What's On In December

Though the weather outside may be frightful, Bradford is positively delightful this December, brimming with festive cheer and a host of wonderful events and activities guaranteed to bring the Christmas spirit to the whole family. Here is just a taster of the buffet of events on the way.

Head into Saltaire throughout December to see the beautiful windows of the Living Advent Calendar light up. With new windows added every evening, there will always be something new to discover as you explore the village.

Explore the Brontë Parsonage Museum lit by candlelight for a special late-night opening on Thursday, 4th December. The Parsonage will be decorated for the season to let you experience it in a whole new light and the shop will open late too so you can pick up some wonderful, unique gifts.

Watch Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol unfold around the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway this December. With performances on various dates, tickets are selling fast — so book now for this enchanting experience, where Scrooge’s office transforms into the starting point of a mystical train journey filled with wonder and discovery.

Spend a joyful afternoon at Ilkley’s annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Margaret’s Church on 5th–6th December, wandering through displays of trees decorated by the community before enjoying a drink and a fresh mince pie.

Relax after a day out in Ilkley at Ilkley Rugby Club from 5th–21st December for the Ilkley Christmas Teepees, where you can sit back in a cosy teepee, savour delicious street food and gather around a roaring fire beneath magical lights, the perfect setting to bring friends and families together in joyful comfort.

Celebrate Christmas at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley on 6th–7th December with a festive market of handmade gifts and treats, plus a chance to meet Father Christmas in the Grand Drawing Room. The fun continues on 13th–14th December when Father Christmas returns and families can enjoy festive craft workshops.

Visit Santa as you ride the special weekend services this December on the Shipley Glen Tramway, an ever-popular event that takes you on a magical ride through the glen to Santa’s grotto.

Immerse yourself in the eerie charm of ghostly tales at the Denso Marston Nature Reserve in Baildon on Saturday, 6th December. Blending festive cheer with spine-tingling storytelling, the afternoon promises seasonal magic as you explore nature.

Haworth will glow with torchlight on 6th–7th December as the annual Torchlight Parade Weekend winds through the village streets. Entertainment continues every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, including a lively Music Weekend and the traditional Nativity Weekend, so be sure to check out Christmas in Haworth for all the highlights.

Join Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture for a special after-hours event at the Turner Prize exhibition at Cartwright Hall on Thursday, 11th December. Live music, pop-up performances, karaoke and more will fill the evening with energy as you explore the award-winning works.

Dance the night away in a festive party with a country and western twist at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley on Friday, 19th December. The Ho-Ho-Hoedown serves up a delicious three-course meal, engaging performances and plenty of opportunities to dance to country classics.

Countdown to 2026 at fabulous parties across the Bradford District. Hotels and clubs are bringing all the glitz, glamour and glitter for amazing all-night events full of music and dancing until it’s time to welcome the brand-new year — which promises even more fun things to see and do in Bradford.

Magical shows are coming to the district this December to bring Christmas joy to everyone. The Alhambra Theatre welcomes Billy Pearce back to the stage for this year’s incredible panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Ilkley Playhouse presents the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, Bradford Ice Arena dazzles with a festive show on the ice and Bradford Live brings Buddy and the gang to town with Elf: The Musical.

Swing into Christmas with a lively show at King’s Hall in Ilkley or join Rob Brydon and his Fabulous Band at Bradford Live. St George’s Hall welcomes the return of the James Bond Concert Spectacular packed with 007 classics, while GreenMatthews host their annual Midwinter Revels at Ilkley Manor House. For a touch of local flavour, head to Darley Street Market in Bradford for a concert by James Spencer showcasing his emotional and introspective music.

Whatever you choose, Bradford is brimming with festive cheer this December.

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Enjoy your time in the Bradford district and don’t forget to tag @visitbradford #VisitBradford in your photos.

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