Swindon Winter Fest - Magical Lantern Forest

Step into the Enchanted Lantern Forest this Winter!

Get ready to experience Swindon town centre in a whole new light. As part of Swindon Winter Fest, Swindon Culture Collective is transforming the former Argos store on Canal Walk into an indoor wonderland: The Magical Lantern Forest: A Winter’s Tale.

After welcoming nearly 4,000 visitors at our debut event last year, we’re back to bring a warm touch of winter whimsy to town. Walk beneath a glowing canopy of woven willow, marvel at hand-crafted paper lanterns, and look out for friendly, giant woodland creatures hidden among the trees—all inspired by beloved fables and folklore.

Best of all, every corner of this luminous glade has been brought to life by local children, community groups, artists, and families just like yours.

What to Expect:

1. An Immersive Indoor Forest: Wander through glowing paths, twinkling trees, and larger-than-life woodland characters—completely sheltered from the winter chill.
2. Add Your Own Spark: The forest keeps growing every weekend! Visitors of all ages can craft a simple luminary during their visit and place it directly into the display.
3. A Celebration of Community: Discover stories, nature-inspired art, and pure holiday wonder right in the heart of town.

Made possible thanks to the support of Art’s Council England National Lottery Place Partnership Programme, Swindon Borough Council, Swindon Theatres, Prime Theatre South Swindon Parish Council and Artsite.