Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in central London will not be taking place this year, the company has announced.
The organisers say that "ongoing health concerns" and uncertainty about Covid-19 have forced them to cancel the event for this winter.
Billed as "London's spectacular Christmas destination", the popular festive destination has been entertaining millions of Londoners and tourists since 2007.
The event hires hundreds of seasonal workers, so the news of its cancellation could add more woe to the hospitality industry after a spring and summer of limited business and lockdown restrictions.
In a statement on their Facebook page, Winter Wonderland said:
"Dear Hyde Park Winter Wonderland family,
"It is with a heavy heart we share that Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will not be taking place this year.
"Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has always been about bringing friends and family together in a fun, safe and interactive environment to celebrate the festive season.
"Our team has worked tirelessly, exploring every possible option in the hopes of being able to move forward with the event in a responsible manner and provide London with some much-needed festive cheer.
"However, in light of ongoing health concerns, travel restrictions and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and considering the size and scale of this event, we just couldn’t find a way to do that without compromising the magical attractions, shows, rides, bars and experiences that make Hyde Park Winter Wonderland so special.
"We know how disappointing this news will be for the millions of people we usually welcome each season. And we can assure you we share your disappointment, having put a lot of work, sweat and even some tears into trying to make this year’s event possible.
"Thank you so much for your ongoing support and please stay safe. We cannot wait to bring friends and family back together to celebrate the festive season at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in 2021."
Social media users reacted to the news with a mixture of shock and inevitability.
One person said on Twitter: "Just to round off a really massive sh*t year. You can think what you want of the event but it hires a load of people so just another wave of income lost."
"Sad times but the right thing to do," another wrote.
"Damn I'll have to drink £8 cups of mulled wine elsewhere," someone else said.
