Events & Entertainment, Ringwood | Posted on December 2nd, 2025 | return to news

Ringwood delights residents with Winter Wanderland

The annual festive event saw the town turn into a festive theme park with funfair rides, games and music.

The centre of Ringwood was transformed for the annual Winter Wanderland. The day-long festive event culminated in a parade and the switching on of the town’s lights.

Market stalls were placed all the way along High Street selling festive gifts, artisan food or raising money for local causes. Ringwood and Burley Brass Band performed for visitors, while there were two merry-go-rounds and a teacup ride for children.

There were also stalls set up in Ringwood Meeting House, where volunteers sold drinks, cakes and mince pies to keep people feeling warm.

At one end of High Street, families could ride the Chuffley Light Railway. The miniature steam engine chuffed its way along Southampton Road and back.

At the other end, a stage was set up at Market Place for bands and choirs to perform, while the local churches had banded together to offer tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, as well as a craft tent and games for children. Circus performers and stilt walkers provided even more spectacle.

Meanwhile, Father Christmas was kept busy at his Grotto in the Ringwood Gateway Council Offices, before being transported by members of Ringwood Round Table to Market Place for the switch-on at 6pm.

The Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Rae Frederick, said: “Another amazing year for Wanderland. The weather was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see the streets, shops, restaurants and pubs of Ringwood busy all day.

“The new lights, funded by Ringwood Town Council, look stunning, and we’re hugely grateful to our sponsors and the many volunteers who helped bring the event to life. We hope everyone will keep coming into town, shopping local, and supporting our brilliant businesses over the festive season.”

More photos on the Dorset View Facebook page: