Ilkley Manor House is all set for the festive season, kicking off December with its hugely popular Christmas Makers’ Fair on the 2nd and 3rd.
Visitors will be able to source those perfect indie gifts, all created by talented artists and makers, whilst getting in the festive spirit thanks to the Grade I listed building’s atmospheric charm and beautiful Christmas decorations.
There will be a wide variety of tantalising items to purchase, including ceramics, jewellery, art prints and illustration, stylish dog wear, Christmas cards, and quirky decorations. The Makers’ Fair will be open between 10am and 5pm on both Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December; admission is £1 (under 16s free). The Ilkley Manor House shop will also be open every weekend for cards, last-minute presents and those all-important stocking fillers.
On Saturday 9th December, students from Leeds Conservatoire will be playing Christmas carols in the House and inviting people to warm up their vocal chords and sing along, whilst later in the day families can join in with Christmas craft activities, making reindeer decorations that they can take home with them.
New for 2023, Ilkley Manor House is offering a unique heritage festive-dining experience in the week building up to the 25th. Set amidst the stunning and distinctive backdrop of the beautiful historic building, diners will be able to enjoy a 3-course fine-dining menu from award-winning caterers, Good Food Story.
Sarah Thomas, Chair of the Ilkley Manor House Trust says, “Ilkley Manor House will be decorated with all the trimmings of the season and full of festive delights during December. This year’s curated Christmas Makers’ Fair brings together some of the most interesting and imaginative local creatives under one roof, whilst our new, unique heritage festive dining experience is set to be utterly magical.”
Ilkley Manor House is open every weekend for the remainder of 2023 until it closes for winter at 4pm on Sunday 17th December, reopening with the spring programme during February 2024.
Further information about Ilkley Manor House’s festive events, fine-dining experience, and its autumn/winter programme of activities can be found at ilkleymanorhouse.org