Yorkshire Christmas Light Switch-Ons 2026
Where To Catch The Big Festive Countdowns.
Posted on 18th October 2026
Nothing kicks off the festive season quite like wrapping up warm, grabbing a hot chocolate, and watching thousands of twinkling lights illuminate your local high street. Yorkshire's town squares and city centres are gearing up for a huge winter season, and it all begins with a community light switch on, with music, local vendors, food, drink and of course, the BIG COUNTDOWN!
To save you hunting through social media pages, we've brought together all the confirmed Christmas light switch-on dates, exact locations, and countdown times across West, North, South, and East Yorkshire right here.
West Yorkshire 🎄
From buzzing city precinct parties to brass bands in scenic market towns, West Yorkshire goes big for the big push-button moment:
| Town / City | Where It Happens | Date | Event Hours | The Big Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meanwood (Leeds) | Green Road, LS6 4JP | Fri 13th Nov 2026 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Early Evening |
| Wakefield | Cathedral Precinct & City Centre | Fri 13th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Bradford | The Broadway Bradford, Hall Ings | Sat 14th Nov 2026 | Full Day Event | Late Afternoon |
| Leeds City Centre | Trinity Leeds & City Precinct | Thu 19th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Garforth | Main Street & Town Centre | Fri 20th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Evening |
| Ilkley | The Grove, LS29 9EG | Sat 21st Nov 2026 | Parade from 4:20 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Bingley | Bingley Town Square, BD16 2LZ | Sun 22nd Nov 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
| Castleford | Castleford Precinct | Sun 22nd Nov 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Otley | Market Place, Otley | Mon 23rd Nov 2026 | 5:15 PM – 7:15 PM | 7:00 PM (Fireworks) |
| Hebden Bridge | St. George's Square, HX7 8AQ | Thu 26th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Holmfirth | The Huntsman & Victoria Square | Thu 26th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Halifax | The Piece Hall & Woolshops | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Huddersfield | St George's Square & Kingsgate | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Ossett | Ossett Precinct | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Evening |
| Pontefract | Pontefract Precinct | Sun 29th Nov 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Horsforth | The Green & Town Street | Sat 5th Dec 2026 | Afternoon / Evening | 5:00 PM |
North Yorkshire ❄️
Historic stone streets, coastal trees, and National Park villages host some of Yorkshire's most atmospheric light nights:
| Town / Place | Where It Happens | Date | Event Hours | The Big Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrogate | Victoria Shopping Centre & Precinct | Fri 20th Nov 2026 | Starts 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Bedale | Market Place & Town Hall | Sat 21st Nov 2026 | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Skipton | High Street & Market Place | Sun 22nd Nov 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
| Helmsley | Market Place, Helmsley | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | Starts 4:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Knaresborough | Market Place, HG5 8AL | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | Evening Event | Bright Friday |
| Whitby | Marina Front & Endeavour Wharf | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Ingleton | Community Centre & Square | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Masham | Market Place, HG4 4DY | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | Starts 4:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Pickering | Market Place, YO18 7AE | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM | 4:15 PM |
| Ripon | Market Square, HG4 1BW | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | Starts 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Scarborough | Brunswick Centre & Town Centre | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Settle | Market Place & Town Hall | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM | 5:00 PM (Fireworks) |
| Filey | Filey Seafront & Coble Landing | Sat 5th Dec 2026 | Starts 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM (Fishtive Tree) |
| Hawes | Market Place & Board Room | Sat 5th Dec 2026 | 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Reeth | The Village Green, DL11 6SE | Sat 5th Dec 2026 | Starts 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Thornton-le-Dale | Village Centre & Green | Sat 5th Dec 2026 | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
South Yorkshire ✨
Dazzling civic displays, cathedral light installations, and festive high street countdowns across South Yorkshire:
| Town / City | Where It Happens | Date | Event Hours | The Big Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotherham | Gulliver's Valley (Land of Lights) | Sun 8th Nov 2026 onwards | Selected Evenings | Dusk Launch |
| Bawtry | Market Place & High Street | Sat 14th Nov 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sheffield | Fox Valley, Stocksbridge | Sun 15th Nov 2026 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Barnsley | Barnsley Town Centre (Bright Nights) | Fri 20th & Sat 21st Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Evening Light Trail |
| Doncaster | Doncaster Minster (Festival of Light) | Fri 20th Nov 2026 | Evening Slots Daily | 5:00 PM Opening |
| Wath-upon-Dearne | Wath Town Centre & High Street | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Conisbrough | Castle Square & High Street | Late Nov 2026 (TBC) | TBC | TBC |
| Dinnington | Dinnington Resource Centre & High St | Late Nov 2026 (TBC) | TBC | TBC |
| Wombwell | High Street & Town Centre | Early Dec 2026 (TBC) | TBC | TBC |
East Yorkshire 🌟
Bustling town squares, coastal seafronts, and historic high streets host classic community countdowns across East Yorkshire:
| Town / City | Where It Happens | Date | Event Hours | The Big Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull City Centre | Queen Victoria Square, HU1 3RA | Thu 19th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 6:45 PM |
| Market Weighton | Market Place & High Street | Fri 20th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Pocklington | Market Place & Town Centre | Sun 22nd Nov 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
| Bridlington | King Street & Town Centre | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Driffield | Market Place & High Street | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Goole | Pedestrian Precinct & Clock Tower | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Hornsea | Newbegin & Cinema Street | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Hessle | The Square, Hessle | Fri 27th Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Howden | Market Place & Shire Hall | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Withernsea | Queen Street & Promenade | Sat 28th Nov 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Beverley | Market Place & Wednesday Market | Sun 29th Nov 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Brough | Skillings Lane & Community Centre | Fri 4th Dec 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
Photo Gallery
Handy Tips For The Big Night 📅
Make the most of your festive family trip into town:
Beat The Road Closures
High streets usually close early for parades and stalls. Aim to park 45–60 minutes before the countdown to avoid gridlock.
Wrap Up Warm
You'll be standing around outdoors for a while! Layers, thermal socks, and waterproofs are your best friend.
Free Family Fun
All town and city switch-on countdowns listed above are completely free to attend—just turn up and enjoy the vibe.
Ditch The Car
Towns like Ilkley, Otley, Bingley, and Wakefield hold their events right next to primary bus hubs or train stations.
