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Ilkley Christmas Lights Switch-On to return in November

Tuesday, 20 October 2026 11:17

The celebrations will include a lantern parade along The Grove, a Christmas market, musical performances and gymnastics and dance displays.

Ilkley's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On will return next month, with a full day of festive entertainment planned for the town centre.

Organised by Ilkley Town Council, the event will take place on The Grove on Saturday 21st November, with Father Christmas set to switch on the lights at 5pm.

The celebrations will include a lantern parade along The Grove, a Christmas market, musical performances and gymnastics and dance displays.

Families will also have the opportunity to visit Santa's Grotto at Christchurch, although organisers have announced changes to the experience following feedback from last year's event.

After lengthy queues left some families waiting into the evening in 2025, the council has decided to introduce advance booking and move the grotto to an earlier time.

Santa's Grotto will now be open from 12.30pm until 3.30pm, with families required to book a free time slot in advance.

Ilkley Town Council hopes the changes will reduce waiting times and make the experience more enjoyable for younger children.

Those unable to secure a grotto booking will still have the opportunity to see Father Christmas during the celebrations.

Santa will be waving and handing out sweets in the paddock area in front of Christchurch from 4.30pm, before switching on the Christmas lights at 5pm.

The council is also bringing back its popular lantern-making workshops, giving children the chance to create their own lanterns for the festive procession along The Grove.

Workshops will take place in local schools throughout November, alongside a community lantern-making session at Christchurch on Saturday 7th November.

The community workshop will be facilitated by Cecil Green Arts, with advance booking available.

The Grove will be closed to traffic from 7am on Saturday 21st November and is expected to reopen between 6 pm and 7 pm, once it is safe to do so.

The full programme of entertainment and timings will be announced closer to the event.

Free tickets for Santa's Grotto can be booked here.

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