FED up with the gloom of a long dark winter? Relief is at hand at the end of this month when two Winter Wonderland events will take place in our area.
They are in Bishopston, where the idea of lighting up windows for a community event originated, and in the Chandos neighbourhood during the weekend of February 28
– March 1.
Both events, and others taking place in 2026, have the theme of Hope.
The festival’s founder, artist Lucy Reeves-Khan, said: “I found out this year that thinking and acting hopefully can actually help your brain to be more resilient when times are bleak. Window Wanderlands are already incredibly hopeful festivals, so this theme seemed a natural fit for us.”
Since Lucy organised the first Window Wanderland in Bishopston in 2015, the festival has spread across the country and beyond. Communities have created almost 400 unique festivals involving more than 27,000 displays.
Lucy said: “I wanted to see if something simple could make a real difference to a community and bring out people’s playful side. Anyone can participate. It all happens right outside your front door, but even if you find it hard to get out, you can still join in. It’s all about doing as much or as little as you like.”
“We have seen displays made by schools, grandparents, even pets! It’s a proper grassroots community festival. Some roads had almost every house participating, using campervans, top floor windows and even decorating hedges with lights.”
Both trails emphasise that designs can be as simple or complex as participants wish – the important thing is to take part in the community event.
Workshops to help people create designs are planned – look out for details on social media.
Artist Tracey English is providing a template of a simple image for people who are not confident art makers to download.
For those who want to create something more ambitious, anything goes – as long as it’s family friendly.
A spokesperson for Chandos Neigbhourhood Association, which is bringing back its trail after a year’s break said organisers hoped for a wide range of designs.
“There are many sources of inspiration for our displays, with popular ones including nature and animals, and of course Bristol’s famous suspension bridge and balloons. The Winter Olympics, World Cup, St David’s Day or Chinese Year of the horse are all possible inspirations this year. Individual households choose whichever theme they prefer, and express a wealth of creativeness.”
The Bishopston event is on Friday February 27, Saturday February 28, and Sunday March 1 from 6-9pm while the Chandos one is on the Saturday and Sunday during the same hours.
Maps of participating properties will be available online. If you are taking part, don’t forget to register!