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
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
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
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 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 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
11 December
Black Dyke Band – Christmas Concert
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, New Market Street,
Colne
An evening of brass band classics, carols and festive favourites. £5 - £18.
7:30 pm.
pendlehippodrome.com
12 December to 14 December
Cinderella
Bradford Playhouse, 4 – 12 Chapel St,Little Germany,,
Bradford.
Northern Duck Productions and The Bradford Playhouse proudly present the magical tale of Cinderella! Packed with sparkling costumes, hilarious comedy, and plenty of audience participation, this is a panto you won’t want to miss. Various times and prices.
12 December to 14 December.
https://bradfordplayhouse.org.uk/
12 December
The Bootleg Eagles
Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street,
Bingley
The music of the Eagles is etched into our culture. It defines the music of the 70s. The Bootleg Eagles take their audience on a powerful journey through the band’s career, from their country-rock roots to global chart-toppers.
£24.
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
bingleyartscentre.co.uk
13 December to 24 December
Santa Live!
Albert Halls, Victoria Square,
Bolton
Join our magical elves as they help Santa save Christmas and fix Muddles’ mistake and deliver the presents to lots of exciting characters the meet along the way. Various times.
£12.
13 December to 24 December.
alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
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
13 December
Christmas with Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Join us for an unforgettable evening of festive music as Giggleswick & Settle Brass Band fill Victoria Hall with the magic of Christmas!
£12.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
14 December
Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Encore Screening from The Royal Ballet. Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker has enchanted audiences since its 1984 premiere by the Company. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s most familiar melodies and brought to life by Julia Trevelyan Oman’s exquisite designs, The Nutcracker is sure to be a festive firecracker for all ages.
£17.
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
19 December
THE REINDEER WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS
Skipton Town Hall, High Street,
Skipton
Narrated by Father Christmas himself, this touching story takes a closer look at the beloved tale of a very special Red-Nosed Reindeer. When a cold-hearted villain named Jack Frost threatens to ruin Christmas with a massive snowstorm, this special little reindeer shows everyone that kindness and inclusion can warm even the coldest hearts. 11 am, 2.30 pm and 6 pm.
11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
skiptontownhall.co.uk
20 December
The Man Who Was Magic
The Muni Theatre ,
Colne
Dare to believe in magic and step into a world where the impossible comes alive! James Phelan is The Man Who Was Magic in a completely new show for 2025. You’re invited to a night of wonder where secrets unravel and you’re left aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief.
£31.50.
7:30 pm.
themuni.co.uk/
20 December
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – A ghost story for a winter’s night
Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street,
Bingley
Marley has been dead for seven years, but on Christmas Eve his ghost will offer Ebeneezer Scrooge once last chance to change his ways and avoid his own terrible fate.
£19.
7:30 pm.
bingleyartscentre.co.uk
21 December
All Together Now Choir: Wonderful Christmas Time
Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street,
Bingley
Come and join the fabulous All Together Now Community Choir for their traditional Family Christmas Concert that is guaranteed to get you feeling festive. 2pm & 5pm. £12.00 each All profits go to local Yorkshire charities.
All day.
bingleyartscentre.co.uk
21 December
Mayors Charity Christmas Concert Blackburn with Darwen Band
Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street,
Darwen
Come along for the Annual Christmas Sing-a-long with Darwen Brass for the Mayor of Darwen's Charity which is Dementia UK. 2 hours of Carols and traditional Christmas songs.
£7.70.
1:00 pm.
bwdvenues.com
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
21 December
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
The fabulous Muppets band together to teach Scrooge (Michael Caine) the meaning of Christmas in this charming adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale.
£4.
2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
29 December to 30 December
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Skipton Town Hall, High Street,
Skipton
This year, Same Difference invites you on a festive adventure like no other. Jack and his mum is busy preparing their annual Christmas offering to keep the Giant away from the village—but disaster strikes when the cupboards are bare!
£9.
29 December to 30 December.
skiptontownhall.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
3 January 2026 to 18 January 2026
Aladdin
The Muni Theatre ,
Colne
Join our hero Aladdin, his mother Widow Twankey and his brother Wishee Washee as they embark on a magical adventure and try to defeat the evil Abanazar and his plan to become master of the world. Various times. From £16.50.
3 January 2026 to 18 January 2026.
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