1 January to 31 December
UK City of Culture 2025
Various venues Bradford
Bradford district’s year of culture is set to deliver more than 1,000 new performances and events including 365 artist commissions, a series of major arts festivals and major national and international collaborations. Visit the website for further details. 1 January to 31 December. https://www.visitbradford.com/

1 February to 31 December
From Haworth To Eternity: The Enduring Legacy Of The Brontës
Bronte Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth
The Brontës’ enduring popularity is largely explained by the power and originality of the stories they created, but the story of the Brontës’ own lives is as compelling as their fictions. The family’s home at Haworth Parsonage, and the moorland surrounding it, were a profound influence on the Brontës, and became part of the irresistible draw of Haworth for visitors from all over the world. 1 February to 31 December. bronte.org.uk

24 March to 31 December
Axe-Throwing
The Axe Imperium, The Fun House, Colne
Axes to Ashes is coming to The Fun House, Colne. Inject some spontaneity, some excitement, some togetherness! Reconnect with your partner, your children, your friends. Do something that makes you feel alive. ​Release that inner Viking Lose your pent-up frustration It's therapy. It's fun. It's addictive.  Axes to Ashes isn't an ordinary axe throwing venue with very limited equipment; it has Tomahawks, Angel Axes, Throwing Knives and its very own Axes to Ashes Dragon Axe®. Plus there is an Axelings™ Range which is suitable for children and those with physical impairments which may limit their ability to throw regular projectiles. Various times and prices. 24 March to 31 December. https://www.axestoashes.com/axe-imperium

29 March to 31 December
Life Goes On – Exhibition
Salts Mill, Saltaire, Shipley
An exhibition featuring Ian Beesley, a celebrated Bradford-born photographer. Known for his powerful images of Northern England, Beesley will showcase a collection of previously unseen works from his extensive archive. Wed - Sun 10am - 5pm. Free.   29 March to 31 December. saltsmill.org.uk

13 April to 14 December
Saltaire Farmers Market
Roberts Park, Higher Coach Road, Saltaire
The Saltaire Farmers Market takes place on the second Sunday of every month  It offers a wide variety of products from local and independent traders, including hot food and drinks, baked goods, cheese, cakes, pies, , brownies, chocolates, charcuterie, fish, fruits, vegetables, jewellery, candles, clothes, gifts, and treats. 13 April to 14 December. https://realmarkets.co.uk

6 September to 31 December
Bradford on Foot
Bradford on Foot , Bradford
Discover Bradford on Foot, a collection of themed walks and tours exploring hidden streets, scenic countryside, and local heritage. Curated for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, these routes have been selected by walking groups, historians, schoolchildren, artists, and locals. All available to download or pick up in paper format at Bradford libraries. 6 September to 31 December. bradford2025.co.uk

29 October to 24 December
THE ELF EXPLORER
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth
Step into a world of festive wonder with The Elf Explorer – a heart-warming steam train journey packed with Christmas cheer, mischievous elves, and a visit from Father Christmas himself. 29 October to 24 December. kwvr.co.uk

5 December to 7 December
HEBDEN BRIDGE’S CHRISTMAS OPEN STUDIOS
Hebden Bridge
One of Yorkshire’s biggest art and craft events will showcase the work of more than 100 local artists in the run-up to Christmas, providing a great opportunity for shoppers and art lovers alike. Now in its 23rd year, Hebden Bridge’s Christmas Open Studios is a free town-centre art fair which has become one of the most popular attractions in Calderdale’s busy calendar of cultural events.  The fair offers a fascinating chance for visitors to see some of the participating artists in their own studios, while others will exhibit from easy-to-find galleries and venues around picturesque Hebden Bridge; the stunning Pennine town made famous by Sally Wainright’s hit BBC shows, Happy Valley and Riot Women.  A handy free guide with map shows the location of every artist and is already widely available throughout Hebden Bridge. Many of the exhibiting artists and makers have created new products that are particularly seasonal or affordable and perfect for gifting, making this a great opportunity to get a head start on Christmas shopping.  It’s a good chance to buy something different or original too – a welcome change from the clichéd and mass-produced items sold on the high-street or online. Rebekah Marrington is just one of the many local artists taking part in the art fair.  As well as selling yarn and ceramic jewellery under her fun Wearable Whatknots brand, she’ll also show her beautiful and unusual cyanotype work from her home-based studio in the heart of Hebden Bridge.  Rebekah explained, “Christmas Open Studios is definitely a highlight in my artistic calendar and I’ve created a collection of greeting cards, notebooks and smaller giclée prints specially for anyone looking to buy presents or stocking fillers.  I have framed and unframed originals too, of course, but I know that lots of people want something uniquely artistic and imaginative but without breaking the bank.”   Talented landscape painter, Julia Woodhouse, is showing her work at the Christmas Open Studios for only the second time.  She commented, “Hebden Bridge does Christmas brilliantly and the town is full of atmosphere at this time of year.  The fair will be a great chance to see some of my original paintings of local scenes and the Yorkshire Dales, or talk to me about commissioning a painting of your own.  I’ll also have my new greeting cards and a 2026 calendar available; locally-made presents ideal for anyone who loves this part of the world.” Art fair Coordinator, Angela Clare, explained, “We’re really excited about this year’s Christmas fair and the sheer variety of work on show, which includes mainstream disciplines like painting, sculpture and photography as well as lesser-known art forms like graphic design and printing-making.  Crafts will feature heavily too, including wonderful work by local jewellers, ceramicists and textile artists.  We’ve got 12 fabulous first-time exhibitors whose work is less well known as well as well-established names who participate every year, and there’s an exciting new gallery and studio space called In a Land taking part for the very first time.  With so much on offer we recommend people allow at least a full day if they possibly can, especially because this is such a special chance to meet and chat with the artists and makers themselves.”   Free. 5 December to 7 December. hebdenbridgeopenstudios.org

13 December to 21 December
SANTA MEET & GREET
Coniston Hotel and Spa, Coniston Cold, Skipton
Step into festive magic! Meet Santa in his cosy grotto, receive a special gift, and enjoy fun with our cheerful Elf. Then relax with a delicious two-course festive lunch in The Bannister Suite – perfect for making memories together. £35. 13 December to 21 December. theconistonhotel.com

13 December to 20 December
Tea with Santa
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Hale, Milnthorpe
Create christmassy enrichment for our meerkats, join in on animal handling, watch our snow leopards being fed and return inside for high tea and drinks. Get the chance to have a private chat with Santa, and get an early Christmas present. Prices are available on our website. Pre-booking essential. 13 December to 20 December. wildlifeoasis.co.uk

21 December
DEAR SANTA LIVE!
King’s Hall, Station Road, Ilkley
Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn't get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect', just in time for Christmas Eve. £18.50. 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk

31 December
The HAPPA Café and HAPPA Direct Shop
Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
The HAPPA Café, open seven days a week including until 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, serves a selection of food and drinks, including Walling’s Ice Cream and a variety of cakes and treats. The onsite tack and gift shop offers a fantastic selection of toys, second-hand and new equipment for your horse, and gifts for your dog. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. https://www.happa.org.uk

31 December
LANCASHIRE READING TRAIL BOOK CLUB
Burnley Library, Grimshaw Street, Burnley
Children ages 6 - 12 are invited to join the book club, where they will be challenged to read a book by a specific author every four weeks, then meet up to chat, share reviews, craft, and become one step closer to completing the Lancashire Reading Trail. Free. 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. lancashire.gov.uk

4 January 2026
MEET FRANCES TEMPEST AT BOLLING HALL
Bolling Hall Museum, Bowling Hall Rd, Bradford
English Civil War, 1642 – 1649. Bolling Hall was the temporary Royalist Headquarters after winning a great battle against the Parliamentarians under Oliver Cromwell, the Battle of Adwalton Moor in June 1643. Frances, as mistress of the house, would protect herself & her family by always having 2 Flintlock Pistols at the ready, “keeping her powder dry” under her apron. Every Sunday. Free. 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. bradfordmuseums.org

6 January 2026 to 14 February 2026
WINTER LIGHTS YORK
York City Centre
The Winter Lights adorn more than 50 streets in York. Miles of swags add yet more fairy-tale whimsy to this enchanting city. The Tree of Light captivates with its ever-changing display, using the latest Twinkly LED technology. Free. 6 January 2026 to 14 February 2026. theyorkbid.com

7 January 2026
IN LOVING MEMORY
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park, Halifax
Death is something that affects us all, and the need to remember those we have lost is an important part of being human. Featuring displays of mourning wear, jewellery and imagery, this exhibition explores our changing attitudes towards death and the ways in which we cope with loss. Free. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. museums.calderdale.gov.uk

8 January 2026
TROUBLE AT MILL: THE RADICAL WORLD OF ETHEL CARNIE HOLDSWORTH EXHIBITION
Queen St Mill Textile Museum, Harle Syke, Burnley
Don't miss a truly unique and beautifully presented exhibition celebrating local writer Ethel Carnie Holdsworth and the Rickard Sisters’ new graphic novel adaptation of her radical story, This Slavery. £5. 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. lancashire.gov.uk

9 January 2026
LITTLE SCIENTISTS
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds
Discover Abbey House Museum's three Victorian streets in a new way using the magic of science! Explore Abbey Fold, Harewood Square and Stephen Harding Gate and learn some simple science on the way. This discovery session is perfect for under-5s. £7.15. 10:00 am to 11:15 am. museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

10 January 2026
WINTER ILLUMINATIONS
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Ln,, Doncaster
Discover the magic Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Winter Illuminations, the most magical winter lantern trail. Winter Illuminations is one of the UK's most magical Christmas light experiences and perfect for all the family or a festive date idea! 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. yorkshirewildlifepark.com

14 January 2026
BRONTË BABIES – THORNTON
South Square Centre, Thornton, Bradford
These relaxed sessions for little ones aged 0-walking feature sensory play, song, and stories and a chance to meet other parents and carers. Each session draws inspiration from the Brontë Parsonage Museum’s collection and the lives of the Brontës. Free. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. bronte.org.uk

14 January 2026
HAROLD GOSNEY: MATERIALS AND MAKING
York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York
This retrospective celebrates over six decades of creative work by Yorkshire sculptor Harold Gosney (born 1937), an artist renowned for his inventive use of materials and his deep connection to the region. £8.50. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. yorkartgallery.org.uk

17 January 2026 to 25 April 2026
RORY’S SATURDAY CLUB
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds
Come down to Leeds City Museum for our Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for families with children of all ages. Drop-in, no need to book. Until 25th April. Give what you can. 17 January 2026 to 25 April 2026. museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

17 January 2026 to 28 February 2026
DEMONSTRATIONS OF VICTORIAN HAIRWORK
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park, Halifax
The Victorian art of hairwork involved meticulously weaving together the hair of loved ones into flowers or wreaths. Free. 17 January 2026 to 28 February 2026. museums.calderdale.gov.uk

19 January 2026
HOME EDUCATION: AMAZING ANIMALS WORKSHOP
Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Rd, Leeds
Get up close to animals from around the world. In this workshop, you'll learn about adaptations, habitats and evolution by investigating a variety of birds, insects and exotic animal skeletons. Then you'll take a look at the purpose-built collection store, which houses over 800,000 natural science specimens. £5. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

21 January 2026
WHAT WE WORE
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park, Halifax
A collaborative exhibition with Calderdale Dementia Hub and Bankfield Museum exploring fashion memories. Free. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. museums.calderdale.gov.uk

30 January 2026
MONTHLY KIRKSTALL ABBEY TOURS
Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall, Leeds
Explore how different parts of the Abbey were used, touching on how the monks of Kirkstall Abbey lived and a potted history of one of Britain’s most complete Cistercian monasteries from foundation to dissolution and beyond. £5. 10:30 am to 11:30 am. museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

5 February 2026
STUDY AFTERNOON: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds
Get up close with crime and punishment-related collections, including truncheons, a police lamp, and some of the ephemera collections, with a focus on crime and punishment in Leeds. Why not try out fingerprinting or learning about other crime-fighting techniques? Includes tea, coffee and cake. £12.50. 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

11 February 2026
YORKSHIRE GAMES FESTIVAL
The National Science and Media Museum, Pictureville, Bradford
An extravaganza of games, culture, design, and production as the museum celebrates all things gaming across two weeks of exciting activity, including a packed half-term of gaming fun. From developer talks to networking events, to free gameplay and workshops, there’ll be lots for everyone to enjoy. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

12 February 2026
TURNER PRIZE
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park,, Bradford
The shortlisted artists – Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa – were announced on 23 April 2025, 250 years to the day since the birth of Turner. Free. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. bradford2025.co.uk

13 February 2026
ILKLEY BEER FESTIVAL 2026
King’s Hall & Winter Gardens, Station Rd, Ilkley
Kings Hall & Winter Gardens for two days of amazing beer, food and entertainment. £20. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. ilkleybeerfestival.org.uk

14 February 2026
FYLDE ICE FESTIVAL
Clifton Square, Lytham
Come and have a go on the ice carving wall in Clifton Square, see a number of pre-carved ice sculptures around town on the ice trail with themes linked to Lytham, plus watch a live carving demonstration take place in front of your very eyes with ice experts Glacial Art Ice Sculptors. Free. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. discoverfylde.co.uk

14 February 2026
ARMLEY PRINT FEST 2026
Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills, Canal Rd, Leeds
From family fun activities to craft workshops with local printmakers and live letterpress printing demonstrations, there’s a whole load of inky greatness to suit every age and interest. Browse the curated print fair to fill your home with beautiful and unique prints from independent local makers. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

15 February 2026 to 22 February 2026
DARK SKIES FESTIVAL
Forest of Bowland, Various places, Forest of Bowland
The festival features exciting events such as a live moon watch, bat talk, star gazing, forest moon bathing, smartphone astrophotography, and crafts. Until 22nd Feb. Various times and prices. 15 February 2026 to 22 February 2026. forestofbowland.com

16 February 2026
JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL 2026
Jorvik, Jorvik Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate Walk
Travel back to AD 866. Eoforwic has fallen to the Great Heathen Army. Dine with the victors and enjoy a three-course feast worthy of a Jarl as they celebrate their conquest and regale you with tales of their battles and glory. £100. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk

17 February 2026
JOURNEYS TO THE MATCH
Lancashire Archives, Bow Lane, Preston
Journeys to the Match is a community-focused exhibition, exploring the everyday traditions of football fans and what makes their match day special. Free. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. lancashire.gov.uk

24 February 2026
A CREATIVE WORKSHOP: EXPLORE KIRKSTALL ABBEY
Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall, Leeds
Explore Kirkstall Abbey, your feelings and experience of it, using textures, nature and words to make an artist's book. With artist Lynette Willoughby and poet Clare Wigzell. £15. 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

24 February 2026 to 28 February 2026
TIME AT BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL
Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Blackburn
Time will transform the entire Cathedral into a fully immersive artwork where you will traverse a series of captivating installations that explore humanity’s evolving relationship with the concept of time. £10. 24 February 2026 to 28 February 2026. blackburncathedral.com