Ringwood’s Winter Wanderland is a series of events and activities in the Town to mark the festive period. In 2023, our very popular community event will be on Sunday 26th November.
We are now accepting bookings for stall holders for 2023. We had some excellent feedback from stalls in 2022. One stall holder sent us the following message after the event,
“I wanted to straight away say thank you to you and your team for such a well organised, enjoyable event. I know how much hard work goes into these and in my opinion it was carried off perfectly… Most importantly to me as a trader was my takings - Ringwood was 50% higher than {another local event} despite finishing earlier. Ringwood seemed busier and had a much more friendly and family orientated feel. Finally (and again important for us traders) the efficiency with which your team got all of us eager and stubborn traders into position and back out again at the end, despite the access challenges was so smooth {and fast}."
Standard stalls in 2023 will cost £40, food stalls price on application and a limited number of charity stalls with local beneficiaries are free of charge. In order to apply, please first read our terms and conditions and then complete the booking form. We will get back to you within 10 working days.
We had a record 32 entries for our 2022 Christmas Display Competition.
Thanks to all the businesses and organisations that took part and everyone who voted.
1st Place Shop Window was presented to With Grace
Runner up - Champion Barbers - Ringwood
1st Place Community Organisation was presented to Greyfriars Community Centre
Runner up - (FORIS) Friends of Ringwood Infant School
Read the full Press Release here
We couldn't run our events without our wonderful and generous sponsors. Thank you so much to the following organisations who have supported us so far:
BRIGHTWATER Sales & Lettings
Tapper Funeral Service
Lonsdale Wealth
Kimbers Carpets
Simply Beauty
The Cellar Wine & Cheese Bar
Ringwood Motor Company
If you are interested in supporting future event, please get in touch with charmaine.bennett@ringwood.gov.uk.
On Sunday 27th November, the 2022 Winter Wanderland event, organised by Ringwood Town Council, took place in the town centre.
The free event attracted large crowds who enjoyed:
- A market with over 60 stalls made up of local arts and crafts, produce, gifts, charity stalls and a selection of yummy food options.
- Two Santa parades - at 11:30am and 5.45pm
- There was a small fairground in Market Place as well as street entertainment throughout the afternoon and stage entertainment from 2pm
- Performances from Ringwood and Burley Band
-The Polar Express miniature railway!
- Light switch on with Santa at 6pm
The event hosted Santa’s Grotto at Ringwood Gateway during the event with Santa’s reindeer and some festive music thanks to Buskerteers Choir - New Forest, Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth
A huge thank you to our Gold Sponsor, BRIGHTWATER Sales & Lettings for supporting our Santa's Grotto and also to the Rotary Club of Ringwood and Sainsbury's for supporting.
Take a look back and download the programme.
Take a look at the promotional film from the 2022 event.
You can also check out our short film from 2021!
2022 Event FAQs
NFDC town centre car parks will be free on the 27th November. They will be busy so we advise you to walk where possible.
We have road closures in place from 07.30 to 22.00 to allow the event to take place safely. The following roads will be closed to all except emergency vehicles:
High Street, Market Place (including spurs to Church), West Street, Meeting House Lane (one way street from The Furlong to the High Street), Christchurch Road from Ebenezer Lane to Fridays Cross and Southampton Road from Fridays Cross to Mansfield Rd. You will be able to access Blynkbonnie Car Park.
The lights will be switched on at 6pm by the Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Gareth DeBoos and of course, Father Christmas himself.
This is a free event to attend, there are no tickets to enter.
This year, in response to visitor feedback, we sold tickets for Santa's grotto in advance and we are SOLD OUT. There will be no tickets available on the day.
You can view the programme here.
We have over 60 stalls booked to attend the market. Many are local traders who make items locally. There will be lots of food and drink options available from a hog roast to pizza, Bratwurst and crepes.
No, its not a typo! Ringwood Town Council have been involved in organising events to switch on the fabulous town Christmas lights for many years. In 2020 we were forced to cancel the event due to the pandemic, but we still wanted to find a way of supporting local businesses and to spread some festive cheer at a difficult time. One of the only permitted activities for all of us was walking, so we created walking (wandering!) trails around the town for people to enjoy the Christmas lights and window decorations. And so the 'winter wanderland' was created and the name has since stuck!
Mar
Click on the image above for an update on the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan
Mar
Local elections for New Forest District Council and Ringwood Town Council will be held on 4 May 2023. Click on the image above to access information for voters and candidates.
Mar
It is with sadness that the Council acknowledge the death of Peter Crutcher. Peter was a Town Councillor for a number of years and Chairman to the Council (twice) from 1975 – 1978.
