Ripon prepares for three-day Winter Wonderland

This article is free to read. We publish about 100 articles a week all exclusively focused on local news. Please support independent local journalism by subscribing here. It costs as little as 14p a day.

Spa Gardens in Ripon will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland this weekend.

The free community event has become an annual festive fixture in the city since 2018.

About 2,000 visitors are expected each day, starting from tomorrow until Sunday (December 19 to 21). It takes place between 2pm and 8pm daily.

Besides the illuminated gardens, there will be a snow machine, snowball throwing, carol singing, a teddy bears’ picnic and free craft activities.

Entry is free and there is no charge to take part in any of the activities. The only thing visitors have to pay for is food and drinks, which include mulled wine and mince pies. However, donations to support the event are welcome.

Caroline Bentham, the chair of the Friends of Spa Gardens, which organises the event, said:

“It can be expensive taking kids to events, particularly at this time of year, but there is nothing to spend money on here except the refreshments.”

Ms Bentham said the event costs about £8,000 a year and relies on sponsorship and donations.