Celebrate Christmas in Kirklees

The fun-filled festive lineups have been confirmed for the 2024 Christmas Celebrations in both Huddersfield and Dewsbury.

Events and activities in Huddersfield

Huddersfield town centre will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland on Saturday 30 November, while Dewsbury town centre will be a hive of festive activities on Saturday 7 December. Both town centres will host live music, attractions, family entertainment, walkabout acts, creative workshops, real-life reindeer, and Christmas markets with a selection of gifts, food and drinks. Activities will be free for all, including live music and Santa's Grotto.

This year, in the true spirit of the festive season, the council is collaborating with key partners across Huddersfield and Dewsbury to deliver a greater range of activities with something for everyone.

Events and activities will take place across Huddersfield town centre between 11am - 4pm on Saturday 30 November. The newly refurbished St.Peter's Garden will host around 40 stalls at the Christmas Market, featuring local artisan makers, festive food and refreshments. A live music stage will add to the festive atmosphere with choirs and bands from across the district.

The Piazza will play host to creative workshops thanks to the Creative Piazza. Create a winter worlds crown with MakerWorld, make a winter gift with CollaborARTi, print paper lanterns and screen print stickers or t-shirts with West Yorkshire Print Workshop or simply bring along a jumper and make it festive with Thread Republic. Outside entertainment includes walkabout characters and storytelling every half hour. Workshops will culminate in a Community Winter Parade led by a Jabberwocky and snow fairies, prior to a final musical performance by Rhythm Sticks. You will also be able to meet the big man himself at Santa's Grotto!

Back by popular demand, a giant snow globe will sit on New Street alongside real-life reindeer whilst Hepworth Brass Band fill the street with sounds of a traditional Yorkshire Christmas.

Market Place will also feature a snowboarding simulator and mechanical rodeo reindeer.

Events and activities in Dewsbury

The following Saturday in Dewsbury (7 December) the popular Open Market will take on a Christmas twist with an additional 20 stalls featuring local artisan makers and festive food and refreshments provided by market regulars. A live music stage will host performers and buskers adding to the festive atmosphere.

Outside Dewsbury Town Hall the giant snow globe will make an appearance, as will the snowboarding simulator and mechanical rodeo reindeer, both set to test skills. Real-life reindeer will also be making a stop in Dewsbury too. Inside the town hall, Christmas classics 'Home Alone' and 'Home Alone 2' will be screened.

Make Christmas decorations and lanterns with Arthouse Children's Art School and Edgelands Arts, at the Princess of Wales Shopping Centre, before taking part in the lantern parade. Children can see if they spot elves along the trail as well visiting Santa in his grotto. There will also be a clothes and gift swap with WOVEN.

Finally, A Christmas Cracker, a free, festive show for families of all ages will be performed at 10:30am and 2pm. Free tickets can be booked in advance to ensure a space.

Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

"This year's Christmas celebrations in Huddersfield and Dewsbury are packed full of free, family-friendly festive activities. Spread across our town centres they will encourage residents to support the high street and explore areas they might not ordinarily visit.

"Our teams have been busy working with some of our fantastic partners and community organisations who make Kirklees special and have a lot to offer to residents year-round.

"We hope that there is something to get everyone into the festive spirit."

More information on the Kirklees Christmas Celebrations, and community-led events, can be found on the Creative Kirklees Christmas page.

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