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
13 September to 26 November
A Good Yarn
Bradford Industrial Museum,, Moorside Road,
Bradford
A Good Yarn is quite the sight – a gigantic yarn ball, three metres high and wide. It was created by 2,500 residents of BD10, who plaited vast quantities of found and donated fabric into a kilometre-long rope and then wound it into a ball. After following its rolls through the streets of BD10 the yarn ball which was the brainchild of Luke Jerram, is now on display at Bradford Industrial Museum.
13 September to 26 November.
https://bradford2025.co.uk/
27 September 2025 to 3 January 2026
Katharine Holmes and Three Generations of Painting and Living in a Malham Cottage
The Folly, Victoria Street, Settle BD24 9EY, The Folly, Victoria Street,
Settle
This exhibition explores Katharine Holmes’s stunning modern paintings alongside the work of her mother and grandmother, Phillipa Holmes and Constance Pearson. Selected works by Katharine Holmes will be for sale. Runs until Sat, 3 January 2026
27 September 2025 to 3 January 2026.
https://thefolly.org.uk/event/katharine-holmes-and-three-generations-of-painting-and-living-in-a-malham-cottage/
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
30 October to 23 November
Matilda
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street,
Bradford
This anarchic production, about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination, has won over 100 global awards, including 24 for Best Musical. Various times & prices.
30 October to 23 November.
bradford-theatres.co.uk
15 November to 23 November
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 to 23 November.
pendlehippodrome.com
19 November
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
19 November
NELL BRYDEN
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, ,
Barnoldswick
Audience favourite Nell Bryden is back with a new and deeply personal album: "I Love You So Much I'm Blind."
£25.
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com
19 November
ADAM ANT
York Barbican, Paragon St,
York
Performing his classic chart-topping hits and personal favourites, Adam Ant will be appearing live across the UK this November.
£55.80.
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
yorkbarbican.co.uk
21 November
Rhinestone Cowboy -The Story of Glen Campbell
Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street,
Darwen
Rhinestone Cowboy: The Story of Glen Campbell is a dynamic live music experience that celebrates the extraordinary life and timeless music of one of country music's most beloved legends.
£22.
7:30 pm.
bwdvenues.com
21 November
A CHRISTMAS MURDER MYSTERY
The Atkinson, Lord Street,
Southport
A brand-new crime-solving show in Southport. Brush off your best suit and bring your feather boa!
£25.
8:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
theatkinson.co.uk
22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Snow White – Christmas Pantomime 2025
Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd,
Blackburn
Tom Rolfe Productions are thrilled to be back with a brand new production bursting with dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, sensational singing, beautiful scenery, and the coolest Magnificent Seven ever! Various times & prices.
22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
blackburnempire.com
22 November
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
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 to 23 November
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 to 23 November.
Menstonartsclub.org.uk
22 November
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
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
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
22 November
The Yorkshire Dales Ukulele Weekender Gala Show
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Come along for the highlight of the Yorkshire Dales Ukulele Weekender — packed with world-class performers, laughter, and the unmistakable sound of the ukulele.
£15.
8:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
25 November
Royal Ballet: Cinderella
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Live Screening from The Royal Ballet. This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family and will transport you into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true.
£17.
7:15 pm to 9:15 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
25 November
STEELEYE SPAN IN CONCERT
King’s Hall, Station Road,
Ilkley
Together for fifty six years now, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours. Now they return with Conflict, their first full studio album in over five years.
£37.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
bradford-theatres.co.uk
26 November
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK – MAGICAL FAMILY PANTOMIME
Harrogate Studio Theatre, Oxford Street,
Harrogate
Times are hard for Dame Trott. She has no money, and her only child Jack isn’t much help either. When Dame Trott decides to sell their precious cow Buttercup at market, they are tricked into exchanging her for just a handful of beans – and that’s when the magic really begins!
8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
harrogatetheatre.co.uk
26 November
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
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
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
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
27 November
NT Live – The Fifth Step
Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street,
Darwen
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.£13.20 - £16.50.
7:00 pm.
bwdvenues.com
28 November to 28 December
Snow White Family Panto
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate ,
Lancaster
Get ready for a magical adventure as Lancaster Footlights proudly presents: Snow White – The Fairest Panto in All the Land! Bursting with humour, dazzling costumes, and toe-tapping songs, this traditional tale comes to life with all the charm and sparkle you’ve come to expect. Various times & prices.
28 November to 28 December.
https://lancastergrand.co.uk/
28 November 2025 to 11 January 2026
Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
City Varieties Music Hall, 46 New Briggate,
Leeds
This isn’t your average Christmas pantomime – this is a Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime! Imagine the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud audience participation, hilariously cheesy jokes, and a high-energy jukebox bursting with iconic rock anthems and chart-smashing hits. And the best part? Every note is performed live on stage by a showstopping cast of multi-talented actor-musicians. It’s a festive extravaganza like no other! Various times. £20.50 - £40.
28 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.
https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/
28 November
The Christmas Orchestra
Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close,
Blackburn
This winter, The Christmas Orchestra is bringing an enchanting live performance to new towns and cities across the UK. The audience will enjoy a 16-piece chamber orchestra, arranged by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, Patrick Bailey. Performing festive favourites and timeless film soundtracks from classics such as Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, The Grinch, Polar Express, Harry Potter, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Elf, the evening will also feature a dazzling light show for an unforgettable festive experience.
£27.
6:15 pm to 8:45 pm.
www.thechristmasorchestra.co.uk
28 November
THE STYLISTICS – GREATEST HITS AND MORE 2025
Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street,
Harrogate
With their charisma, style and harmony The Stylistics evolved into one of the best-selling Phili groups ever. Don’t miss this brilliant show packed with back-to-back hits and more.
£37.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
harrogatetheatre.co.uk
28 November to 30 November
BLT Studio: Wool City
Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street,
Bingley
BLT Studio celebrates Bradford’s City of Culture 2025 status with ‘Wool City’. Through drama, dance, and song, it explores the city’s history from 1836 to today, focusing on textile mills and Titus Salt’s impact on workers’ lives in Saltaire.
£8.
28 November to 30 November.
bingleyartscentre.co.k
29 November to 31 December
THE NEW ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
Albert Halls, Victoria Square,
Bolton
The celebrity and West End cast will leave you believing in the power of magic in this perfect festive treat that features all the best elements of a traditional pantomime. Various times. £18 - £22.
29 November to 31 December.
alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
29 November
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
29 November to 30 November
Lindisfarne
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Welcome to the legendary 70’s folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne, with a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rob Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. £37.20 - £38.25.
29 November to 30 November.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
30 November
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
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
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/
4 December
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
4 December
The Christmas Orchestra
Bradford Cathedral, 1 Stott Hill,
Bradford
This winter, The Christmas Orchestra is bringing an enchanting live performance to new towns and cities across the UK. The audience will enjoy a 16-piece chamber orchestra, arranged by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, Patrick Bailey. Performing festive favourites and timeless film soundtracks from classics such as Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, The Grinch, Polar Express, Harry Potter, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Elf, the evening will also feature a dazzling light show for an unforgettable festive experience.
£33.
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
www.thechristmasorchestra.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
6 December
Christmas – The Candlelight Concert
The Muni Theatre ,
Colne
Experience the Enchantment of ‘Christmas – The Candlelight Concert’ in an Unforgettable Festive Musical Celebration presented by Xperience Live. Prepare to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as our incredible cast of singers and live musicians deliver a fresh take on your favourite classic Christmas songs, all performed live.
£27.
8:00 pm.
themuni.co.uk/
7 December
Johnny Campbell and Chris Butterfield
Settle Victoira Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Yorkshire Folk musician Johnny Campbell and Alfred Wainwright archivist Chris Butterfield, collaborate on a double headline show on most things Northern.
£16.50.
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
8 December to 13 December
Beauty and the Beast
Keighley Playhouse, Devonshire Street,
Keighley
Lucy Kirkwood's delightful version of the classic fairytale. I expect you have been told fairytales before. But you have never really heard a fairytale until you have heard it told by a real fairy.’ A wild and twisted tale, full of exciting and intriguing challenges. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm. £10/£12.
8 December to 13 December.
keighleyplayhouse.co.uk
9 December
The Albion Christmas Band
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Kellie While, Simon Care and Simon Nicol join founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings, on stage for an evening of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.
£27.50.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk