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Countdown is on to Ilkley’s Christmas lights switch on

Monday, 10 November 2025 16:06

Ilkley Christmas Lights switch-on is on Saturday 22nd November 2025

Ilkley Town Council is looking forward to hosting this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event, which is being held on The Grove on Saturday 22nd November.

Before the official switch-on takes place at 5pm, there will be a full day of festive fun, which starts with a Christmas market from 10am. Visitors will be able to make a start on their shopping and enjoy tasty treats whilst being entertained with music on the bandstand.

There will then be musical performances and gymnastic and dance displays from 3pm outside Christchurch hosted by Alex Cann from Your Ilkley Radio, along with the opportunity to see Santa as he arrives with his elves at 4:30pm, throwing sweets to children, and adults if they’re lucky.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Town Council said:

“We are pleased to announce that there will once again be a lantern parade along The Grove, facilitated by Cecil Green Arts. Make sure you get a good spot to see the enchanting creations as they make their way from Ilkley’s Memorial Gardens towards Christchurch, or why not come along and join in the parade yourself?

“Everyone is more than welcome to bring along their own lantern, with plenty of free crafting ideas available on the internet.

“Please meet at Ilkley’s Memorial Gardens from 4:15pm, ready to parade at approximately 4:45pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.”

In the moments before the big countdown, Ilkley’s Town Crier and Town Mayor will welcome everyone to the event and hand over to the most important dignitary of the evening, Father Christmas himself. Santa will switch on the lights at 5pm before nestling himself into his Grotto, ready to hear children’s Christmas wishes.

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: ilkleytowncouncil.gov.uk

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