Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival ‘A sparkling community celebration’

Sunday, 23 November 2025 08:00

Now the Christmas lights are on in Ilkley, the countdown in on this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Margaret’s, where trees will be beautifully adorned and festive music promises to fill the church.

The free festive celebration on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December from 10am, will see 30 local charities and community groups each with their own beautifully decorated tree, plus organisers are pleased to announce that every primary school in Ilkley, Addingham and Ben Rhydding has decorated a tree and organisers say the children’s creations look amazing.

There will be stunning displays from regular participants including Ilkley Flower Club, Ilkley Friends of Martin House Children’s Hospice and Nell Bank. And for the first time Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group, Menston Community Fridge, Ilkley Musical Theatre Society and St John’s Ben Rhydding Messy Church are joining in.

Joanne Tomlinson, organiser of Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival, said:

“This year we would like to invite visitors to bring a Christmas chocolate tree decoration, small gift or toiletries to decorate a tree for Staying Put. All gifts will be donated to the women, men and children supported by the charity who are survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“Be sure not to miss Rombalds Guide District’s workshop inviting visitors to craft Christmas decorations on Saturday at mid-day, a Christmas trail in church for children and adults alike, or the delicious home-baked cakes and seasonal treats on sale which are sure to tempt all those who visit.“

On Friday 5 December musical treats include the choir from Ghyll Royd School (10.00 am), Steph and her Sax (11.20 am), Westville House School Choir (12.40 pm), Moorfield School Choir (2.00 pm), Addingham Primary School Choir (4.30 pm), Ilkley Choral Society (5.15 pm).

On Saturday, go and support Outside the Box Band (10.30 am) and debuting at 11.15 am, The Ilkley Strummers Club. At 12.00 noon Rombalds Guide District will hold a Christmas craft decorating workshop. The Ukrainian Children’s Choir perform at 2.00 pm followed by the Ilkley Singers at 3.00 pm and St. Margaret’s Church Choir at 4.00 pm.

Joanne adds:

“We’re delighted that old friends and new are joining us at this year’s Christmas Tree Festival in Ilkley. It’s a tremendous celebration of community spirit and of the local organisations who offer so many specialist services, clubs and activities to residents of Ilkley and its surrounds.

We’ve had a glimpse of the creations which will adorn the Christmas trees and we know visitors are in for a treat. Local school choirs will be singing their hearts out and there’s much more music besides. We hope lots of visitors will come and enjoy the festival with us. Check out Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival Facebook page for up-to-date information. No tickets required and it’s free to enter.

“Come along to enjoy the stunning trees and music – and soak up the atmosphere with a cuppa and cake in beautiful St Margaret’s church. We even have Lishman’s sausage rolls to tempt you – not to be missed!”

The Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival at St Margaret's Church on Queens Road is open Friday 5 December 10am – 6pm and Saturday 6 December 10am – 5pm.

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