Turning Horncastle into a magical trail of colour -- return of Window Wanderland
The historic streets of Horncastle are again to be turned into a colourful outdoor gallery when the town’s popular Window Wanderland event returns in the build-up to Christmas.
Creative residents, shops, groups and businesses are working hard to decorate their windows with imaginative displays lit up for four nights from Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7.
Since the festive community event was launched in 2021, more than 250 windows have been transformed, each with a unique design, creating a magical trail for adults and children alike to enjoy.
And so far this year, more than 50 homes, retail stores and companies have signed up for the 2025 event, including independent organisations such as the Joseph Banks Centre, the Butterfly Hospice Trust, Tanglewood Care Home, Shine Bert House, Coco Hair and Beauty, Dexter and Sharpe accountants, Saint Lawrence School, Something Truly Vintage, Horncastle Hobby House and FH Manning financial services.
One of the organisers said: “With windows to explore throughout the town, the trail is a great excuse to wrap up warm and go for a festive wander. Or to to do a spot of Christmas shopping and to stop off for a hot chocolate along the way.
"The event’s finale on Sunday, December 7 coincides with Horncastle’s popular Christmas Market, which will take over the whole town centre as the streets are closed to make way for stalls, rides and food vendors.
"There is still time to sign up to decorate a window, which can be done by visiting the Window Wanderland website.
"Maps to help visitors find all the windows will be available online from Monday, December 1, as well as in print at Horncastle Library and the Joseph Banks Centre.”
Taking part in the event is free, and everyone is invited to sign up.
This year, there is also the chance to get involved in creating a community window at Horncastle Library. Volunteers can take part in a free drop-in workshop at the library between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm on Thursday, November 27 to help decorate their own colourful book, which will form part of a window celebrating books and story-telling.
Window Wanderlands have been held around the world for many years, but Horncastle was the first town in Lincolnshire to launch one.
The organiser added: “Please don’t feel intimidated if you fancy taking part. Your display could be as simple as a candle, book or fairy-lights in a window.
"Or you could go all out and stage a performance in your front room, decorate a whole bay window or project a design outside. Anything goes, as long as it’s family-friendly!
"Once you have signed up, we will send you a welcome pack with more information and examples to help start you getting inspired.
“Make sure you tell your friends and neighbours and ask them to get involved too. The more the merrier!
“If you need craft supplies, Perkins Newsagents in the Market Place, Horncastle Hobby House on North Street and Fletcher & Hughes on the Bull Ring sell coloured tissue and tracing paper perfect for decorating your window. Why not pay them a visit and help support our fantastic local businesses?
“If you have any questions or would like to help promote or support this event, please contact us through messenger or email [email protected].”