What's On In December

The bells are jingling, the halls are being decked and the man in red is getting ready for the big day, which can only mean that December is upon us. Here is just a taste of the amazing events happening in the Bradford district this month and over the Christmas period to keep you in the festive mood until the New Year.

Head into Saltaire throughout December to see the beautiful windows of the Living Advent Calendar light up. With new windows added every evening, there is always something new to discover when exploring the village.

 Visit the South Square Centre in Thornton from 1^st December-28^th January to see the wonderful new exhibition ‘Viewed From A Head In Clouds’ by Rose Jollands. Based on scenes found whilst out in the local area, her paintings are striking and evocative.

Come to the Ilkley Arts Festival this December for a month of creativity and celebration. Immerse yourself in a world of concerts, film screenings and art lectures. Don't miss the Christmas Makers' Fair at Ilkley Manor House from 2^nd- 3^rd December where you'll find unique gifts crafted by talented artists and makers.

Join the Voices of Yorkshire in the Great Hall of the NT East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley on Saturday, 2^nd December as they fill the air with song in a wonderful concert of classic Christmas carols. It’s the perfect way to finish off a day spent at the beautiful hall and gardens.

Mark your calendars for a festive weekend in the Bradford district! Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Bingley Christmas Fayre & Lights Switch On takes place on Saturday, 2nd December followed by 'Baildon at Christmas' on Sunday, 3rd December.

Take your little ones on a journey to see Santa with a special service on the Shipley Glen Tramway on weekends between 2^nd-23^rd December. Ride up to the Glen and then follow the path through the woods to find Santa in his grotto. Book your tickets for this popular event today. See how many other places in the Bradford district you can spot Santa this month.

Spend a winter evening looking at some of the Brontë Parsonage Museum’s beloved treasures at an intimate event on Wednesday, 6^th December. Curator Sarah Laycock joins you for a sherry and reveals some of the secrets of the museum's collection.

Experience the magic of late-night shopping in Ilkley on Wednesday, 6th December where a number of shops and businesses will be open until 19:30. Enjoy the atmosphere with carol singers and music in the town centre. Visit Main Street Haworth on Thursday evenings on 7^th and 21^st December to shop for unique gifts from independent boutiques. After shopping, you can relax with a drink or meal in one of the lovely eateries.

Discover the Christmas Tree Festival at St Margaret’s church in Ilkley from 8^th-9^th December. The church will be filled with beautifully decorated trees to admire that you can admire while enjoying live entertainment and tasting seasonal treats.

See Haworth lit by torchlight on 9^th-10^th December as the annual procession moves through the village as part of a weekend of good cheer and merry music. Gather around the Christmas tree from 16:00 to see the start of the procession. Check out some of the other Christmas events in Haworth here.

Join the Denso Marston Nature Reserve in Baildon for its annual Xmas Preserve on Saturday, 9^th December. Live music, readings, activities, and plenty of buns await you while you enjoy the fresh winter air on the reserve.

Indulge in a delicious Sunday lunch at the Great Victoria Hotel from 10th-17th December. Once you've satisfied your appetite, join in on the fun with exciting party games and craft activities. And don't forget to pay a visit to Santa's Grotto, where you can share your Christmas wishes.

Hop aboard the new Festive Flyer on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway on 14^th-15th December. Start in Ingrow or Haworth and head to Oxenhope for a Christmas market, live music and to meet the reindeer.

Welcome the New Year in at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley on Sunday, 31^st December. This black-tie party is the event of the year featuring an exquisite 4-course meal and live entertainment until the clock strikes midnight and you raise a glass to welcome 2024.

Watch fantastical shows at the district’s theatres this December. There are pantomimes aplenty with Cinderella at the Alhambra theatre in Bradford, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley and Peter Pan flying into the Bradford Playhouse. The Vicar of Dibley will take to the stage at in a hilarious new production at the Ilkley Playhouse and Bingley Little Theatre will present the JB Priestley’s classic When We Are Married. Meanwhile, youngsters can enjoy their debut theatrical experience at King’s Hall in Ilkley with the charming children’s show Dear Santa.

Music fans will be able to get into a festive mood during many seasonal concerts. St George’s Hall in Bradford will bring you some of cinema’s best-loved holiday music in Christmas at The Movies and put on a show from The Great Yorkshire Chorus. Music inspired by Dickens' classic tale will be at the Bingley Little Theatre for A Christmas Carol in Concert and GreenMatthews will also be there to present A Brief History of Christmas. Meanwhile, Bradford Cathedral host the annual City Carol Service towards the end of the month.

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Enjoy your time in Bradford district, have a very Merry Christmas, and don’t forget to tag @visitbradford #VisitBradford in your photos.

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