Imagine taking an evening stroll and discovering your neighbourhood transformed by light, colour and creativity. Building on the success of its pilot year in 2025, VillaGaiety along with partner arts venues on island have confirmed Window Wanderland is returning in March 2026, inviting communities once again to see their towns and streets in a whole new light.
Originally created in Bristol in 2015, Window Wanderland is a much-loved community arts project that encourages residents to turn their windows and gardens into imaginative displays – wanderlands now take place globally each year. From glowing fairy lights and vibrant artwork to storytelling scenes and live performances, each window becomes part of a magical, free family-friendly trail for everyone to enjoy.
A Celebration of Creativity and Community for everyone
The Island’s Window Wanderland event is delivered in collaboration between venues in Port Erin, Peel and Douglas, with the Ramsey location to be announced soon. The community arts event aims to brighten the last of the season’s dark evenings with creative window displays on local streets. For 2026 participants are invited to be inspired by the theme of Blein Ny Gaelgey (Year of Manx Language) and integrate Manx folklore, language or visual art into their windows.
Sarah Wilson-White, Head of Culture and Arts for Culture Division said:
“Window Wanderland is a wonderful reminder that everyone can be creative. Seeing streets come alive with unexpected imagination, and families exploring their local neighbourhoods together, is incredibly special. We’re excited to see how communities across Douglas, Peel, Port Erin and Ramsey build on last year’s pilot success and make Window Wanderland 2026 even more Manx and magical.”
How to Get Involved
There are three ways to take part in Window Wanderland:
1. Attend a workshop
In the lead-up to the event, arts venues across Douglas, Peel, Port Erin and Ramsey will host low-cost creative workshops during February half term between 14th – 22nd February, offering inspiration and hands-on support for anyone interested in creating a display.
Participating venues include:
· Centenary Centre, Peel – Wednesday 18th February, 2.30pm – 4pm with Helen Fox
· Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas – Friday 20th February, 10am – 12noon with Eloise White
· Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin – Saturday 21st February with Kate Summerville (time to be announced)
· Kensington Arts, Douglas – Saturday 21st February, with Vicky Halsall (time to be announced)
· Ramsey venue (to be announced)
2. Put up a window display
Anyone can put up a display in their window for free by registering on the Window Wanderland website and adding their home to the digital map. https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/isle-of-man-2026/
Register and have your window ready for the evening of Saturday 21st March to take part.
3. Visit the displays (have a wander in your local area!)
In 2025 hundreds of people accessed the online Window Wanderland maps to visit displays in their local area.
Visit the Isle of Man Window Wanderland page to access the free maps ahead of the 21st March 2026 - https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/isle-of-man-2026/