With some new lighting arrangements, a bigger and better Christmas lights switch-on and the usual flurry of events, residents of and visitors to Otley will find themselves walking in an Otley Wonderland this Christmas.
As usual, Market Square will feature the town Christmas tree, while many of the shops and businesses will be displaying their own mini trees. Alongside the streetlights, which once again will feature an ice-white theme this year, they’ll provide the backdrop for all the goings on around the town.
Here’s a round-up of what’s on when:
Christmas Lights Switch On
Monday November 25th
Market Place
This year’s Christmas countdown will start with the Christmas Lights Switch On in Market Place with events starting at 5.30pm followed by the lights switch on and fireworks at 7pm. The event will be compared by the Otley Bellman Terry Ford alongside radio DJs from Your Harrogate/Your Ilkley. There’ll also be appearances from the Leeds Rhinos, circus acts, choral performances, an appearance by Santa and, perhaps, even an early live rendition of the song to this year’s Christmas film. Now as eagerly anticipated as the one by a certain department store, Otley’s Christmas film for 2024 will be released ahead of the event.
The Visit Otley Christmas Song & Video
Saturday November 30th
Online
Look out for the release of this year’s Visit Otley Christmas song on Saturday November 30th. This year the song is performed by Sam Stevens of Tapas N Tunes. The film features 43 different community organisations and businesses and there will be a competition to name them all with the winner getting a prize of £100 from Otley BID. In the event of more than one person getting all 43 names, they’ll be entered into a random draw for the winner.
Otley Snowman Trail
December 1st-18th
Around Town
The Otley Snowman Trail around the shops and businesses in Otley runs from 1st to 18th December 2024. This year is the biggest yet with over 120 shops and businesses taking part. Booklets will be available from various businesses around the town or an online trail map will be available. For more information, visitwww.otleysnowmantrail.co.uk .
Reindeer Academy
Throughout December
Otley Garden Centre
Over at Otley Garden Centre on Pool Road there are special visitors hosting a Reindeer Academy throughout December. The fun begins in the Woodland Wonderland, before children zoom off to the Arctic Training Ground for exciting flying lessons. In the magical Science Lab, potions and surprises await before a visit to Santas’ Grotto to meet Father Christmas and choose a toy from his toyshop.
See https://otleygardencentre.co.uk/santas-grotto/ to book
Victorian Fayre
Sunday December 1st
Around Town
The town’s annual Christmas event in the style of Charles Dickens will take place this year on Sunday December 1st from noon to 6pm. Expect stalls, shops, Christmas carols and many people dressed in period costume throughout the town. See https://www.victorianfayre.co.uk/
Christmas Tree Festival
Wednesday December 4th-Saturday December 7th
Otley Parish Church
Another Otley Christmas stalwart will return to the Parish Church from noon on Wednesday December 4th for the Otley Christmas Tree Festival. Held daily until Saturday December 7th, local charities and organisations will be encouraged to dress Christmas trees to raise money for good causes. There’ll be musical performances throughout.
Super Sundays
Sunday December 1st and 22nd
Around Town
Otley’s reputation as a fabulous place to shop thanks to our many independent businesses will once again be cemented with two extra Super Sunday shopping days. Whether you’re shopping for the Christmas table or for gifts to fill those stockings, Otley’s businesses are offering extra opportunities to pick up goodies ahead of the Big Day.
Bah Humbug!
Thursday December 12th
Otley Courthouse
In this adult-themed Christmas theatre show, Joanne is very rich but all alone on Christmas Eve. She hates Christmas with a passion and explains at length what is wrong with it. She eventually nods off and awakes to find a woman in her flat – she has no idea how the woman got in, who she is, or what she wants. On the other hand, the woman does seem to know a great deal about Joanne, her family and her somewhat murky past. This bittersweet comedy brings a modern twist to the Scrooge experience, and is guaranteed to make the audience both laugh and cry.
Otley Players present: Camelot
Saturday December 14th at 2pm and 7pm, Saturday December 15th at 2pm
Otley Courthouse
Camelot the Panto is an exciting and entertaining Christmas pantomime that brings the medieval world of Camelot to life. Join Prince Arthur, Guinevere, Sir Laughalot, Merlin, and Connie Clatterbottom as they unite to battle the evil witch Morgan le Fay and the not-so-vicious Valerin. This panto extravaganza promises to transport you to the legendary land of Camelot, where you’ll encounter a delightful array of characters including princesses, witches, wizards, invisible men, and even teddy bears! Written by Ben Crocker this is a magical and hilarious journey suitable for all ages.
Dinner with Bowie
Saturday December 14th
Tapas & Tunes
TNT co-owner Sam Stevens presents Bowie in crooner mode singing popular classics, including Little Drummer Boy – pa rup a pum pum!
Albion Christmas Band
Tuesday, December 17th
Otley Courthouse
Featuring talents from Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, the Albion Band and more, the Albion Christmas Band, now touring for more than 25 years, is widely regarded as one of the UK’s premier seasonal shows and one you don’t want to miss. They’ll be bringing the Christmas spirt to the Courthouse on December 17th. The gig is now sold out so this will be returns only.
See https://otleycourthouse.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656351
Christmas Farmers’ Market
Sunday December 22nd
Market Place
Want to get your last-minute fruit, veg and more from local artisan providers? Head to the last farmers’ market of the year from 9am to 1pm in Market Place.
The Dunwells
Friday December 27th and Saturday 28th
The Rookery
Leeds based Indie-folk/Americana band The Dunwells will be bringing their post-Christmas repertoire to The Rookery for two nights – it’s like seeing the band in your own living room! (Please note, the performance area is upstairs).
For a more details on all these and other events throughout December, make sure to bookmark the Visit Otley events calendar for further details https://www.visitotley.co.uk/whats-on/calendar/
All dates and times correct at the time of going to press. Please check as details can always change.