STUNNING aerial images of Christmas festivities in Bournemouth and beyond have been captured by a local photographer.

Thousands have descended to the Christmas Tree Wonderland in Bournemouth and the Winter ‘Wanderland’ in Ringwood this year for to enjoy a colourful variety of lights, food and entertainment.

Bournemouth Echo: Ringwood Winter Wanderland.Ringwood Winter Wanderland. (Image: Paddy Butler)

Keen photographer Paddy Butler of Ringwood has taken dozens of pictures and videos of the events with a drone camera, showcasing the size, scale and popularly of the festive events.

He has previously captured aerial shots of the A31 in Ringwood to show the progress of the recently completed bridge replacement and road widening project.

Bournemouth Echo: Aerial picture of Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland 2022.Aerial picture of Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland 2022. (Image: Paddy Butler)

From giant Santa figures to colour changing trees, and walk-through baubles to Ukraine tributes – the returning Christmas Tree Wonderland has been as popular as ever.

Paddy’s drone video shows the festival in all its glory with the ice rink packed with skaters.

Bournemouth Echo: Aerial picture of Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland.Aerial picture of Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland. (Image: Paddy Butler)

Ringwood, meanwhile, hosted its annual Christmas celebration on Sunday, November 27, in which the town centre was bedazzled with lights, market stalls and street entertainment.

Cllr Rae Frederick, deputy town mayor, said on the day: "It's been absolutely fantastic to see everyone coming back down to Ringwood now that the A31 is open.

Bournemouth Echo: Ringwood Winter Wanderland 2022.Ringwood Winter Wanderland 2022. (Image: Paddy Butler)

"We have huge crowds and it looks like everyone is thoroughly enjoying themselves.”