Christmas has arrived in our West Yorkshire care homes

Across our West Yorkshire care homes residents and colleagues are celebrating the festive season with warmth and creativity.

From making Christmas decorations and singing carols to decorating trees and baking seasonal treats, the range of festive activities being enjoyed are sparking joy and bringing people together. These celebrations are a wonderful reminder of how creativity and community can lift spirits and support wellbeing at this special time of year.

Nineteen homes across the region – including Halcyon Court, Primrose Court, Townend Close, Beech Hall, Berkeley Court, Larchfield, Oak Tree Lodge, Simon Marks Court, Wharfeside, Ashcroft, Mill View, Sandholme Fold, Savile Park, Springfield, Tolson Grange, Trinity Fold, Oulton Manor, The Manor House Roundhay, and Wetherby Manor – kicked off their festive celebrations with their spectacular Christmas lights switch-ons. The annual tradition is a much-loved moment in the lead-up to Christmas, bringing joy to residents and the local community. 

At Primrose Court in Leeds, the annual light switch-on was made even more special by a visit from Will Burns, the comedian and impressionist who captivated millions on Britain's Got Talent 2025. Will, who earned the coveted Golden Buzzer and went on to reach the semi-finals, attended the ceremony at the home where his grandmother Betty lives.

Wharfeside care home in Otley took festivities to new heights with a Christmas cake competition, judged by an impressive panel including Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard from Emmerdale), Town Mayor Paul Carter, Otley Bellman Terry Ford, former Mayor Mary Vickers and Father Christmas himself. 

Chris Chittell, an English actor known for playing Eric Pollard in Emmerdale, says:

The day was incredible. A wonderfully humbling experience. The Christmas cakes were a great standard.

Louise Bulcock, Home Manager at Wharfeside, says:

Christmas is always memorable across Anchor care homes. It’s a time when residents, their families, and our colleagues come together to celebrate, reminisce, and create new memories. From the lights switch-ons to cake competitions, it's been amazing to see how much joy is being shared across our home and beyond.

Dorothy, resident at Wharfeside, says:

I’m loving every moment of the celebrations. There’s such a feeling of togetherness in the home. I’m very grateful that all the visitors took the time to join in with us. I had such lovely chats with Chris and the Otley Mayor, and it meant a great deal to me. Everyone is working so hard to make Christmas so special for us here at Wharfeside.

We are proud of the real community feel each of our care homes have, where people interact with fellow residents, families and friends, and are supported to continue doing all the things they enjoy. Christmas is a special time of year for so many reasons and colleagues always take this great opportunity to organise some extra special activities. Find out more about our approach to wellness here.