Isle of Wight Lights Up: Carnivals Return with Fire, Scales and Sea Lanterns

Every December, as the Island’s days shrink to something best described as “polite dusk,” its towns respond with an act of defiance — the Christmas Carnivals. They come armed with fairy lights, glitter cannons, and brass bands that somehow survive the wind coming off the Solent. This year, organisers promise even greater brightness — and, somewhat controversially, mythical involvement.

Last year’s glow-up

In 2024, the Isle of Wight’s illuminated carnivals drew record crowds. Ryde’s event was the biggest yet, with an estimated 40,000 people lining the seafront as the floats rolled by, LED dolphins leapt through the night air, and the sound system briefly declared independence from its generator. Newport followed with a glowing August procession that brought the high street to a colourful standstill, while Ventnor’s seaside parade closed the season with a spectacular collision of music, lanterns, and mild confusion over where the road ended and the sea began.

Organisers say the success was proof that “you can’t outshine the Isle of Wight once it gets its fairy lights out.”

This year: Mythical assistance confirmed

But 2025 will be different. Reports from the Carnival Committees confirm that three of the Island’s best-known mythical residents have joined the festive effort.

Newport – The Dragon of Lights
The Newport Dragon, having recently completed a fire safety refresher, will help light the Christmas Carnival on Saturday 6 December. Festival organisers say the creature’s contribution will “add a touch of warmth and spectacle,” though local marshmallow sales have suspiciously spiked. Last year’s carnival featured glowing sleighs and a marching brass band; this year, the committee expects “a small increase in ambient heat” and “minimal singeing.”

Ryde – The Sea Serpent of Shadows
Ryde’s waterfront carnival on Friday 5 December has long been a beacon of seaside magic. Last year, its illuminated floats drew one of the largest audiences in the South Coast circuit, and this year, organisers have secured an additional hazard: the Ryde Sea Serpent, patron of mystery and occasional maritime confusion. The creature has agreed to “add depth and wave-based drama,” gliding beneath the pier and surfacing in sync with the parade music. Harbour authorities remain cautiously optimistic.

Ventnor – The Hydra of Many Lanterns
Closing the season on Saturday 13 December, Ventnor’s carnival will feature a new headliner — literally. The Ventnor Hydra, famous for its many heads and inability to choose a hat, has volunteered to illuminate the procession using a sea lantern per head. Each lantern is reportedly powered by renewable moonlight and enthusiasm. Last year’s highlight was a full-size illuminated galleon float; this year, the Hydra’s shimmering presence promises a finale visible from mainland Hampshire.

The island that glows together, grows together!

From Ryde’s reflections on the Solent to the red-gold shimmer of Newport and Ventnor’s lantern-lit promenade, the Isle of Wight’s December carnivals are more than parades — they’re the annual reaffirmation that light, laughter, and mild peril belong together.

Locals are encouraged to attend, cheer, and bring hot drinks. Visitors are advised to keep a respectful distance from any creature exceeding three tonnes or capable of spontaneous flame.

As one organiser put it:

“Last year we had LEDs and community spirit. This year we’ve got LEDs, community spirit, and a dragon. Progress.”

So bundle up, charge your cameras, and watch as the Isle of Wight lights up once more — this time with help from its oldest residents.

Upcoming Isle of Wight Winter Carnivals 2025

The Isle of Wight’s winter carnival season traditionally lights up the island in early December, when the parades swap sequins for fairy lights and brass bands play against a background of mulled wine and frosty breath.
While final confirmations are still pending from the individual carnival committees, here’s what’s currently expected:


Ryde – Friday 5 December 2025 (TBC)
Ryde traditionally opens the winter parade season with its Christmas & Illuminated Carnival. Expect glowing floats along the Esplanade, lantern-lit costumes, and the occasional snow machine gone rogue. Organisers describe it as “a seaside spectacle with extra wattage.”

Newport – Saturday 6 December 2025 (TBC)
The county town hosts the island’s largest Christmas Carnival, with illuminated floats, marching bands, and community groups filling the high street. It’s always the heart of the island’s festive celebrations — where fairy lights meet fierce local pride.

Ventnor – Saturday 13 December 2025 (TBC)
Ventnor traditionally closes the season with its Christmas Carnival by the Sea, featuring lanterns, music, and brave performers who somehow manage choreography in coastal winds. Expect glowing headgear, sea mist, and applause audible from the mainland.

Sandown – Mid-December 2025 (TBA)
Following last year’s success, Sandown is expected to host another Illuminated Procession with expanded routes and beachfront stalls. Early word from organisers hints at a new theme and “a few surprises best seen from the promenade.”

Shanklin – Mid-December 2025 (TBA)
A smaller but beloved Festive Illumination Parade usually winds through the Old Village and High Street. Local schools and musicians often lead, bringing plenty of community warmth (and a few overexcited tinsel enthusiasts).



All dates to be confirmed by local carnival committees.
Updates will appear on the official carnival association sites:

newportcarnival.com

rydecarnival.com

ventnorcarnival.org

sandowncarnival.com