November Yorkshire in 2025 Great Days Out in Yorkshire

November is packed full of great events, including film festivals, bonfire night and the run up to Christmas starts now.

Bonfire burning

Bonfire Night 2025

November is packed full of great events, including film festivals, bonfre nght and the run up to Christmas starts now.

Santa Claus with the nice list

Christmas in Yorkshire

Christmas in Yorkshire -a wonderful time of year, discover your Christmas Adventure, the best place to see Santa Claus, the best local Christmas markets and where to experience the best christmas Lights.

Christmas Markets in Yorkshire

Yorkshire Christmas Markets 2025

Support local business and artisan traders at your local Christmas Market or Fair. Markets start as early as mid-November and some run through to Christmas Eve for the mast minute shopper.

27th October to 2nd November

cartoon style graphic of peasholm park with the workds peasholm park autumn daze in bold letters near the centre.

Autumn Daze at Peasholm Park

29th October 2025
'Autumn Daze' Festival will take place in the oriental themed Peasholm Park on Scarborough's north side and feature a whole range of free, autumn themed activities set against the colourful seasonal backdrop of the park's impressive woodland.

York Ghosts

Ghosts in the Garden

19th September to 2nd November 2025
This year’s display is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 45 ghosts to discover in some of the city's beautiful public gardens and green spaces. From monks to Victorians, and cats to a famous highwayman, there's plenty to discover while enjoying Ghosts in the Gardens.

Hull comedy fest in brght letters on a pink background

Hull Comedy Fest

1st to 23rd November 2025
Hull’s annual comedy festival returns for 2025 with a huge line-up of hilarious comedy acts from all over the UK.

Whitby Abbet lit up in red with a wolf silhouette

Whitby Abbey Illuminated

24th October to 1st November 2025
An unforgettable evening beneath the soaring illuminated remains of Whitby Abbey. Ghost hunters will also relish the chance to join Time Will Tell for a performance of their thrilling new show The Dead Shall Walk the Earth, featuring shadowy figures, strange powers and perhaps even a visit from Dracula himself.

man and women in gothic clothing at the top of the 99 steps in whitby

Whitby Goth Weekend

30th October to 2nd November 2025
Unveil a tantalizing tapestry woven together with threads of Music, Literature, Fashion, Artists, Events, and the pursuits of Friendship and Freedom celebrating goth and alternative subcultures.

interactive colosseum exhibition

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum at Royal Armouries

28th June to 2nd November 2025
Discover original artefacts from the Colosseum, rare helmets discovered in Pompeii, life-scale models of gladiators in action, and interactive elements exploring their training, combat skills, healthcare and daily life.

Tomorrow's Ghosts Festival

31st October and 1st November 2025
Halloween Gathering in Whitby, with bands to be announced. Alongside this we have our wonderful Gothic & Alternative markets.

Brightly coloured light projection against ruins in Yorkshire Museum Gardens

Echoes of Yorkshire

24th October to 2nd November 2025
Light, colour and music surround you at the extraordinary light and sound installation by Luxmuralis in the York Museum Gardens this autumn.

Artist Ed Kulz in front part of his colour and light exhibition at Fountains Hall

Colour and Light at Fountains Abbey

21st June to 21st December 2025
A new immersive exhibition by Ed Kluz comes to Fountains Hall from summer to winter solstice 2025.

Flying Scotman steam train travelling with steam billowing from the funnel.

Flying Scotsman on NYMR

25th to 29th October, 1st to 5th November 2025
Rail enthusiasts, families, and history lovers alike can book their seats on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoying a nostalgic return journey between Grosmont and Pickering - a scenic stretch of the NYMR’s heritage line through the North York Moors National Park.

House of fun poster with striped background

House of Fun - Wentworth Woodhouse

5th August to 16th November 2025
Explore stories of parties, excess, and fun in a new playful and interactive exhibition – expect costumes, games, and a space made for wild imaginations!

entry into the Turner Prize

The Turner Prize Exhibition

27th September 2025 to 22nd February 2026
The world’s most exciting visual arts prize is coming to Bradford for the first time. In the year the UK celebrates the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner’s birth, the Turner Prize heads to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford.

Autumn Lights Fireworks Displays

27th October, 3rd and 5th November 2025
Three nights, three locations in Yorkshire, two firework displays (at each location) with live music, family funfair and street food.

Off the Shelf Festival

Off The Shelf Festival

10th October to 10th November 2025
Off the Shelf Festival of Words is one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England, bringing the best in local, national and international literary talent to Sheffield.Each October we bring live events in real venues with the chance to hear some brilliant speakers in person, some of the best-known and rising stars in writing, arts and media.

whitby Abbey Illuminated

Whitby Abbey Illuminated

24th October to 1st November 2025
Cast light on a dark history this Halloween! See Bram Stoker's inspiration in a new light as Whitby Abbey is bathed in dramatic illuminations once again. Have your camera at the ready as you explore the gothic splendour of the ruins lit up with all the colours of the rainbow.

people sitting watching a spectacular firework display.

Fireworks Extravaganze at Fort Paull

2nd November 2025
Fort Paull will be having a firework spectacular, working with an award winning Firework Team The Fireworkers Sky Magic Events giving all their experience and enthusiasm in design and performing a spectacular show.

Leeds International Film Festival logo

Leeds International Film Festival

30th October to 16th November 2025
The 39th annual Leeds International Film Festival is back. An epic film selection over 18 days at venues including Hyde Park Picture House, Vue in The Light, Everyman Cinema, Howard Assembly Room, and Cottage Road Cinema.

poster for bonfire event with text describing activities and a small image of a bonfire.

Big Sheep Little Cow Bonfire Night

4th November 2025
A family friendly bonfire night with treasue hunt, stories by the fire, festive games and more. No loud bangs.

Fountains Abbey floodlit

Floodlit Fountains Abbey

25th, 26th, 31st October and 1st November 2025
Wander through glowing ruins, under shadowed archways and hear haunting choral music ringing through the cellarium this autumn. An after-dark experience you won’t forget.

Bonfire burning

Bonfire Night 2025

November is packed full of great events, including film festivals, bonfre nght and the run up to Christmas starts now.

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cusworth hall

The Cusworth Cases - Autumn Trail

17th October to 17th November 2025
Something mysterious is afoot at and we need your help to solve the mystery! Gather your family and friends and follow the clues around the hall and park in this fun, free autumn trail. Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Free, no booking required.

pink jellyfish

Drifters of the Deep

18th October to 2nd November 2025
Explore a hidden world of jellyfish wonder this October half-term at The Deep. A fun-filled event running all half-term long, where the mysterious and mesmerising world of jellyfish comes to life!

North Yorkshire Open Studios

North Yorkshire Open Studios

1st and 2nd November 2025
An annual event enabling artists and makers to open their studios, meet, promote and sell their work direct to the public.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

Bradford Science Festival

Bradford Science Festival

25th October to 2nd November 2025
nine days of exciting events with locations across Bradford exploring the future of technology, fashion, climate, sound, and food. From catwalk shows to multi-sensory sound experiences, Bradford Science Festival has something for all ages to explore.

Santa holding a piece of paper

Christmas In Yorkshire

Christmas in Yorkshire -a wonderful time of year, discover your Christmas Adventure, the best place to see Santa Claus, the best local Christmas markets and where to experience the best christmas Lights.

Replica Locomotion no1 on the tracks

Locomotion No 1 on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

25th, 26th, 28th, 29th October, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th & 9th Nov 2025
The replica steam locomotive, Locomotion No. 1 is coming to the NYMR this autumn. The original engine was a remarkable milestone in passenger rail travel, and this stunning replica offers a rare opportunity to experience the spirit of 1825. Step aboard for a journey that brings the early days of the railway to life.

Knight holding a die and a joystick.

Game Knight

Discover all things Board Games at Game Knight, games for children, for all the family, for groups or friends and much more.

3rd to 9th November

Leeds International Film  Festival logo

Leeds International Film Festival

30th October to 16th November 2025
The 39th annual Leeds International Film Festival is back. An epic film selection over 18 days at venues including Hyde Park Picture House, Vue in The Light, Everyman Cinema, Howard Assembly Room, and Cottage Road Cinema.

neon lit windchimes and dream catchers

Illuminate The Gardens

7th to 9th November 2025
Illuminate the Gardens is a fireworks and lighting extravaganza which takes place at the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield on Bonfire Night weekend.

Wensleydale Railway Polar Express poster with wolves in a twilight woodland setting

Polar Express on Wensleydale Railway

14th November to 23rd December 2025
The Polar Express is steaming back to the Yorkshire Dales ready to amaze, delight and create memories you’ll cherish in years to come. Get your pajamas and dressing gowns on and your Polar Express tickets in hand and get ready to take part in the train ride of your life!

Yorkshire Festival of Story

3rd to 9th November 2025
YFOS 24 will use epic stories, fairy tales, theatre, and song to explore how we speak truth to power and how we can achieve justice through stories.

Hull comedy fest in brght letters on a pink background

Hull Comedy Fest

1st to 23rd November 2025
Hull’s annual comedy festival returns for 2025 with a huge line-up of hilarious comedy acts from all over the UK.

Aesthetica Film Festival logo

Aesthetica Short Film Festival

5th to 9th November 2025
The Aesthetica Short Film Festival, founded in 2011, is an international film festival which takes place annually in York, UK, at the beginning of November. It a celebration of independent film from around the world, and an outlet for supporting and championing filmmaking.

Artist Ed Kulz in front part of his colour and light exhibition at Fountains Hall

Colour and Light at Fountains Abbey

21st June to 21st December 2025
A new immersive exhibition by Ed Kluz comes to Fountains Hall from summer to winter solstice 2025.

Flying Scotman steam train travelling with steam billowing from the funnel.

Flying Scotsman on NYMR

1st to 5th and 8th to 12th November 2025
Rail enthusiasts, families, and history lovers alike can book their seats on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoying a nostalgic return journey between Grosmont and Pickering - a scenic stretch of the NYMR’s heritage line through the North York Moors National Park.

House of fun poster with striped background

House of Fun - Wentworth Woodhouse

5th August to 16th November 2025
Explore stories of parties, excess, and fun in a new playful and interactive exhibition – expect costumes, games, and a space made for wild imaginations!

wire mesh scultpure of a night with a viaduct lit in the background

Ghosts: The Untold Story

4th and 5th November 2025
New for 2025, step into York’s 2000-year history with an intimate 40-minute journey through St Anthony’s Gardens. Hear from local storyteller, The Wild Man of the Woods, about the secrets hidden in York’s shadows and Snickelways.
Age 15+

Off the Shelf Festival

Off The Shelf Festival

10th October to 10th November 2025
Off the Shelf Festival of Words is one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England, bringing the best in local, national and international literary talent to Sheffield.Each October we bring live events in real venues with the chance to hear some brilliant speakers in person, some of the best-known and rising stars in writing, arts and media.

Whitby Blues Festival

7th to 9th November 2025
an unforgettable weekend of rock and blues at the 2025 Whitby Rocks & Blues Festival! Experience electrifying performances from top international artists in the beautiful Northern Lights Suite at Whitby Pavilion.

entry into the Turner Prize

The Turner Prize Exhibition

27th September 2025 to 22nd February 2026
The world’s most exciting visual arts prize is coming to Bradford for the first time. In the year the UK celebrates the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner’s birth, the Turner Prize heads to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford.

Whitby Literature Festival logo

Whitby Literature Festival

6th to 9th November 2025
In its inaugural year, Whitby’s Literature Festival is a celebration of writing and authors, past and present, in many genres, including novels, short stories, plays and poetry, some of which have been inspired by Whitby along the way.

cusworth hall

The Cusworth Cases - Autumn Trail

17th October to 17th November 2025
Something mysterious is afoot at and we need your help to solve the mystery! Gather your family and friends and follow the clues around the hall and park in this fun, free autumn trail. Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Free, no booking required.

Bright Land of Lights sign

Land of Lights at Gullivers Rother Valley

Selected Dates between 8th November 2025 and 31st January 2025
Get ready to step through a glowing portal of light and imagination, as Land of Lights arrives at Gulliver’s Valley Resort in Rotherham. The spectacular outdoor lantern festival is transforming the valley into a world of colour, creativity, and after-dark magic.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

salls lined up with harewood in the background

Harewood Artisan Christmas Market

8th to 11th November 2025
This November, the historic Harewood House in Yorkshire will welcome over 160 makers, crafters, and producers to its annual Christmas Market in partnership with Little Bird, set along the North Park Walk.

Replica Locomotion no1 on the tracks

Locomotion No 1 on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

25th, 26th, 28th, 29th October, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th & 9th Nov 2025
The replica steam locomotive, Locomotion No. 1 is coming to the NYMR this autumn. The original engine was a remarkable milestone in passenger rail travel, and this stunning replica offers a rare opportunity to experience the spirit of 1825. Step aboard for a journey that brings the early days of the railway to life.

Bird made of light with wings outstretched

BD is LIT

7th and 8th November 2025
Bradford’s city centre will be transformed by a collection of dazzling light installations and performances by local, national and international artists as we explore the Colour of Light.
FREE

cartoon gingerbread man waving with floral patterned background

The Gingerbread Man at Carriageworks

6th to 9th November 2025
Join Leeds Children’s Theatre as they celebrate their 90th Anniversary with this Gala Production of David Wood’s Musical - The Gingerbread Man.

Eureka lates logo

Eureka Lates

7th November 2025
Explore the museum, after hours, just like those epic class trips back in the day – but with booze and food to keep the party going! Your old school trip, but for grown-ups..

10th to 16th November

Flying Scotman steam train travelling with steam billowing from the funnel.

Flying Scotsman on NYMR

1st to 5th and 8th to 12th November 2025
Rail enthusiasts, families, and history lovers alike can book their seats on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoying a nostalgic return journey between Grosmont and Pickering - a scenic stretch of the NYMR’s heritage line through the North York Moors National Park.

Bridlington Ice Trail caved into ice.

Bridlington Ice Trail

15th and 16th November 2025
Incredible Ice Trail, two fire and ice displays per day, market stalls, Visit from Santa and more.

thought bubble comic art convention

Thought Bubble Comic Convention

15th and 16th November 2025
Thought Bubble is the Yorkshire Comic Art Festival! A week long celebration of comics, illustration and more spread across the whole of Yorkshire, finishing in a huge two day comic convention in Harrogate.

Todmorden Book Festival

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7th to 15th November 2025
New and established writers from across the region and the UK, as well as the work of international authors, with fiction, non-fiction and poetry events for adults and children.

Artist Ed Kulz in front part of his colour and light exhibition at Fountains Hall

Colour and Light at Fountains Abbey

21st June to 21st December 2025
A new immersive exhibition by Ed Kluz comes to Fountains Hall from summer to winter solstice 2025.

House of fun poster with striped background

House of Fun - Wentworth Woodhouse

5th August to 16th November 2025
Explore stories of parties, excess, and fun in a new playful and interactive exhibition – expect costumes, games, and a space made for wild imaginations!

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

Wensleydale Railway Polar Express poster with wolves in a twilight woodland setting

Polar Express on Wensleydale Railway

14th November to 23rd December 2025
The Polar Express is steaming back to the Yorkshire Dales ready to amaze, delight and create memories you’ll cherish in years to come. Get your pajamas and dressing gowns on and your Polar Express tickets in hand and get ready to take part in the train ride of your life!

Otley Science Festival logo, yellow text on a red background

Otley Science Festival

9th to 15th November 2025
The Science Fair will, as ever, be taking over Otley Courthouse with additional activities in Otley Library for our familiar, family friendly activities, workshops and demonstrations. We will be alive with local and regional groups showing off the best science Yorkshire has to offer.

entry into the Turner Prize

The Turner Prize Exhibition

27th September 2025 to 22nd February 2026
The world’s most exciting visual arts prize is coming to Bradford for the first time. In the year the UK celebrates the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner’s birth, the Turner Prize heads to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford.

Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival

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21st to 30th November 2025
HCMF is an annual, international festival of contemporary and new music, taking place over 10 days and consisting of approximately 50 events – including concerts, music-theatre, dance, multi-media, talks and film.

York Christmas Market

13th November to 21st December 2025
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, which has been a staple in York’s streets during the festive period since 1992. The famous alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square creating a festive wonderland, with an array of local traders and artisan products.

Whitby Christmas Festival

14th to 16th November 2025
Held in the Front Marina car park offering a mrket with seasonal gifts and produce plus children's entertainment, live music and carols and a firework display.

Luminescence winter trail at Swinton Estate

Luminescence A Winter Light Trail

6th November 2025 to 28th February 2026
Set amidst the 17-acre wooded gardens of Swinton Park Hotel, you will be transported to an ethereal illuminated experience depicting the magic of the natural world through an extensive light installation and using the beauty of Mother Nature as the inspiration for the various tableaux around the mile-long trail.

Live at Leeds City edition

Live at Leeds in the City

15th November 2025
A unique day of music - 20 venues, over 150 bands just 1 wristband.
Age 14+

cusworth hall

The Cusworth Cases - Autumn Trail

17th October to 17th November 2025
Something mysterious is afoot at and we need your help to solve the mystery! Gather your family and friends and follow the clues around the hall and park in this fun, free autumn trail. Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Free, no booking required.

Fairytale of Christmas with sleigh being pulled through the sky in sparkles.

A Fairytale For Christmas at Scarborough Spa

14th November 2025
Bring your family and friends along to share in the joy of A Fairytale for Christmas, an Irish Christmas night out you won’t forget.

child in yellow wellies and a stripy raincoat splashing in a puddle on a path

Leeds International Film Festival

30th October to 16th November 2025
The 39th annual Leeds International Film Festival is back. An epic film selection over 18 days at venues including Hyde Park Picture House, Vue in The Light, Everyman Cinema, Howard Assembly Room, and Cottage Road Cinema.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter illuminations

Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Selected Dates from 15th November 2025 to 10th January 2026
Wrap up warm and experience the park after dark as you explore the magic of our illuminated enchanted realms, as we light up the dark nights this festive season!

Hull comedy fest in brght letters on a pink background

Hull Comedy Fest

1st to 23rd November 2025
Hull’s annual comedy festival returns for 2025 with a huge line-up of hilarious comedy acts from all over the UK.

Bright Land of Lights sign

Land of Lights at Gullivers Rother Valley

Selected Dates between 8th November 2025 and 31st January 2026
Get ready to step through a glowing portal of light and imagination, as Land of Lights arrives at Gulliver’s Valley Resort in Rotherham. The spectacular outdoor lantern festival is transforming the valley into a world of colour, creativity, and after-dark magic.

Viking sitting by his wares in a snowy scene, image by Charlotte Graham.

Winter at Jorvik Viking Centre

10th November to 22nd February 2026
Winter is returning to Jorvik, once again be covering the recreation of Coppergate in AD960 in a thick blanket of snow and ice! NEw for this season will be an interactive temporal portal to guide visitors to the heart of a viking community.

Tradional Father Christmas standing next to a carrigae on Kirkgate Victorian street in York Castle Museum

Christmas at York Castle Museum

15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Be immersed in festive atmosphere at York Castle Museum and discover Yorkshire Christmases through the ages. With period decorations, live performances, music and cookery demonstrations in the Castle Kitchen, you’ll embrace the magic of Christmas with all your senses.

cup of hot chocolate on a saucer

Whitby Hot Chocolate Festival

14th to 28th October 2025
Come and immerse yourself in luxury chocolate tasting, uplifting chocolate therapies, competitions, must-see movies, and a free, family-friendly fun event. You’ll also discover a tempting, chocolate-themed shopping trail through Whitby’s festive streets

Santa holding a piece of paper

Christmas In Yorkshire

Christmas in Yorkshire -a wonderful time of year, discover your Christmas Adventure, the best place to see Santa Claus, the best local Christmas markets and where to experience the best christmas Lights.

Doncaster Festival of Light

Doncaster Festival of Light

14th to 23rd November 2025
Join Right Up Our Street for their 7th Doncaster Festival of Light, a free cultural event for the community of Doncaster. Held at Minster Church of St George.

Outdoor ice rink with a large christmas tree in the centre

Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland

14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is York's favourite festive event, offering a magical winter experience for all ages, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine café The Chalet.

MMouse model dressed in a georgian costume

The Christmas Mousequerade - Fairfax House

15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Ann Fairfax and the Viscount are preparing to host the ultimate Christmas party! Fairfax House will be opulently dressed for the season. But keep your eyes peeled… the mischievous Townmice are back, determined not to miss out on the celebrations and causing festive mayhem along the way.

Santa Claus with twinkling Christmas lights in the background.

Father Christmas in Yorkshire

A visit to Santa Claus is a Christmas highlight for many children, find out where he is visiting across Yorkshire this year.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

aerial view of a carousel outside York Castle Museum

Yorkshire Events Calendar

Calendar of events for 2026 in Yorkshire, festivals,days out, fairs across Yorkshire, plan your time in Yorkshire around a great day out or show.

Santa holding a piece of paper

Christmas In Yorkshire

Christmas in Yorkshire -a wonderful time of year, discover your Christmas Adventure, the best place to see Santa Claus, the best local Christmas markets and where to experience the best christmas Lights.

Whitby Abbey with the sun rising in the background

Yorkshire Attractions

Yorkshire Attractions and days out. Discover a wealth of attractions across the county; historic buildings, animal attractions and the great outdoors - something for everyone.

Knight holding a die and a joystick.

Game Knight

Discover all things Board Games at Game Knight, games for children, for all the family, for groups or friends and much more.

17th to 23rd November

Wensleydale Railway Polar Express poster with wolves in a twilight woodland setting

Polar Express on Wensleydale Railway

14th November to 23rd December 2025
The Polar Express is steaming back to the Yorkshire Dales ready to amaze, delight and create memories you’ll cherish in years to come. Get your pajamas and dressing gowns on and your Polar Express tickets in hand and get ready to take part in the train ride of your life!

crowd watching a light show.

Light Up Wakefield

21st to 23rd November 2025
Light Up Wakefield is back with more dazzling light art installations than ever before illuminating Wakefield City Centre! Spend time in the Cathedral Precinct enjoing live music and entertainment on the main stage before the Christmas Light Switch-On at 5:30pm – which kickstarts the Wakefield Light Trail!

graphic of a lightbulb shattering

Berwins Salon North

20th November 2025
Explore the power, play, and performance of identity. From awkward teenage bedrooms to ancient temples and digital dreamscapes, this event dives deep into how we shape who we are—and who we might yet be.

Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival

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21st to 30th November 2025
HCMF is an annual, international festival of contemporary and new music, taking place over 10 days and consisting of approximately 50 events – including concerts, music-theatre, dance, multi-media, talks and film.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter illuminations

Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Selected Dates from 15th November 2025 to 10th January 2026
Wrap up warm and experience the park after dark as you explore the magic of our illuminated enchanted realms, as we light up the dark nights this festive season!

entry into the Turner Prize

The Turner Prize Exhibition

27th September 2025 to 22nd February 2026
The world’s most exciting visual arts prize is coming to Bradford for the first time. In the year the UK celebrates the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner’s birth, the Turner Prize heads to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford.

Hull comedy fest in brght letters on a pink background

Hull Comedy Fest

1st to 23rd November 2025
Hull’s annual comedy festival returns for 2025 with a huge line-up of hilarious comedy acts from all over the UK.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

Christmas Carol at Leeds Playhouse

A Christmas Carol at Leeds Playhouse

20th November 2025 to 17th January 2026
It’s Christmas Eve in Victorian Leeds and Ebenezer Scrooge is as grumpy as ever - no twinkling lights, no festive cheer, just pure bah-humbug! Packed with festive fun, lively music, and a sprinkle of magic.

Shipley Christmas Lights

22nd November 2025
A day of free entertainment and activities for visitors and residents will take place from 12pm, with the town’s festive lights and large Christmas tree being switched on at 4.45pm. The outdoor market will also include a range of additional stalls including crafts, and artisan foods.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Malton St Clements Festival

22nd November 2025
Celebrate autumn,harvest, music, dance, arts, food, crafts & blacksmithing. Indoor and outdoor activities, family fun, Christmas shopping and much more.

York Christmas Market

13th November to 21st December 2025
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, which has been a staple in York’s streets during the festive period since 1992. The famous alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square creating a festive wonderland, with an array of local traders and artisan products.

Drummers lit up

Barnsley Bright Lights

21st and 22nd November 2025
Barnsley Bright Nights is South Yorkshire’s biggest free annual light art festival. The two-day festival is now an established highlight of Barnsley’s award-winning town centre cultural events programme, featuring dazzling artworks, installations and performances across the thriving town centre.

Sleeping Beauty PAnto poster with text and swirly red background

Sleeping Beauty at Carriageworks

21st November 2025 to 4th January 2026
This Christmas, the spellbinding story of Sleeping Beauty bursts onto the Carriageworks Theatre stage in a spectacular pantomime packed with magic, music, and mayhem!

Luminescence winter trail at Swinton Estate

Luminescence A Winter Light Trail

6th November 2025 to 28th February 2026
Set amidst the 17-acre wooded gardens of Swinton Park Hotel, you will be transported to an ethereal illuminated experience depicting the magic of the natural world through an extensive light installation and using the beauty of Mother Nature as the inspiration for the various tableaux around the mile-long trail.

Bright Land of Lights sign

Land of Lights at Gullivers Rother Valley

Selected Dates between 8th November 2025 and 31st January 2026
Get ready to step through a glowing portal of light and imagination, as Land of Lights arrives at Gulliver’s Valley Resort in Rotherham. The spectacular outdoor lantern festival is transforming the valley into a world of colour, creativity, and after-dark magic.

Outdoor ice rink with a large christmas tree in the centre

Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland

14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is York's favourite festive event, offering a magical winter experience for all ages, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine café The Chalet.

Doncaster Gaming Market poster with rows of retro games

Doncaster Gaming Market

23rd November 2025
The UK's biggest retro gaming market is coming to the Doncaster Dome. Exhibitors sell a variety of gaming related items including retro games, computers, consoles, handhelds, artwork, apparel, import games, arcade machines, merchandise and more.

Doncaster Festival of Light

Doncaster Festival of Light

14th to 23rd November 2025
Join Right Up Our Street for their 7th Doncaster Festival of Light, a free cultural event for the community of Doncaster. Held at Minster Church of St George.

Viking sitting by his wares in a snowy scene, image by Charlotte Graham.

Winter at Jorvik Viking Centre

10th November to 22nd February 2026
Winter is returning to Jorvik, once again be covering the recreation of Coppergate in AD960 in a thick blanket of snow and ice! NEw for this season will be an interactive temporal portal to guide visitors to the heart of a viking community.

Tradional Father Christmas standing next to a carrigae on Kirkgate Victorian street in York Castle Museum

Christmas at York Castle Museum

15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Be immersed in festive atmosphere at York Castle Museum and discover Yorkshire Christmases through the ages. With period decorations, live performances, music and cookery demonstrations in the Castle Kitchen, you’ll embrace the magic of Christmas with all your senses.

MMouse model dressed in a georgian costume

The Christmas Mousequerade - Fairfax House

15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Ann Fairfax and the Viscount are preparing to host the ultimate Christmas party! Fairfax House will be opulently dressed for the season. But keep your eyes peeled… the mischievous Townmice are back, determined not to miss out on the celebrations and causing festive mayhem along the way.

24th to 30th November

Artwalk Wakefield logo

Wakefield Artwalk

26th November 2025
Join Artwalk for Wakefield's bi-monthly grassroots celebration of arts, heritage and culture! Explore the city as it springs to life with a variety of visual arts, crafts, workshops, live music, history and performance.

York Christmas Market

13th November to 21st December 2025
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, which has been a staple in York’s streets during the festive period since 1992. The famous alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square creating a festive wonderland, with an array of local traders and artisan products.

entry into the Turner Prize

The Turner Prize Exhibition

27th September 2025 to 22nd February 2026
The world’s most exciting visual arts prize is coming to Bradford for the first time. In the year the UK celebrates the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner’s birth, the Turner Prize heads to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford.

Wensleydale Railway Polar Express poster with wolves in a twilight woodland setting

Polar Express on Wensleydale Railway

14th November to 23rd December 2025
The Polar Express is steaming back to the Yorkshire Dales ready to amaze, delight and create memories you’ll cherish in years to come. Get your pajamas and dressing gowns on and your Polar Express tickets in hand and get ready to take part in the train ride of your life!

small boy dressed as Oliver Twist.

Oliver Twist at Hull Truck Theatre

28th November 2025 to 4th January 2025
Join young Oliver Twist on the adventure of a lifetime in this festive adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. Jam packed with songs and dance, including traditional much-loved carols, folk tunes and original music.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey Christmas Market

29th and 30th November 2025
Nestled among ancient ruins and picturesque parkland, this vibrant Little Birds market brings together some of Yorkshire’s finest independent makers, artists, and food producers.

Luminescence winter trail at Swinton Estate

Luminescence A Winter Light Trail

6th November 2025 to 28th February 2026
Set amidst the 17-acre wooded gardens of Swinton Park Hotel, you will be transported to an ethereal illuminated experience depicting the magic of the natural world through an extensive light installation and using the beauty of Mother Nature as the inspiration for the various tableaux around the mile-long trail.

Christmas Carol at Leeds Playhouse

A Christmas Carol at Leeds Playhouse

20th November 2025 to 17th January 2026
It’s Christmas Eve in Victorian Leeds and Ebenezer Scrooge is as grumpy as ever - no twinkling lights, no festive cheer, just pure bah-humbug! Packed with festive fun, lively music, and a sprinkle of magic.

Bright Land of Lights sign

Land of Lights at Gullivers Rother Valley

Selected Dates between 8th November 2025 and 31st January 2026
Get ready to step through a glowing portal of light and imagination, as Land of Lights arrives at Gulliver’s Valley Resort in Rotherham. The spectacular outdoor lantern festival is transforming the valley into a world of colour, creativity, and after-dark magic.

Santa and his elf and a furry puppet fried with a tea tray, post box for letters to santa inthe background.

Santa Express with NYMR

29th, 30th November and 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th 20th to 24th December 2025
a brand-new interactive adventure for families as they meet Father Christmas on the NYMR Santa Express. The steam train ride will be packed with songs, jokes and the magic of Christmas, brought to life by Santa’s Elves - families will also get to meet the great man himself on board.

Outdoor ice rink with a large christmas tree in the centre

Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland

14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is York's favourite festive event, offering a magical winter experience for all ages, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine café The Chalet.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

cup of hot chocolate on a saucer

Whitby Hot Chocolate Festival

14th to 28th October 2025
Come and immerse yourself in luxury chocolate tasting, uplifting chocolate therapies, competitions, must-see movies, and a free, family-friendly fun event. You’ll also discover a tempting, chocolate-themed shopping trail through Whitby’s festive streets

Viking sitting by his wares in a snowy scene, image by Charlotte Graham.

Winter at Jorvik Viking Centre

10th November to 22nd February 2026
Winter is returning to Jorvik, once again be covering the recreation of Coppergate in AD960 in a thick blanket of snow and ice! NEw for this season will be an interactive temporal portal to guide visitors to the heart of a viking community.

100's of people in red santa tops warming up for the Santa Fun Run

Great Santa Fun Run - Skipton

30th November 2025
The Great Skipton Santa Fun Run sees the streets of Skipton turned red with Santas, running, walking and wheel-chairing 5km or 3km routes, starting from Skipton High Street and taking in Aireville Park and Skipton Woods before finishing back on the High Street, to raise money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and other local charities

Tradional Father Christmas standing next to a carrigae on Kirkgate Victorian street in York Castle Museum

Christmas at York Castle Museum

15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Be immersed in festive atmosphere at York Castle Museum and discover Yorkshire Christmases through the ages. With period decorations, live performances, music and cookery demonstrations in the Castle Kitchen, you’ll embrace the magic of Christmas with all your senses.

Hello December in white text on a light wood effect background with snow covered pine cones hanging above the text.

What's On in December

Christmas markets, santa, christmas lights switch ons and a host of wonderful family fun in Yorkshire in the run up to Christmas.

MMouse model dressed in a georgian costume

The Christmas Mousequerade - Fairfax House

15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Ann Fairfax and the Viscount are preparing to host the ultimate Christmas party! Fairfax House will be opulently dressed for the season. But keep your eyes peeled… the mischievous Townmice are back, determined not to miss out on the celebrations and causing festive mayhem along the way.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

aerial view of a carousel outside York Castle Museum

Yorkshire Events Calendar

Calendar of events for 2026 in Yorkshire, festivals,days out, fairs across Yorkshire, plan your time in Yorkshire around a great day out or show.

Santa holding a piece of paper

Christmas In Yorkshire

Christmas in Yorkshire -a wonderful time of year, discover your Christmas Adventure, the best place to see Santa Claus, the best local Christmas markets and where to experience the best christmas Lights.

Whitby Abbey with the sun rising in the background

Yorkshire Attractions

Yorkshire Attractions and days out. Discover a wealth of attractions across the county; historic buildings, animal attractions and the great outdoors - something for everyone.

Knight holding a die and a joystick.

Game Knight

Discover all things Board Games at Game Knight, games for children, for all the family, for groups or friends and much more.

Hello December in white text on a light wood effect background with snow covered pine cones hanging above the text.

What's On in December

Christmas markets, santa, christmas lights switch ons and a host of wonderful family fun in Yorkshire in the run up to Christmas.

Santa Claus with twinkling Christmas lights in the background.

Father Christmas in Yorkshire

A visit to Santa Claus is a Christmas highlight for many children, find out where he is visiting across Yorkshire this year.

Wooden chalet at Sheffield Christmas light

Sheffield Christmas Market

13th November to 24th December 2025
This market has grown from a handful of cabins on the main shopping area of Sheffield to an entire christmas experience of 50 cabins. Santas Grotto is at the heart of the event with the much loved Sleigh Bar and the traditional German Sausage grill.

aerial view of a carousel outside York Castle Museum

Yorkshire Events Calendar

Calendar of events for 2026 in Yorkshire, festivals,days out, fairs across Yorkshire, plan your time in Yorkshire around a great day out or show.

Santa holding a piece of paper

Christmas In Yorkshire

Christmas in Yorkshire -a wonderful time of year, discover your Christmas Adventure, the best place to see Santa Claus, the best local Christmas markets and where to experience the best christmas Lights.

Whitby Abbey with the sun rising in the background

Yorkshire Attractions

Yorkshire Attractions and days out. Discover a wealth of attractions across the county; historic buildings, animal attractions and the great outdoors - something for everyone.

Knight holding a die and a joystick.

Game Knight

Discover all things Board Games at Game Knight, games for children, for all the family, for groups or friends and much more.