Everything you need to know for the Christmas lights switch on and Santa’s grotto events in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd

Families can look forward to some festive celebrations in the lead up to Christmas, with events spread across November and December.

The festive programme — delivered by Hebden Royd Town Council (HRTC) — will include two Christmas lights switch on events, and two Santa’s grotto events.

HRTC will also fund three Christmas trees in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, and Mytholmroyd.

As previously reported by the Courier, HRTC said that this year’s events will be “stripped back”, with a bigger focus on community groups rather than “big-ticket acts.”

Another change this year is that the switch-on and Santa’s grotto events will take place separately, which comes as a result of feedback from families who previously found themselves divided between queuing to see Santa and potentially missing acts such as local schools singing on stage.

In addition, the scale and duration of the Mytholmroyd switch-on event is set to be smaller than in previous years.

HRTC said the changes are because of the cost-of-living crisis and “continuing pressures on councils to provide excellent value for public money.”

It added that the changes will allow the town council to spread town council investment more widely across the festive season.

This year, the switch-on events — which previously came under the name Light Up The Valley — will not be delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge.

As previously reported, HRTC said Light Up The Valley had reached a “natural conclusion” and that it looked forward to “continuing to partner with the Rotary on future projects.”

It also said the scaled back switch-on events would allow the town council to invest in projects outside of the Christmas period, and that family-friendly activities planned for February half-term will be announced in the new year.

Coun Rosemary Hedges, Chair of the Projects and Events Committee at HRTC, said: “Christmas is a special time in our communities and we’re excited to launch a refreshed festive programme that brings together much-loved events under a new identity.

“Whether you’re joining us for the lights switch-on celebrations or visiting Santa’s Grotto, there will be plenty of opportunities for people of all ages to come together, celebrate and enjoy the season.”

Here are the details for this year’s Christmas events:

Mytholmroyd Christmas Lights Switch On

2.30pm - 5.30pm, Saturday, November 21.

St Michael’s Church, Mytholmroyd.

Countdown to switch on at 5pm.

An afternoon on festive entertainment will take place, featuring community acts, family-friendly fun, school choirs, and indoor Christmas fayre, and performances from local talent.

Hebden Bridge Christmas Lights Switch On

4.30pm – 6.30pm, Thursday, November 26.

St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge.

Countdown to switch on at 6pm.

Festive entertainment will include family activities, local performers and “seasonal cheer.”

Mytholmroyd Santa’s Grotto

11am - 3.30pm, Sunday, December 6.

Mytholmroyd Community Centre.

Hebden Bridge Santa’s Grotto

11am - 3.30pm, Saturday, December 12.

Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

Children can meet Santa, take part in Christmas crafts and receive a gift for free.

Donations to this year’s Mayor’s chosen charity, Calder Valley Search & Rescue Team, will be gratefully accepted on the day.

Last entry to join the grotto queue is 3.30pm.

HRTC advises that visitors use public transport to travel to events to avoid congestion.