Saltaire Living Advent Calendar windows return for 2025

The village’s popular annual Living Advent Calendar will see more than 50 windows light up throughout December. 

A total of 52 windows have been designed to represent the spirit of the Christmas season.

Among the eye-catching displays at last year’s event were cat-themed carols and the sight of angels holding doves below a starry night sky.

An angelic window display at a previous Living Advent Calendar event captured by Philip Lickley (Image: Philip Lickley) The illuminated trail will expand throughout the month with each day holding more exciting sights. 

This year, 12 windows will shine from community buildings and local businesses from December 1 - with other designs unveiled daily until Christmas Eve.

Gillian Allmark, of Saltaire Inspired, said: “One of the really nice things about it is that even as the organisers we don’t know what each window’s going to be.

"Because it’s a community event and everybody who wants to take part can, we do get some really nice different ideas.

"There’s some themes that tend to run through the windows but there’s always some really nice new things and that’s part of the fun of it for everybody.

A colourful Living Advent Calendar display in Saltaire captured by Philip Lickley (Image: Philip Lickley) “On the first evening we always open a bigger crop of windows so all the businesses and community groups open on the first night. There’s plenty for people to see right from the start. If people come between Christmas and New Year there’s everything, 52 windows, but even if they come earlier in the month there’s still plenty to see.”

She added: "Come down, enjoy the atmosphere, it's such a lovely way to wander round."

Running since 2006, the Saltaire Living Advent Calendar attracts visitors from across the region and followers online from across the globe.

People can follow the festive trail by walking past the windows of Saltaire’s Grade II-listed cottages, as well as schools, shops, and churches.

A map showing the locations of the windows can be found at saltaireinspired.org.uk and trail leaflets can be picked up at locations throughout Saltaire. 

Windows are illuminated from 4pm - 10.30pm each evening until January 1.

For the sixth year, Rydals Museum in Sweden - formerly a mill like Salts - is participating in the event. 

Saltaire will be displaying a window created by Sjuhäradsform, a collaborative group of artisans from a part of Western Sweden.

Their creation Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - found at 21 Mary Street from December 2 - depicts a starry sky as a common platform for peace and friendship. In return, Saltaire Inspired has sent artwork to Sweden that was created with the help of visitors to the Winter Makers Fair in October. 

Examples of the Living Advent Calendar displays in previous years (Image: Philip Lickley) Members of Saltaire Primary School Eco Club will once again create a display for the Grade II- listed red telephone box at Wash House Gardens.

The Saltaire Living Advent Calendar has been organised by visual arts Charity Saltaire Inspired.

The 2024 Saltaire Living Advent Calendar event is generously supported by The Bingley Gallery and Bradford Woodworkers Ltd.