What's On In December

How the year has flown — December is here already! Time to unpack the Christmas tree, buy presents, stock the cupboards with tasty food and get out into the Sparkling Bradford district to make merry at all the amazing seasonal events that are on the way!

This winter, East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit. Wander through the beautifully decorated 17th-century manor, indulge in seasonal treats at the tearoom, and pick up unique gifts and decorations. Open Wednesday to Saturday until 23rd December, the Hall offers festive storytelling with Mrs Claus, wreath-making workshops, and a Christmas Market on Sunday, 1st December. Don't miss the Reindeer Spotter Trail around the grounds, running until 23rd December. Whether you're enjoying a cosy lunch, finding special gifts, or exploring festive activities, East Riddlesden Hall is a wonderful destination this Christmas.

Bradford Museums & Galleries are brimming with festive cheer! Start with Deck the Halls at Bolling Hall on Sunday, 1st December, where you can help decorate the tree, craft gingerbread, and enjoy festive music. Then, head to Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley for Christmas at the Castle on 7th & 8th December (a quieter weekend for families) or 14th & 15th December (market weekend), where you can experience the magic of Christmas in a beautiful setting. These seasonal events are sure to spread joy for all ages!

Discover the magic of Saltaire this December as the Living Advent Calendar returns, with its windows lighting up once again. From 1^st December to 2^nd January, a new window will be revealed each evening showcasing enchanting, illuminated scenes for you to enjoy.

Seek out jolly old Saint Nick across the Bradford district this December. Leading up to Christmas Day, you’ll find him everywhere, from hotels and steam trains to grottos and fun runs. Bring the family along to say hello and tell him what you all want for Christmas this year.

Follow the Nutcracker trail through Bradford from 2nd December-5th January. Find them all and solve a puzzle to enter a draw to win a Bradford City Centre Gift Card.

Celebrate the season with a festive selection of Christmas classics, family favourites, and new releases at Pictureville Cinema, running from 7th to 24th December. Highlights include Elf (7-8 Dec), White Christmas (8 & 23 Dec), Die Hard (14 & 20 Dec), It's a Wonderful Life (20, 22, & 24 Dec), Arthur Christmas (14-15 Dec), and The Polar Express (21 & 24 Dec). Plus, experience the magic of The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker (19 & 22 Dec). And don’t miss the reopening of the IMAX cinema on 20th December with Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, a thrilling live-action sequel following Simba’s wild adventure as the one true king.

Get crafty with a festive workshop this December. There are many to choose from, such as the Christmas wreath making at Ilkley Manor House on 5^th-12^th December, making rag wreaths at Cliffe Castle on 7th December or the Handmade Bath Goodies workshop at the Craft House in Bingley on Saturday, 21^st December.

Head in to see the annual Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival at St. Margaret’s Church on 6^th-7^th December. Look around at all the beautifully decorated trees as you listen to live entertainment and carols and sample a seasonal treat or two.

Spend an evening exploring the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth by candlelight on Friday, 6^th December. Curator Sarah Laycock will be on hand to give you an up-close and personal glimpse of some of the museum's most valuable treasures.

Experience Haworth lit up by torchlight on 7^th-8^th December as the ever-popular annual parade winds its way through the village. Make sure this spectacular sight is a part of your next visit to Brontë Country! Join in the festive spirit every weekend leading up to Christmas with a variety of seasonal celebrations in Haworth.

All aboard the Festive Flyer at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway this December, which will whisk you on a wonderful seasonal journey on 12^th-13^th December. Meet reindeer, wander through a market, watch the antics of Santa’s elves and more.

Take a moment to rest and relax before the festive rush begins by sitting down to a seasonal afternoon tea. Venues across the district are offering these tasty trays of sandwiches, mince pies, scones and tea to offer a little sanctuary from your Christmas preparations.

Shop for your Christmas food, from meat and vegetables to stocking up the cheeseboard at the Real Food Christmas Market in the Grove, Ilkley, on Sunday, 15^th December. Come and meet the makers’ and buy something unique and special this Christmas.

Go ‘Walking in The Air’ at King’s Hall, Ilkley on Monday, 23^rd December. The BD1 Brass Band will be accompanying the classic animated film ‘The Snowman’ by playing the score live. This is the perfect way to get the family into the Christmas spirit.

Welcome in 2025 and Bradford's year as the UK City of Culture at New Years Eve parties across the district. Dress in your finest, dine, dance and cheer as the clock strikes 12 and send off 2024 with a bang!

Nothing says Christmas more than a festive show, whether it’s a seasonal carol sing-along or a loud chorus of ‘He’s Behind You!’ at the panto, so it’s no surprise that the entertainment you’ll find on offer in Bradford this month is top-notch. Pantomime season is here with returning favourite Billy Pearce taking to the stage in Pinocchio at the Alhambra Theatre while Jack and the Beanstalk sprouts up at Bradford Playhouse. Daliso Chaponda brings his hilarious new show to Silsden Town Hall and King’s Hall in Ilkley presents the feel-good musical The Big Pants Party. Anything For Love, The Meatloaf Story returns to St George's Hall in Bradford while Dickensian antics take place in Bleak Expectations at Ilkley Playhouse.

Music lovers can Step or Swing into Christmas at St. George’s Hall and Bingley Arts Centre. Traditional carols will be sung at NT East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley. Popular Celtic rockers Gaelforce is returning to Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury while the Bradford Playhouse hosts a tribute to Taylor Swift. Greenmatthews are hosting their midwinter revel at Ilkley Manor House and Bradford Cathedral will be playing all the festive hits by candlelight.

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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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