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
Starbucks smaller advertising pole refused
Ilkley Carnival 2026 - a real celebration of community spirit
Ilkley law firm unveils new head of personal law
More Ilkley children to benefit from Fruit & Veg for Schools programme
Ilkley travel company proves biggest isn't always best!
Ilkley Pool and Lido group pauses fundraising
Countdown begins for 167th Great Yorkshire Show
Multi-million pound Kex Gill scheme enters final stages
Bookmark Project celebrates major milestone
Ilkley – a solar energy success story!
Plans for Addingham's most chaotic and hilarious day of the year
Former cop turned comedian returns to King's Hall
Clarke Foley announces ‘Wellbeing Month’ in May
Entries for Ilkley Triathlon 2026 open on Friday
Ilkley butcher brings home the bacon
Charity football match to return to honour teen
London Marathon success as local runners raise more than £10k for The Principle Trust
Ilkley charity’s volunteer wins special award
Ilkley Veterans Breakfast Club celebrates fourth anniversary
Countdown to Ilkley Carnival begins!
