Christmas Lights Switch On

A full day of festivities is planned again this year with an enchanting lantern parade led by Father Christmas along The Grove, a market where you will be able to make a start on your present shopping, a Christmas Grotto with the opportunity to take a selfie with Santa, musical performances and gymnastic and dance displays AND the excitement of the big switch on by Father Christmas at 5pm.

Lantern Parade

This year, Father Christmas will lead a lantern parade along The Grove that we hope as many families as possible will join in with. Lantern making workshops have taken place throughout November, facilitated by Cecil Green Arts. 

If you missed the workshops, there’s still time to make a lantern at home (with plenty of free ideas available on the internet) – do bring them along as everyone is welcome. Please meet at Ilkley’s Memorial Gardens from 4:15pm on Saturday, ready to parade at approximately 4:30pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

A giant puppet will welcome the parade outside Christchurch before Father Christmas switches the lights on. For Ilkley’s full Christmas event line-up and approx timings, please see the running order.