Yorkshire Dales Christmas Light Switch On’s
The Burley in Wharfedale Christmas Lights
Who loves a good old Christmas Light Switch On?
I do, I do! Yes, switching on those festive fairy lights always kick starts the Christmas season with a whole hit of Yuletide sparkle!
And with so many Yorkshire Dales towns and villages getting involved in 2023, you will be spoiled with fabulous places to go and fabulous activities to do!
So whether you’re looking for somewhere local, or you fancy trying somewhere new, maybe you’re on a pre-Christmas getaway? Then look no further to see what’s in store at all of the Light Switch on’s this year!
(P.S. they’re all arranged in date order!)
Missing your event? Get in touch to let us know!
All the Christmas Light Switch on’s in and around the Dales…. GO!
So….. here they all are! Each light switch on, in date order with a summary of what they have in store! All of the locations are located either inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park boundaries, or in the outlying towns and villages.
Saturday 18th November
Ripon Light Switch On
Festivities starting from 1pm
Lights on at 5pm
Head to the Market Place for Father Christmas, free fairground rides and live music!
Friday 24th November:
Knaresborough Light Switch On
Festivities starting from 5.30pm
Lights on at 6.30pm
Head to Knaresborough Castle where the light parade will set off at 6pm. There will be father Christmas, mulled wine, street food and carols.
Make a day of it! Head for a walk along the river on our Knaresborough circular walk, check out the historic St Robert’s Cave, head to the park or check out the Christmas Event at Mother Shipton’s Cave!
Grassington Light Switch On
Lights on at 4.30pm
There will be live music from local schools and bands. Make a day of it by checking out our Visit Grassington with kids guide!
Saturday 25th November:
Ilkley Light Switch On
Lights on at 5pm
Father Christmas will arrive on his horse drawn carriage at 5pm to turn on the Christmas Lights in Ilkley. There will also be live music and a Christmas market on The Grove.
Check out our Visit Ilkley with Kids Guide to find out how to make it a full day out!
Settle Christmas Light Switch On
Festivities begin at 12pm
Fireworks at 5pm
Head to Settle Christmas Light Switch on for a fairground, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Market and Bouncy Castle. There will also be fireworks! Make a full day of it and wander up to the caves above Settle.
Kirkby Stephen Light Switch On
Festivities start from 2pm
Lights 6.15pm
There is a whole LOAD of festive fun at Kirkby Stephen this year! With a winter wonderland walk, festive games, the chance to meet Santa’s Reindeer, trampolines and face painting, quizzes and carols, stories, a festive lit tractor parade, children’s crafts, food and drinks, markets stalls and Santa is there to turn on the lights too! WOW! I wanna go!
Head to the Stoneshot Car Park and Market Square!
Leyburn Light Switch On
Festivities start from 10am
Lights on 4.30pm
The Christmas Light switch on coincides with a whole RAFT of festive fun in Leyburn this year! There are Christmas Markets, the opportunity to see Santa and his Reindeer, live music and entertainment and an elf trail too!
Head to Market Place where you’ll find most of the activities!
The Christmas Lights at Grassington
Sunday 26th November 2023
Skipton Light Switch On
A full day of festvities!
Lights on at 5pm
Kicking off with the Santa Fun Run, the day will be hosted by Rombalds Radio with dance performances, festive music and free fairground rides. There will be roaming entertainment and face painting as well as game stalls.
Santa will also be there for the light switch on!
Why not pair it with a wander through Skipton Castle Woods.
Monday 27th November 2023
Otley Christmas Light Switch On
5.30pm festivities begin
Lights on 7pm
Head to the Market place for fairground rides, festive fun and fireworks!
If you’re lucky enough to have the day off with your littlest ones, then why not try a pushchair friendly walk around Gallows Hill Nature Reserve?
Friday 1st December 2023
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Light Switch On
Festivities begin at 5.30pm
Join The Snow Queen in St. Mary’s churchyard at 5:30 p.m. as she moves down Main Street to Market Square to the light switch on! For the full line up of activities across the weekend, head to the Kirkby Lonsdale Website.
Saturday 2nd December 2023
Hawes Christmas Light Switch On
10am - 4pm
Head to Hawes Market House for the Christmas Market and Light Switch on! Make a day of it by checking out what else there is to offer for kids in Hawes.
Burley in Wharfedale Light Switch On
Lights on a 4.30pm
Festivities all afternoon
There will be a Christmas market, craft fair, choral performances (from some of the best singers around…. not biased…. totally biased….) activities and rides for kids and of course Santa.
I’ve saved the best until (almost) last, because the Burley in Wharfedale Lights are legendary and not to be missed!
And make sure you support some of the fabulous local businesses in Burley too! You can make a day of it by checking out one of our Burley Walks!
Sunday 3rd December 2023
Bedale Christmas Light Switch on
Festivities from 9am.
Lights on 4.30pm
There will be a fairground, music on stage, carols, a street market and Father Christmas at Bedale Light Switch On! Taking place on the Market Place.
Burley in Wharfedale Light Switch on 2022
So there you have it…
Local light switch on’s are fantastic, they are full of wonderfully warm festive vibes and are the best way to kick start your Christmas seasons!
So if you weren’t sure where to head or what was on this year. I hope I’ve helped a little!
Organising an event?
If I’ve got anything wrong, DO get in touch! I am only a slightly sleep deprived human juggling my third child (this website) amongst real life, like actual jobs, kids and adulting and stuff!
Or if I’ve missed you out, let me know!