Events & Entertainment, Ringwood | Posted on December 5th, 2024 | return to news
Winter Wanderland wows the crowd in Ringwood
There was a wide variety of events at the annual Christmas lights switch on with market stalls, the Steamship Circus and Father Christmas.
Despite unexpected rain showers, people turned out in droves to enjoy the lights switch on events in Ringwood on Saturday 30 November. It also featured a festive market, live music, a grotto and circus walkabouts.
Every year, Ringwood Town Council curates its unique ‘Winter Wanderland’— a series of festive-themed activities that celebrate the town’s community spirit. The name ‘Wanderland’ is intentional, promoting movement and discovery throughout the town.
This year, the High Street was buzzing with over 70 market stalls offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. An unusual and captivating art installation filled Gateway Square, adding an extra touch of magic. Crowds eagerly awaited the arrival of Father Christmas on his grand red sleigh.
The event also featured a performance by the Steamship Circus, whose stilt-walking fairies, giant unicycle-riding toy soldiers, and tinsel-clad acrobats brought wonder and excitement to the day.
The Mayor Cllr Rae Frederick said: “We want to thank our volunteers from across the community and our sponsors for your support. We could not do it without you.”
The fun doesn’t end there. A total of 35 shops, businesses, and organisations have entered the 2024 Christmas Window Decoration Competition. A Winter Wanderland map has been created so visitors can stroll through Ringwood, “wander” around the festive displays, and vote for their favourite decorations. Voting opened on Monday 2 December, and winners will be announced in the New Year.
Families can also join in the festive fun with the Ringwood Reindeer Ramble around the centre of Ringwood. Santa’s nine reindeer have gone missing, and he needs help tracking them down. Explore the town, complete the activity sheet, and find all of Santa’s reindeer hiding in local shops and businesses’ windows. Once the activity sheet is completed, it can be handed in at Ringwood Gateway or posted through the letterbox to be entered into a draw to win amazing prizes.
The town council would like to thank Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, Lunn’s Art Store, Fred Olsen Travel Agents, Arboro Lounge, and Price’s Fish & Chips for providing the prizes. Winners will be announced in the New Year.
Copies of the Wanderland Window Decoration map and the Reindeer Ramble Activity sheet can be downloaded from https://www.ringwood.gov.uk/events/ringwood-winter-wanderland or pick up a copy at Ringwood Gateway.
Despite the success on Saturday 30 November, residents expressed their disappointment with the Christmas lights, some of which were not put up in time for the Winter Wanderland event. Ringwood Town Council has expressed its concern to the contractor.
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