Christmas is coming to Ilkley this weekend

Performance Dance are due to perform again at the Ilkley Christmas Lights on Saturday

Ilkley Town Council is keeping one eye on the weather whilst looking forward to this weekend’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event, which is set to be lots of festive fun.

With an enchanting lantern parade along The Grove, a market where you will be able to make a start on your present shopping, a Christmas Grotto with the opportunity to take a selfie with Santa, musical performances and gymnastic and dance displays, and the excitement of the big switch-on - all hosted by Your Ilkley Radio, there’s lots to eagerly anticipate.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Town Council said:

"The build-up to the event has been a creative whirlwind: with the help of Cecil Green Arts, families and school children have made some fantastic lanterns that will look magical as they light up the late afternoon dusk during the lantern parade along The Grove.

"If you missed the community workshop, there’s still just enough time to make a lantern at home (with plenty of free ideas available on the internet) – do bring it along as everyone is welcome and we hope as many families as possible will join in.

"Please meet at Ilkley’s Memorial Gardens from 4:20pm on Saturday, ready to parade at approximately 4:40pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult."

The Christmas market on The Grove will be open for business from 10am and there will be musical performances on Ilkley bandstand throughout the day to get you in the festive spirit. Make sure you’re in position to be delighted by the lantern parade on The Grove before Ilkley’s Mayor and Town Crier officially welcome Father Christmas to switch on the Christmas lights at 5pm. Santa will then be heading into his Grotto at Christchurch, ready to listen to Christmas wishes and give out sweets and stickers!

The Grove will be closed to traffic from 7am on Saturday 22nd November and will reopen after the event between 6-7pm, as soon as it is safe to do so.

For more information about Ilkley’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event and approximate running order timings, please visit the Ilkley Town Council website: https://www.ilkleytowncouncil.gov.uk/council_events/christmas-lights-switch-on-2025