We are very lucky that the area where we live organises a Window Wanderland in late February. This is the third year it has run and we really look forward to viewing the lit windows and the community spirit- it brings joy to the February bleak winter!
All over the UK communities transform their neighbourhoods into a magical outdoor gallery and then a weekend is spent walking the streets in the evening to view all the designs.
The idea started in 2015 in Bristol where a neighbourhood decorated their windows to connect with a woman who took nightly rehabilitation walks around her street following an accident. Looking at the lit windows made her feel happier and less isolated and the idea was born.
We have signed up each year to be a window maker, but you don’t have to make a window you can just have a wander to admire the designs. We have enjoyed planning and designing what we will do and the kids love to see it all come together, although usually stress is high the night before as we are still sticking tissue paper to the window late into the night!
The volunteers who organise our local event, also offer cost price materials in the run up, which is really helpful and makes the event really accessible for all.
Once people have all signed up a map is produced showing all the houses taking part so that you can plan a route to take in as many windows as possible.
As a family we love wandering the streets and seeing how creative people are. One year someone turned their hedge into a dragon with an added smoke machine! The kids were mesmerised by the dragon breathing fire! The community feel is lovely and its nice to see so many people out and about. One of the streets close to us even work together and agree on a theme for their window designs… a walk along this street is always a highlight for us!
You can check the Window Wanderland website to see if there is one happening near you.