BONFIRES & FIREWORKS

The annual Bonfire & Firework Spectacular returns on 2 Nov with not-too-loud a bang at a fun-packed, family day out at Cannon Hall Farm. The bonfire is perfect for families with young children because, in deference to the animals, special, quieter fireworks are set to music instead of big bangers and crackers.

It’s triple the fun at the Autumn Lights Fireworks Fiesta (27 Oct, 3 & 5 Nov), popping up across three Yorkshire locations – Leeds, York & Harrogate. Expect not one but two dazzling displays per night, plus live music, a family funfair and street food to keep everyone toasty and full of cheer. It’s the kind of night where you’ll find yourself saying “just one more churro” under the fireworks.

Then it’s all systems go at Fort Paull’s Fireworks Extravaganza on 2 Nov, where the historic fortress becomes the backdrop for a truly epic show. The award-winning team at The Fireworkers Sky Magic Events are taking charge – and if you’ve seen their previous displays, you’ll know these guys don’t do “subtle”. Think booming colour, intricate choreography, and plenty of jaw-drops from the crowd.

Finally, wind things down with something a little gentler at Big Sheep Little Cow Bonfire Night on 4 Nov, perfect for families and little ones who prefer sparkle without the bangs. There’s a treasure hunt, fireside storytelling and festive games – all the wholesome autumn magic without the noise.

LIGHT SHOWS

First up, we can’t wait for RHS Glow at RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate (19 Nov – 20 Dec). Wander through a snowflake walk, dazzled by twinkly fairy-lit trees and towering playful petunias before stopping off for a Bettys hot choc or mulled wine half way round.

Echoes of Yorkshire (24 Oct – 2 Nov), where York Museum Gardens is transformed by the creative wizards at Luxmuralis. Expect light, colour and sound swirling through the historic gardens in a mesmerising symphony that’ll have you gazing skyward in awe and definitely reaching for your phone to capture it all.

From York’s glow to Bradford’s buzz, BD is LIT on 7–8 Nov, as the city centre bursts into technicolour. Think dazzling light installations and live performances from local, national and international artists, all exploring the Colour of Light. It’s free, it’s vibrant, and it’s pure after-dark joy.

Over in Sheffield, Illuminate the Gardens (7–9 Nov) lights up the Botanical Gardens for one magical weekend. Bonfire Night vibes meet dreamy illuminations in this firework-and-light fusion that’s as family-friendly as it is Insta-worthy.

And just when you think it can’t get brighter, Land of Lights lands at Gulliver’s Valley Resort from 8 Nov 2025 – 31 Jan 2026, bringing a glowing wonderland of giant lanterns, illuminated creatures and fairytale magic to Rotherham. It’s the ultimate winter walk for kids (and big kids).

Need a hit of nature with your neon? Wander into Luminescence: A Winter Light Trail (6 Nov 2025 – 28 Feb 2026) at Swinton Park Hotel, where 17 acres of woodland gardens shimmer with an ethereal glow. This one’s pure countryside calm meets celestial art, and ends with hot chocolate by the fire.

Then it’s on to the wild side at Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Winter Illuminations (selected dates, 15 Nov – 10 Jan). As night falls, stroll through a safari of light as glowing creatures and enchanted realms bring the park to life. Expect gasps, giggles, and glowing selfies galore.

Culture lovers, don’t miss Doncaster Festival of Light (14 – 23 Nov), celebrating its seventh year at St George’s Minster. It’s free, it’s local, and it’s packed with community spirit, illuminating creativity and connection in equal measure.

Keeping the sparkle going, Light Up Wakefield (21 – 23 Nov) turns the city centre into a glowing playground, with installations, live music and entertainment leading up to the big Christmas Light Switch-On at 5:30 pm. The festive feels start here.

Just up the road, Barnsley Bright Nights (21 – 22 Nov) delivers South Yorkshire’s biggest light art festival – a two-day dazzle-fest of installations, performances and public art transforming the town centre into one big, bright celebration.

And rounding things off, Shipley Christmas Lights (22 Nov) offers a cosy community glow-up. From midday fun and artisan stalls to the big switch-on at 4:45 pm, it’s all the festive charm you could wish for – complete with crafts, carols and a sparkling tree to boot.

FESTIVALS

Steph McGovern at Off the Shelf Festival

Kicking things off in true literary style, Off the Shelf Festival (10 Oct – 10 Nov) brings a month-long celebration of words, wit and wisdom to Sheffield. One of the North’s biggest literary events, it’s your chance to hear from award-winning authors, rising stars and creative voices that’ll leave your imagination buzzing.

Then it’s over to Whitby, where tales and tunes take centre stage. The brand-new Whitby Literature Festival (6–9 Nov) makes its debut with a celebration of storytelling in all its forms (novels, poetry, plays and more) many inspired by the town’s windswept beauty and gothic charm.

If you prefer your weekends with a little more rhythm, the Whitby Blues Festival (7–9 Nov) has your name all over it. Expect an unforgettable line-up of international blues and rock artists shaking the Northern Lights Suite at Whitby Pavilion – a weekend made for live-music lovers and toe-tappers alike.

While you’re in a story-telling mood, the Yorkshire Festival of Story (3–9 Nov) weaves together myth, theatre and song, exploring how stories shape our sense of truth, power and justice. Expect magical performances that spark both wonder and thought.

Film buffs, your moment’s here too: Aesthetica Short Film Festival (5–9 Nov) returns to York for another round of world-class indie cinema. From powerful shorts to visionary features, it’s a dazzling showcase of creativity that turns the city into a film lover’s playground.

And speaking of cinema, the Leeds International Film Festival (30 Oct – 16 Nov) is back for its 39th edition, taking over venues from Hyde Park Picture House to Everyman Cinema with 18 days of movie magic. Expect cult classics, groundbreaking indies and red-carpet moments galore.

Need a laugh? Hull Comedy Festival (1–23 Nov) delivers three glorious weeks of side-splitting stand-up and comic chaos across the city, with top UK acts ready to banish any winter blues.

For something darker and deliciously different, Whitby Goth Weekend (30 Oct – 2 Nov) celebrates alternative culture in spectacular fashion. Think music, literature, fashion and friendship wrapped in one atmospheric coastal gathering – part festival, part family reunion for the fabulously gothic.

Then, get your geek chic on at Thought Bubble Comic Convention (15–16 Nov) in Harrogate, the grand finale of Yorkshire’s week-long comic art celebration. Expect artists, illustrators and fans from around the world in a vibrant burst of creativity, colour and cosplay.

Science lovers aren’t left out either – Otley Science Festival (9–15 Nov) transforms Otley Courthouse and Library into a hub of discovery, hands-on experiments and family-friendly workshops that prove learning really can be a blast.

And rounding things off, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (21–30 Nov) brings together cutting-edge sounds from around the world. Ten days, 50 events and one huge celebration of avant-garde artistry – perfect for anyone who loves their music bold, brave and boundary-pushing.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

First stop, the grand and glorious Harewood Artisan Christmas Market (8–11 Nov), where over 160 makers, crafters and producers will transform Harewood House into a winter wonderland. Partnering with Little Bird Markets, this is one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful festive settings – picture twinkling stalls set along the North Park Walk, stately architecture in the background, and serious “main character at Christmas” energy.

Then it’s down to Sheffield, where the Christmas Market (13 Nov – 24 Dec) stretches across the city centre with 50 festive cabins brimming with gifts, German sausages, and glühwein galore. Santa’s Grotto takes centre stage, with the famous Sleigh Bar offering the perfect perch for a warming tipple between shops.

Up on the coast, Whitby Christmas Festival (14–16 Nov) brings seaside sparkle to the Front Marina car park. Expect seasonal stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and a firework finale lighting up the harbour. It’s small-town charm meets big festive spirit – and yes, there’ll be carols.

Meanwhile, York Christmas Market (13 Nov – 21 Dec) marks a major milestone – the 30th anniversary of the iconic St Nicholas Fair. The city’s medieval streets transform into a picture-perfect alpine village, with local traders, artisan makers and festive flavours lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. A must-do on any Yorkshire Christmas list.

Leeds Christmas Market (21 Nov – 21 Dec) makes a sparkling return to City Square with up to 60 gorgeously decorated chalets and a brand-new accessible layout. From bratwurst to handmade baubles, it’s pure Christmas spirit with a modern twist – and the perfect excuse for a festive night out.

Head east to the coast again for Scarborough Sparkle (28–30 Nov) at the Open Air Theatre, where over 50 stalls bring gifts, crafts and tasty treats to the seaside. There’s live music, a tipi bar for toasting marshmallows, fairground rides and even choirs – the sort of event that’ll leave you glowing inside and out.

And last but not least, Thirsk Christmas Fayre (28 Nov) delivers community charm in spades. Local traders, entertainment for all ages and the all-important Big Switch-On light up Friday evening – the perfect way to kickstart December’s festive cheer.

BEST OF THE REST

Start your November with a creative burst at North Yorkshire Open Studios (1–2 Nov), where artists and makers throw open their doors for a weekend of inspiration and imagination. From pottery and printmaking to sculpture and fine art, it’s a rare chance to meet the creatives behind the work and pick up something truly one-of-a-kind (ideal for early Christmas gifting, if you can bear to part with it).

Then, swap paintbrushes for goosebumps at Ghosts: The Untold Story (4–5 Nov). Step into York’s shadowy past on this intimate 40-minute storytelling experience through St Anthony’s Gardens, led by the enigmatic Wild Man of the Woods. Expect folklore, mystery and more than a few spine-tingles as York’s secrets come to life in the flicker of torchlight. (Ages 15+.)

Keeping the historic theme rolling – and the steam too – hop aboard the Flying Scotsman (various dates from 1-12 Nov) for a heritage journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This nostalgic ride between Grosmont and Pickering offers vintage glamour, dramatic moorland views and a chance to experience one of Britain’s most iconic locomotives in all its glory.

Once the fireworks fade, it’s full steam ahead for festive feels as the Polar Express returns to the Wensleydale Railway(14 Nov – 23 Dec). Slip into your cosiest pyjamas, clutch your golden ticket, and relive the magic of the beloved story with carols, cocoa and a healthy dose of Christmas wonder. (Yes, adults are absolutely encouraged to join in.)

Over by the coast, things get frosty at the Bridlington Ice Trail (15–16 Nov), where sparkling sculptures transform the town into a wintry wonderland. Expect market stalls, Santa visits, and fiery displays to keep you warm – it’s a proper seaside spectacle with plenty of photo ops.

And if all that festivity has you craving grander surrounds, Yorkshire’s stately homes are outshining themselves this Christmas. Enjoy a Glittering Invitation to Harewood House this year for a dazzling transformation of the State Floor and Below Stairs spaces thanks to the uber-talented Siobhan Murphy (8 Nov – 4 Jan)! Known for her appearance on BBC Grand Design Masters Siobhan will be taking Christmas to the max (literally) – keep an eye out for her tutu tree!

Meanwhile, Castle Howard will once again pull out all the stops with its annual Christmas spectacular (13 Nov – 4 Jan), this year themed around The Wizard of Oz (well-timed with the release of the second Wicked movie. The House is transformed with their festive take on L. Frank Baum’s much-loved story, told through installations, soundscapes and projections, created by CLW Event Design and Imitating the Dog.

BONFIRES & FIREWORKS

LIGHT SHOWS

FESTIVALS

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

BEST OF THE REST

IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?

Fireworks to fairy lights: What’s on this November in Yorkshire

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