Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival opens its doors on Friday

Monday, 1 December 2025 06:05

Don’t miss the sparkle of Ilkley’s much-loved Christmas Tree Festival which opens on Friday 5 December, at St Margaret’s Church, Queen’s Road, Ilkley. From 10am.

The church provides a stunning space for 30 beautifully decorated trees from local charities, community groups, and every primary school in Ilkley, Addingham, and Ben Rhydding.

Also open on Saturday from 10.00 am when the festivities continue through to 5.00 pm.

Enjoy Christmas music throughout the weekend, including performances from local school and community choirs and bands. There’s something for everyone among the stunning trees: including a trail in church telling the Christmas story with clues to search for, Saturday’s craft workshop, delicious home-baked cakes and refreshments including Lishman’s sausage rolls (Saturday only!).

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, come 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.

Visitors are invited to bring a Christmas chocolate tree decoration, small gift, or toiletries to help decorate a tree for Staying Put, supporting women, men and children who are survivors of domestic abuse across the Bradford district.

No tickets needed – just come along, soak up the festive atmosphere and celebrate Ilkley’s community spirit. For updates, visit the Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival Facebook page.

More from Local news

Sue Ryder's Christmas Treecycling scheme covering Wharfedale launched

National healthcare and bereavement charity Sue Ryder is calling on residents in the Ilkley area to ‘branch out’ and recycle their real Christmas tree this January.
Ilkley & District u3a appeals for younger members

Ilkley & District u3a held its Annual General Meeting at the Clarke Foley Community Hub on Saturday 22nd November and it was reported that the average age of the membership is creeping up towards the upper 70s.
Festive classic It's a Wonderful Life comes to Ilkley Playhouse this week

Caroline Mutton takes a look at what's on at Ilkley Playhouse - next is the festive favourite, It’s a Wonderful Life.
New Colour of Dreams group exhibition at Ilkley Manor House

Ilkley Manor House is hosting Colour of Dreams, a new group exhibition curated by Andreea Chitan, bringing together a vibrant selection of painters, makers, and textile artists whose work celebrates the emotional and sensory language of colour.
Yorkshire Water says end of hosepipe ban is near as rainfall continues

Yorkshire Water says hosepipe restrictions could be lifted 'within weeks' as sustained rainfall continues to boost water supplies across the region.
Countdown to annual Holly Ball in Ilkley

Organisers of the annual Holly Ball are getting ready for the biggest and best yet next month, which is set to raise vital funds for two local charities.
Cash Access open temporary banking hub in Ilkley

Cash Access UK, the organisation set up to protect access to cash across the UK, has opened a temporary home for the banking hub in Ilkley at the Library on Station Road.
Yorkshire housing market won't suffer budget blues

Ilkley estate agent, Dacre, Son & Hartley, believes Yorkshire’s housing market will be largely immune to the property tax changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in this week’s autumn budget.
Two Rivers announce Christmas concert delights

Two Rivers Concert Band will unpack a treasure trove of Christmas delights at its Christmas Concert at Ilkley Baptist Church on Sunday 7 December.
Prestigious heritage award for Ilkley apartment development

A brand-new apartment development in Ilkley town centre which has seen the upper floors of a landmark building on The Grove converted into 10 magnificent apartments, has been presented with a conservation award in recognition of its high quality and sympathetic transformation.
Leeds Hospitals Charity opens its new concept shop on The Grove

Leeds Hospitals Charity joined Ilkley town centre this week with the opening of its biggest store yet.
Ilkley Manor House roof restoration to start in the new year

Work to restore the roof of Ilkley’s 12 century manor house will start in the new year Bradford Council has confirmed.
Two Ilkley artists connect with colour at joint exhibition

Ilkley artists Helen Brayshaw and Lucia Smith are coming together for a second Art in the Kitchen event this weekend.
Give a local hero the recognition they deserve!

Nominations for Ilkley Town Council’s 2026 Citizen Awards Scheme are now open.
Ilkley's magical Christmas lights switch on

Ilkley came together for a magical Christmas lights switch on at the weekend.
Big Ilkley Quiz raised over £2k for local children and families

The Principle Trust Children’s Charity has announced its delight after the success of the Big Ilkley Quiz last week at the Craiglands Hotel, a valued Patron of the Charity.
Addingham Scouts raise a frightening £11,500

Addingham Scout Group held its annual Halloween fundraising event at Golden Acre Park, and raised a frightening £11,500!
Colin Montgomerie OBE to host 2026 Yorkshire Invitational in Ilkley

Organisers of The Yorkshire Invitational golfing event held in Ilkley have announced the legendary European golf figure, Colin Montgomerie OBE, will host next year.
Give the gift of 'beer festival' tickets this year!

As the festive season edges closer, Ilkley residents are being encouraged to think beyond traditional gifts this year and consider something a little more memorable.
Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival ‘A sparkling community celebration’

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.