Santa Float tour begins this weekend

One of the area’s most treasured festive traditions returns this weekend as the Ilkley & District Round Table Santa Float begins its annual tour of Addingham, Ilkley and Ben Rhydding.

Loved by generations, the Santa Float spreads Christmas cheer across local streets while raising vital funds for community causes. Thanks to the generosity of residents, the Round Table raises over £100,000 every year, supporting dozens of charities, grassroots organisations and community groups.

This year, Santa and his team of volunteers will be visiting five routes throughout December, with the Float bringing its trademark sleigh, festive music and twinkling lights. Residents are encouraged to step outside when Santa passes, give him a wave, and donate if they are able.

The Round Table emphasises that every penny stays local, making a direct difference to people and projects across Ilkley, Addingham and surrounding areas.

A spokesperson for Ilkley & District Round Table said:

“The Santa Float is one of the highlights of our year, not only does it bring incredible joy to families on their doorstep, but the money raised goes straight back into supporting the community we love.

"Every donation, large or small, helps us change lives locally and we’re grateful for the amazing support we receive year after year.”

Below are details of the streets included on each route for 2025:

Sunday 7^th from 4:30pm - In Addingham, Santa will visit Jonathan Garth, Big Meadow, Coppy Road, Hillside Close, Big Mead, Browsfield Road, Stamp Hill Close, Broadfield Way, Hawfield Close, Silsden Road, Moor Park Way, Moor Park Drive, Turner Lane, Moor Lane, Well Close, Schools Lane, Green Lane, Burns Hill, Chapel Street, Main Street, Old Station Way, West Croft, Southfield Lane, Southfield Terrace, St Pauls Rise, St Michaels Way, St Christophers Drive, St Leonards Close and St Peters Court.

Monday 8^th from 6pm - The Valley Drive, Ilkley route will include Valley Drive, Stansfield Close, Cardan Drive, Wyvil Crescent, Wyvil Road, Leeds Road, Colbert Avenue, The Crescent, Grange Avenue, Melville Grove, Valley Road, Rombalds View, Sunset Drive, Mayfield Avenue, Mayfield Gardens, Woodlands, Hampshire Close, Grange Close, Vale Gardens, Grange Estate, St Helens Way, St Pauls Grove and Backstone Way.

Tuesday 9^th from 6pm - In Ilkley Town Centre, the Float will travel along Trafalgar Road, Victory Road, Leeds Road, Nile Road, Nelson Road, Little Lane, Wellington Road, Railway Road, Golden Butts, Mornington Road, Mayfield Road, Brewery Road, North Parade, West Parade, Gordon Street, East Parade, Dean Street, Leamington Terrace, Ash Grove, Bath Street, Weston Road and Wharfe View Road.

Friday 12^th from 6pm - The Ben Rhydding route, supported by 1st Ben Rhydding Scouts, covers Bolling Road, St Johns Road, Manley Road, Parklands, Southway, Manor Rise, Manley Grove, Manley Road, Connaught Road, Clifton Road, Margerison Road and Wheatley Avenue.

Sunday 14^th from 4:30pm - Finally, the Dale View, Ilkley route includes Alexandra Crescent, Lister Street, Bridge Lane, Middleton Road, Skipton Road, Westville Road, Kingsway Drive, Kings Road, Victoria Avenue, Dale View, Beacon Rise, Beverley Rise, Woodlands Rise, Woodlands Close, Kings Road, Dale Croft, Kings Close, Curlew Close, Briery Close, Grove Road, Wilton Road, Eaton Road, St James Road, Oakburn Road and Ashburn Place.

Donating to the Santa Float remains simple and secure. Supporters can text ILKLEYSANTA 5, 10 or 20 to 70085 to donate £5, £10 or £20, with 100% of the donation going directly to charity and appearing on their phone bill. Volunteers will also be collecting cash donations as the Float passes through each neighbourhood.

The Ilkley & District Round Table encourages everyone to listen for the music, wrap up warm and step outside to enjoy one of the most magical community traditions of the season. Santa is on his way - and he can’t wait to see you.