Calderdale prepares for the big Christmas switch-on

A whole host of entertainment is planned in Halifax later this month when the town gets into the spirit of Christmas by turning on its illuminations.

Neil Hurst from the Victoria Theatre Pantomime, and Danny and Rosie from Pulse 1’s Breakfast Show will be among the special guests at the Halifax Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday, November 26.

The event, on Russell Street in the town centre, will also feature a live choir, dance performances and children’s entertainment from 2-6pm. Free admission.

The Woolshops will host a Christmas local produce market on the cobbles between 10am and 5.30pm boasting plenty of food stalls and local crafts to stock up on those important gifts. This will be followed by a spectacular performance from a group of fire eaters.

There will be free face painting for youngsters, photo opportunities with Olaf from Frozen, donkey and fairground rides and a special guest appearance from Father Christmas himself, which will all culminate in the Halifax Christmas lights being switched on by a local hero and the Mayor of Calderdale at 4.30pm.

The day will end with a fireworks display sponsored by Broad Street Plaza.

Celebrating the Spirit of Halifax Christmas celebrations, the external north wall of The Piece Hall will be illuminated with a brand new bespoke animated illustration, The Night Market, between dusk and 9pm daily from November 26 until December 4.

The Victorian Christmas Festival in Brighouse takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 26 and 27. More than 80 stalls full of locally produced foods and crafts will be open throughout the weekend, giving shoppers an ideal opportunity to stock up on delicious local food for Christmas.

There will be entertainment throughout both days with Christmas carols being sung by local school choirs, a fairground organ, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and street entertainers.

Saturday’s market will draw to a close with a lantern parade, the Christmas lights switch-on at 4pm and community carol singing.

Stallholders, entertainers, visitors and locals are all encouraged to dress in period costume to add to the Victorian atmosphere.

Hebden Bridge will turn its Christmas lights on during an event in St George’s Square on Friday, November 25 at 5pm, featuring entertainment from Hebden Bridge Junior and Senior Bands, Magpie Movers and local choirs, building up to a dazzling fireworks finale.

The community is then invited to share in mulled wine and mince pies at Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

On Saturday, November 26 from noon, Hebden Royd Town Council is working in partnership with Royd Regeneration to present a Magical Mytholmroyd Christmas,

The village’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.30pm followed by a spectacular “quiet” fireworks finale.

Todmorden will hold its Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday, November 26 in the Peace Garden by the town hall.