Ringwood’s much-loved Winter Wanderland returns Sunday, 1st December, promising a spectacular launch to the Christmas season.
Organised by Ringwood Town Council, this highly anticipated community event attracts thousands to the Market Town each year. It begins with a full day of festive activities and continues to delight visitors for the rest of December as they explore the town’s stunning Christmas lights and beautifully decorated shop windows.
A Day Packed with Festive Fun
From 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Ringwood will transform into a hub of holiday cheer, offering something for everyone:
Over 80 Market Stalls
Discover unique gifts, local produce, arts and crafts, and an array of mouthwatering food and drinks, including mulled wine, hog roast, bratwurst, Greek street food, fish and chips, and stone-baked pizza.
Live Entertainment
Enjoy live performances in the Market Place starting at midday, featuring choirs from both Ringwood and Poulner Junior Schools, followed by a variety of festive acts throughout the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Ringwood and Burley Band will fill the High Street with joyful music. Be sure to keep an eye out for the thrilling Steamship Circus walkabout entertainers!
Family Fun
Younger visitors can enjoy a mini funfair, try free circus skills in The Furlong Shopping Centre, or take a ride on the enchanting miniature steam train from Chuffley Light Railway, running along Southampton Road.
Santa’s Grotto and Festive Parades
Santa will be welcoming children to his magical grotto at Ringwood Gateway (tickets £5, available in advance). He will also lead a festive parade through the town, concluding with the grand Christmas Light Switch-On at 6:00 PM in the Market Place, showcasing a brand-new lighting scheme for the town this year.
Art Installation in Gateway Square
Unfurl is a huge and beautiful robotic light and air installation, which celebrates the wonder of nature’s design and makes space for human connection and play. Unfurl has been created by Bristol based studio, Air Giants and is funded by the Arts Council England and Without Walls. Hampshire Cultural Trust has worked in partnership with Ringwood Town Council to bring this world class, outdoor art installation as part of this special event.
Event Highlights Made Possible by Sponsors
This magical day is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors, including headline partner Frettens Solicitors, stage sponsor Churchill Living, railway sponsor The Railway Pub, and key supporters such as The Furlong Shopping Centre, Ringwood Motor Company, Oak Mount Care Home, Doughty Engineering, Lonsdale Wealth Management, BH24, and Fred Olsen Travel Agents.
Community Support
We also extend our gratitude to our amazing community partners, including Ringwood Carnival, Ringwood Rotary Club, Ringwood and District Roundtable, Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions and Ringwood Men’s Shed, who help make this event truly special.
Plan Your Visit
The Ringwood Winter Wanderland is a free event, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit with family and friends. For more details about the event, including Santa’s Grotto, the Christmas Window Competition, and a full programme of activities, visit the event page.
