some of the food it’s completely up to you to do as you please.

This year’s array of rides is certainly a mix for all the family. We have the small flat rides for all the kids along with the bungee trampolines and we suddenly work our way up to the funhouse, Sizzler and the Waltzers.
For those a little braver (and older) they can jump on the KMG Freak Out, Tivoli Extreme ride and then soar to the skies on the travelling sky swing, a different model than the usual KMG that resides at Stoke on Trent Winter Wonderland.

Whilst visiting we only thought we would be there for a total of two hours but we ended up staying for a total of 4 as there was plenty to see and do and the atmosphere was very cosy and welcoming.
The staff members were all friendly and were joking around with members of the public in a lovely way that I just hadn’t seen before and this embodied that Christmas mentality where I’m adamant that everyone at this time of year instantly becomes friendlier. 
There’s a new train ride experience for families at the event this year and despite being a big kid I sadly didn’t get to see inside there at the event this year but from what I could see from the TV screens placed outside of the experience it looked quite fun and immersive. A lovely train carriage you sit inside and go on a little digital adventure, good fun for all the family! 

From burgers and bratwursts to churros and doughnuts there’s plenty to feast your eyes (and tastebuds) on and after sampling about half of the park I’d highly recommend the German Sausages, they were lovely!
A pint costs around £5 and a giant bratwurst costs around £8 so it gives you an idea of prices for when you’d like to come on down and check it out for yourselves.

I would recommend laying off the drink and the food until AFTER the rides though because there are quite a few spinning rides here at Winter Wonderland this year so if you have a dicky tummy then I’d leave the feast until afterwards. Better safe than sorry! 
With a whole variety of Christmas tunes playing in the bar to a few dancey numbers scattered around some of the rides, there’s a nice mix of soundtrack to keep you in a festive yet dancey mood and I’m so glad we have this back in Stoke on Trent this winter.

The team kindly invited me on-site in the build-up to the event to watch various rides being built up and it really is like being around family.
Everyone was so warm and welcoming but at the same time, everyone was laser-focused on getting the job done. It was a pleasure spending time with them and it showcased the hard work that goes unseen and often unappreciated when the event opens its doors.

There’s a real magic in Stoke on Trent this winter and I’m grateful to all the team for coming on down and brightening up the potteries this winter. Also, watch out for those Waltzers, they’re MUCH quicker than they were last year, you have been warned! 
Check out our Winter Wonderland VLOG posted on our spin-off theme park and attractions channel Lift Hills and Thrills below of our experience at the event: