Ringwood’s Winter Wanderland is a series of events and activities in the Town to mark the festive period and to encouarge visitors to come into the town to view our wonderful lights, Christmas tree and support our fabulous shops, bars and restaurants. This year's festivities start on Sunday 1st December with our popular event.
This year’s Winter Wanderland promises to be more magical than ever! Here's a glimpse of what's happening:
Santa’s Arrival
The festivities kick off at 11:30am when Santa departs from the Long Stay Car Park and heads to The Furlong Shopping Centre and Gateway Square. You might even get a chance to snap a photo with Santa and his sleigh!
Christmas Market
Explore over 70 fantastic stalls, stretching from Fridays Cross to the Market Place, featuring local arts and crafts, produce, unique gifts, charity stalls, and a delicious variety of food options.
Children’s Entertainment & More
Head to the Furlong Shopping Centre for children’s entertainment. ,
Art installation
Dont miss the Gateway Square this year for an extra special surpirse installation.Take a snap outside the Castle Gateway!
Street Entertainment & Stage Acts
Enjoy vibrant street performers and stage acts on the Market Place stage.
Ringwood and Burley Band Performances
Catch live performances by the Ringwood and Burley Band as they fill the High Street with joyful Christmas tunes.
Polar Express Miniature Railway
All aboard the Polar Express miniature railway at Fridays Cross, alongside impressive steam engines!
Evening Parade & Light Switch-On
The second parade starts at 5:45pm, moving from the Long Stay Car Park down Meeting House Lane to the Market Place. Santa will lead the grand light switch-on at 6pm, lighting up the town in festive splendor.
Santa’s Grotto at Ringwood Gateway
Santa’s Grotto is a must-see! Tickets are just £5 per child, which includes a visit with Santa, a photo opportunity, and a gift for every child. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, 16th October, so don’t miss out!
Join us for a day full of festive fun, community spirit, and Christmas magic! If in doubt, take a look at our special film from 2023 promotional film.
We are taking bookings but only have a handful of spaces left for our 2024 Ringwood Winter Wanderland event. If you would like to book a place, please first read the following:
If you are happy to progress your booking, please complete the short form and the Event Manager will aim to get back to you within 10 working days.
We are excited to announce that the Ringwood Christmas Window Competition will launch on Monday 2nd December! We invite shops, businesses, and community organisations to participate in this festive event.
Participation is free! We ask that you create a stunning window display that we can promote on our Wanderland map, encouraging residents and visitors to explore our town and support our wonderful local businesses.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite display, and the winner will be announced in the new year.
Please complete this short form to enter your business/organisation or email: town.council@ringwood.gov.uk
Entries need to be submitted by 8th November 2024.
We can't thank our wonderfully generous supporters, without whom we could not run our events.
Thank you in particular to our Headline Partner, Fretten's Solicitors
And to:
The Furlong Shopping Centre
Churchill Retirement
Ringwood Motor Company
Fred Olsen Travel Agents
Doughty Engineering
Nov
Over the Remembrance period there are a number of commemorative services taking place for the people of Ringwood to come together to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of all those that defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
Oct
At the Full Council meeting on 30 October 2024, representatives from three local organisations were invited to collect a certificate of grant aid, in recognition of the grants that had been awarded by the Council.
Oct
This year marks the 10th anniversary of lighting a lantern at Ringwood Gateway to honour all the brave individuals from our community who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces during World War I and World War II.
