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
Ilkley Pre-School faces closure without urgent financial lifeline
MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Age UK shop is Ilkley appeals for donations as stocks are low
Fuggle & Golding saved by Horsforth Brewery
Joanna seeks life-extending treatment after brain tumour diagnosis
Winners revealed for Ilkley Business Awards 2026
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Yorkshire Water, what is happening behind all those blue hoardings?
Ilkley Cemetery's Beanlands Parade gates repairs
Local MP backs campaign to protect affordable residential experiences for young people
Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley
Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting and Citizen Awards 2026
Outside the Box and Ilkley Live make music together
New drone will be used 'wherever it is needed' to stop fly tipping
Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM
Experience the magic of opera at charity gala in Ilkley
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Four Ilkley businesses in finals of Leeds Oliver Awards 2026
Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary involved with eradicating Polio worldwide
International Women’s Day talk to celebrate ‘Brilliant Bradford Lasses’
