7 November 2025
BONFIRE NIGHT BACUP
Bacup Cricket Club, Lane Head Lane, Bacup
Gates open at 5 pm. The Bonfire will be lit at 5.30 pm. "Silent" fireworks at 6.30 pm, followed by the main display at 7.30 pm. There will be lots to do to entertain the whole family, including Fairground Rides and Children's Stalls, which will run until 9 pm. Early bird £12. £12. 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. bacupcc.com

7 November 2025
BONFIRE WEEKEND THORNTON HALL
Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in Craven, Barnoldswick
This sell-out spectacular returns – bigger, brighter, and louder than ever before! Get ready for a blazing bonfire, jaw-dropping fireworks, and a night packed full of crackling excitement, tasty treats, and sparkling family fun. £19.95. 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. thorntonhallfarm.co.uk

8 November 2025
HANGAR GUIDED TOURS
The Spitfire Visitor Centre, Hanger 42, Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool
Ticket only day at the Spitfire Visitor Centre.  These tours are suitable for children aged 10 years and above. The WW2 Themed Cafe will be open, serving Hot Drinks and a selection of Cakes and light snacks. £12. 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. ticketsource.co.uk/spitfire-visitor-centre-blackpool-airport

13 November 2025
YORK CHRISTMAS MARKET 2025
Parliament Street, York
York's award-winning Christmas Market is back from 13th November to 21st December 2025, bringing festive cheer to the heart of the city. Support local businesses while enjoying a magical Christmas! Free. 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. visityork.org

13 November 2025
THURSDAY TALK: THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN ELIZABETH GASKELL AND CHARLOTTE BRONTË
Bronte Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth
This Thursday Talk will be delivered by Libby Tempest, Vice-Chair of the Elizabeth Gaskell Society and a dedicated advocate for literary access across communities. Free. 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. bronte.org.uk

15 November 2025 to 23 November 2025
Arts, Crafts & Gifts Fair
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street, Colne
Each year, the theatre is transformed into a major exhibition hall and regularly features over 70 local crafters and artists. There are always new and unusual crafts to see, along with all our regular exhibitors. £2. 15 November 2025 to 23 November 2025. pendlehippodrome.com

19 November 2025
A Twelfth Colour-Rail Journey – A Spotters Story’
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate, Settle
Giggleswick Railway Circle (GRC) is a voluntary group that holds regular meetings for anyone interested in railways. In this presentation, Paul Chancellor charts his life as a spotter and how its twist and turns brought about his ownership of Colour-Rail. There are many stories of what he got up to that today's generation would think could impossible in today's world. £6. 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. settlevictoriahall.org.uk

22 November 2025
FOREST FAMILY FUN
Harwes Farm, Foulridge, Colne
Qualified Forest School practitioners will lead Forest Family Fun and will flow along a Forest School approach. This event is for families, children are 0-18 years and grown-ups get a chance to play out for free too! £15.50. 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. harwesfarm.org

22 November 2025
FESTIVE STORYTELLING CLAUS
East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road,, Riddlesden, Keighley.
Families can join Mrs Claus for storytelling in the Great Hall this year, take a seat and enjoy a festive tale. Visit the letter-writing station in the Discovery Room, write down all of your Christmas wishes for Mrs Claus to take home to the North Pole. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. nationaltrust.org.uk

22 November 2025 to 23 November 2025
MENSTON ART CLUB EXHIBITION
Kirklands Community Centre , Menston
The next exhibition takes place on the 22nd and 23rd November 2025 in Kirklands Main Hall. Members' paintings and crafts will be available to admire and purchase. The café will be open during the exhibition, serving warming drinks and homemade cakes. The exhibition will be open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm on both days. Admission is free. There will be a cafe selling beverages, lunches and homemade cakes. This year, funds will be raised towards a new hut for the Menston Scouts & Guides. Free. 22 November 2025 to 23 November 2025. Menstonartsclub.org.uk

22 November 2025
SWITCH ON SATURDAY
Barnoldswick Town Centre , Barnoldswick
Christmas street market, food stalls, lantern making, Santa’s grotto, live performances, lantern parade around town centre streets, marching bands, Christmas lights switch on, live music, dancing in the town square and fireworks. Free. 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. barnoldswick.uk

22 November 2025
VIKING DRAGON FIRE
The Axe Imperium, The Fun House, Colne
It's Viking fancy dress, we will be throwing our Patented Dragon Axes® and then partying into the night. There are limited spaces, and it won't happen again this year! Book online. Over 16s only. £30. 7:00 pm to 11:50 pm. axestoashes.com

22 November 2025
The Night Sky Show
St George’s Hall, Bridge St, Bradford
Bringing his successful sell out and highly praised show. Astronomer and author Adrian West (aka VirtualAstro) presents a glorious visual and thought-provoking experience for everyone that looks up and wonders. £30. 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk

26 November 2025
MINCE PIE SPECIALS
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth
Travel in toasty Yuletide carriages as the festive journey continues into the New Year. The stations are transformed with a Christmas display, creating a magical glow as your train rolls in. £23. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. kwvr.co.uk

26 November 2025
FESTIVE CRAFT FAIR
Trawden Community Centre
Local crafters and creators will be featured, with gift shopping available. Enjoy refreshments and mulled wine, plus a raffle with prizes contributed by all our stallholders! 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. trawdenforest.com

26 November 2025
The Black Ball Final
The Muni Theatre , Colne
Come and join Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor as they recreate the match that gripped a nation – the 1985 World Snooker Final. A record-breaking 18.5m TV viewers stayed up to watch the legendary match and this is your chance to see the rematch with snooker royalty as we recreate the final frame from that special night. £30. 7:30 pm. themuni.co.uk/

27 November 2025
MUSEUMS FOR PLAY & GROWTH
Cliffe Castle Museum, Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley
The session includes some of the “50 Things to Do Before You’re Five” activities and a creative play zone to spark imagination, offering you and your child up to two hours of quality time spent in the museum. Just drop in. Free. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. bradfordmuseums.org

29 November 2025
CHRISTMAS MARKET
East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road,, Riddlesden, Keighley.
The beautiful Airedale Barn will be open for a cosy Christmas Market filled with seasonal gifts, homeware, and plenty of festive surprises. The bar will be open, the Christmas tunes will be playing, and twinkling lights will set the scene, it’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations! Free. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. nationaltrust.org.uk

30 November 2025
Coniston Christmas Market
Coniston Hotel and Spa, Coniston Cold, Skipton
The Coniston Hotel Estate & Spa in the Yorkshire Dales is holding its traditional Coniston Christmas Market.  Step into festive magic and explore a number of handpicked stalls across Health & Beauty, Jewellery, Arts & Crafts, Fashion, Children's Toys, Food & Drink & Novelty. There's lots to see and all guests who pre-register to attend will also be entered into a draw to win a Festive Spa Day for two! 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. theconistonhotel.com

4 December 2025
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth
A Christmas Carol is one of the nation’s most beloved Christmas stories; in this thrilling new interpretation, you will join Scrooge, Marley & Co. on their journey of self-reflection and discovery of the true meaning of Christmas in the beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire hills. £35. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. kwvr.co.uk

4 December 2025
FESTIVE WREATH MAKING
Coniston Hotel and Spa, Coniston Cold, Skipton
This Christmas, join local florist Hannah Maybury for a hands-on wreath-making workshop at The Coniston. Craft your own festive design, with mulled wine, mince pies, and plenty of good cheer along the way. £55. 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. theconistonhotel.com

5 December 2025 to 7 December 2025
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 2025 to 7 December 2025. hebdenbridgeopenstudios.org

13 December 2025 to 21 December 2025
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 2025 to 21 December 2025. theconistonhotel.com

13 December 2025 to 20 December 2025
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 2025 to 20 December 2025. wildlifeoasis.co.uk

21 December 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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
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 to 14 February
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 to 14 February. theyorkbid.com

7 January
ANNE LISTER FESTIVAL
Shibden Hall, Lister's Road, Halifax
The Anne Lister Festival is an annual cultural event in Halifax, West Yorkshire, celebrating the life, legacy and wide-ranging story of Anne “Gentleman Jack” Lister—19th-century landowner, entrepreneur, mountaineer, traveller, scholar and diarist. It typically takes place around the anniversary of her birthday each spring, with a programme featuring walks, talks, heritage tours, exhibitions, creative workshops and community events, often including visits to her former home at Shibden Hall and displays of related historical costumes and archives. The festival brings together local partners and international visitors, honours Lister’s contributions to LGBTQ+ history and Yorkshire heritage, and forms part of Calderdale’s broader cultural calendar. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. https://www.annelisterofhalifax.co.uk

7 January
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
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
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
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
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
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

19 January
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
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
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

1 February
150th Anniversary Exhibition
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
This exhibition showcases The Atkinson’s fine art collection in the popular 19th-century ‘Salon Hang’ style, when artworks were arranged from floor to ceiling. Free. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. https://theatkinson.co.uk/exhibition/150-anniversary-exhibition/

4 February
Real Food Ilkley Market
Real Food Ilkley Market, The Grove, Ilkley
Real Food Ilkley Market offers produce from fresh bread, cakes and gluten free bakes to curry sauces, cheeses, condiments and crepes.  Stalls also include organic meat and veg, brownies, truffles and herbs from local producers and independent retailers.  First Sunday of every month.     10:00 am to 3:00 pm. https://realfoodmarkets.co.uk/

5 February
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
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
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
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
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
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

16 February
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
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

28 February
Pokémon Day Celebration at Saint’z Dragons 
Saint’z Dragons, 16 Church Street, Colne
Plus special guest!  FREE all-day event Join Saint’z Dragons to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with a full day of fun, games, and community!  What’s happening all day: •  Giveaways & raffle prizes •  Pokémon Bingo •  Fun Pokémon quizzes & games •  Pokémon trading •  Learn-to-Play Pokémon sessions •  Pokémon battles with chances to win exclusive items & cards Whether you’re a seasoned Trainer or brand new to Pokémon, there’s something for everyone. Drop in anytime, stay as long as you like, and celebrate Pokémon Day with us! Free. 11:00 am.