Here’s our pick of the best events coming in November across the destinations and attractions we work with. Most events require booking in advance. As ever, please check individual websites for the latest updates.
HULL
Hull Comic Con 2022
Bonus Arena
20 November 2022
Admission: £9
www.hullcomiccon.com
Now in its seventh year, visitors can expect workshops, props, celebrity guests, comic artists, traders, games, VR and Cos Play.
Hull Comedy Festival
Hull Truck Theatre
2 – 5 November 2022
Admission: £15 per night
https://www.hulltruck.co.uk
Three nights of comedy with local and regional comedy talent with a sprinkling of multi award winning acts from the UK festival scene. Starting with Best of ‘Ull, prepare for laughter with this “Hullarious” showcase,
Santa Arrival Parade
Hull City Centre
20 November 2022
11.15am
Free
Santa will once again return to Hull this year for his traditional parade that heralds the start of the festive season. The parade will begin at Hull New Theatre at around 11.15am. Santa will then make his way through the city from the theatre to Princes Quay. He will be joined by troopers and various other characters.
The Magic of Christmas
Museums Quarter, High Street Old Town
26 November 2022
Free
This Christmas Hull Museums in partnership with Hull BID are staging a traditional Victorian Christmas full of festive magic. Throughout the day there will be festive activities and performances, including Dickensian Christmas characters wandering the street scene at the Streetlife Museum and in the Museum Quarter Gardens, plus musical performances. There will also be Christmas crafts, plus food and drink.
Lord Mayors Christmas Tree Festival
Hull Minster
29 November- 17 December 2022
Free
Decorated Christmas trees will be displayed in the minster as the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Tree Festival returns to Hull Minster. Each tree is decorated or sponsored by a local business.
Good Things Market: Winter Edition
Fruit Market
27 November 2022
Free to enter
Expect makers, creators, artist bakers, bringing you print, jewellery, homeware, art, vintage, ceramics, food, drinks, music and much more.
EAST YORKSHIRE
Cobwebs & Cream Teas at Christmas
Burton Constable Hall
19 November – 18 December 2022, selected dates
Tickets £22.50 per person
Join an exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour of the Hall led by an expert guide and discover the cellars, attics, rooftops and everything else in-between! The ticket also includes access to Grounds & Stables from 10am, plus a self-guided walk round the Hall which will be decked with holly, as well as a whole range of seasonal greenery and splashes of festive colour to enhance the cosy intimacy of a Country House at Christmas. The tour is followed by a Cream Tea served from the Stables Kitchen at 2.45pm.
‘The Odyssey – The Land of Wonders’ Illumination Evening
Memorial Gardens, Withersea
19 November 2022
Free
The latest instalment in Animated Objects Theatre Company’s Odyssey project is set to transform Withernsea’s Memorial Gardens into a Land of Wonders featuring a host of illuminations, an atmospheric musical soundtrack, and a specially designed lighting installation for the Pier Towers. The Odyssey – An Epic Adventure on the Yorkshire Coast is a futuristic retelling of the Trojan Wars set along the whole length of the Yorkshire coast.
St Mary’s Rocks
St Mary’s Church, Beverley
17 November 2022
Tickets: £10 per person
For the first time ever Remarkable Rock will be performing in the ancient and beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church, Beverley. Featuring the Beverley Remarkable Rock Choir of over 90 singers and a live band of professional musicians, performing classic rock songs from across the ages and genres of rock. For one night only the Rafters will Rock and even the Angels will Sing as St. Mary’s Rocks.
Hornsea Collective Christmas Market Place
Town Hall, Hornsea
26 November 2022
10am – 4.30pm
Free entry
An independent Christmas marketplace showcasing products from over 25 small independent traders from across East Yorkshire. Refreshments including gin, craft beers and cider will also be available.
DERBY
Derby Book Festival – Autumn Edition
4 – 6 November 2022
Tickets: check webist6e for individual prices
www.derbybookfestival.co.uk
A dozen events celebrate the latest chapter of the Derby Book Festival as its Autumn Edition returns to the city. Offering a broad range of genres, authors heading to Derby include TV presenter Dan Walker, Women’s Prize nominee Joanna Cannon and crime writer Stephen Booth, whose Cooper & Fry novels are set in the Peak District. There will also be a free to enter Book Fair at the Museum of Making on Sunday 6 November.
Derby Ghost Hunt – The Old Silk Mill
Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill
11 -12 November 2022
Tickets: £38 per person
For over 18s only, join Haunted Heritage‘s Ghost Hunt at Derby’s Silk Mill. Built between 1717 and 1721 for the Lombe’ brothers, it stands on the site of the world’s first factory beside the River Derwent. Discover who still haunts there…
Derby Lantern Parade
City centre
12 November 2022
Free entry
Part of the Season of Light 2022, lanterns of all shapes and sizes will illuminate a path through the city centre heading towards the Christmas lights switch at the Market Place. The parade will start with community dance and music performances from across the world along with a specially composed percussion piece performed by drummers Dhol Frequency and an energetic Chinese Dragon dance.
Derby Christmas Lights Switch On
Market Place
12 November 2022
Free entry
www.derbylive.co.uk
Enjoy entertainment on the stage leading up to the big switch on at 6pm.
Festive Family Market
The Chocolate Factory
19 – 20 November 2022
Derby’s Festive Family Market is back, with shopping, festivities, Santa, plus food and drink by Bustler.
LINCOLNSHIRE
Dog Friendly Days at Lincoln Castle
Lincoln Castle
5 – 6 November 2022
Castle Day Ticket £15 adult, £8.30 child (5-16)
https://bit.ly/3FATwDm
Unlock 1000 years of history, with your four-legged companion. Enjoy the castle surrounds as your dog follows you on a journey back through history exploring the Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and Magna Carta with a follow up visit to the Castle grounds for a takeaway treat from Puppaccino’s!
Christmas Lights Switch On
Lincoln
17 November 2022
Free entry
The official start of Christmas across Lincoln, switching on the festive Christmas Lights across the city plus festive entertainment to get visitors into the festive spirit.
Christmas Light Trail
Lincoln
From 17 November 2022
https://bit.ly/3zx1J7D
Follow the trail map to find all the Christmas lights – and capture the perfect festive snap when you get there
Christmas at Doddington
Doddington Hall
23 November – 23 December 2022
Admission: £15 adults, £8.50 child (4-16yrs)
https://bit.ly/3sJ0RsR
The Elizabethan Hall will once again be transformed for the festive period and decorated throughout for the theme ‘Christmas on the Riverbank’. Bringing the outdoors indoors to create spectacular scenes with visitors following the flow of the riverbank throughout the Hall as the winter stories unfold. Decorations throughout the Hall are largely handmade using material that’s grown or produced on the Doddington Estate.
Lincolnshire Food & Gift Fair
Lincolnshire Showground
26 – 27 November 2022
Tickets £5.50 plus booking fee
https://bit.ly/3Wm6jPW
The Lincolnshire Food & Gift fair is one of Lincolnshire’s favourite festive traditions – a two-day exhibition of everything you need to create a Lincolnshire Christmas. The annual family-friendly event features the county’s specialist food and drink, Santa’s Workshop and hands-on craft and baking activities. The Lincolnshire Kitchen will be brought to life with top chefs and producers sharing their festive tips.
The Real Christmas Experience at Rand Farm
Rand Farm Park
26 November – 24 December 2022
Admission: check website for prices, must be booked in advance
https://randfarmpark.com/christmas/A magical, immersive family experience, journey through Rand Farm Park’s themed Christmas Zones meeting some of Santa’s elves, Mrs Clause, real reindeer and Santa himself.
Alford’s Christmas Spectacular Extravaganza
Alford Manor House, Alford
26 November 2022
Free entry
Adding a sparkle of Christmas, England’s largest thatched manor house will be transformed with festive artisan and craft stalls, live entertainment and a taste of Lincolnshire’s local food and drink. Santa will also be making an appearance throughout the event, ready to take notes of your Children’s wishes this year.
Illuminate Gainsborough
Gainsborough
26 November 2022
Free entry
https://bit.ly/3sOlfsm
Gainsborough will once again be filled with light and sound with stunning projections onto the walls of Gainsborough Old Hall, a fire garden in the grounds of All Saints’ Parish Church, street performers and a guided walk along Trent Riverside.
BURGHLEY HOUSE
Burghley Christmas Market
24 – 27 November 2022
Admission: from £6 adults, £3 children
www.burghley.co.uk
Lincolnshire’s Burghley House is the stately setting for annual seasonal shopping spectacular, the Christmas Fair (24-27 November). And this year there will be a new ticket available for late-night shopping on Friday 25. Burghley’s courtyards and grounds will house traditional chalets and heated marquees, along with an avenue of pagodas bedecked in Christmas decorations and lights.
Christmas Carol Concerts
11 and 14 December 2022
www.burghley.co.uk
Musical merriment, in majestic settings features a classical Concert set within the intimate setting of the family chapel on 11 December, and on 14 December, Carols in the oak-panelled Great Hall. Tickets for both events cost £30 per person, must be pre-booked.
STAFFORDSHIRE
Maille on Sunday
Tamworth Castle
6 and 20 November 2022
Admission: Normal Castle admission fees apply
Maille (also known as mail, or chainmail), is a type of flexible armour made from small interlocking metal rings to create a mesh. See live maille making demonstrations in the Great Hall at Tamworth Castle,
Christmas Tree Festival
Lichfield Cathedral
26 November 2022 – 2 January 2023
https://bit.ly/3SNP1Io
See a festive array of real Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities. Open during visitor opening hours, check the website for full details.
North Pole Adventure
National Forest Adventure Farm
26 – 27 November 2022
Tickets: from £19 adults and £29 child (2-16 years)
https://bit.ly/3TW15sy
A truly magical journey. Experience the wonder of Christmas on an adventure to the North Pole. Check-in and be transported to Father Christmas’ hometown. Help the elves get ready for Christmas and meet the talking polar bear. Decorate gingerbread with Mother Christmas before meeting Father Christmas himself and choosing a gift from the present room.
Magical Christmas
Drayton Manor Resort
Selected dates, 26 November – 24 December 2022
Admission: Pre-booked advance tickets from £5 – £36 per person.
Promising a magical Christmas like no other, visitors can meet Father Christmas in a 15-minute Grotto Experience, as well as enjoy the fun and excitement of the family-friendly rides throughout the park, seasonal decorations, the 15-acre zoo, Santa’s House Party live show in the 4D Cinema, and a festive Thomas Land. New for 2022 is the Gingerbread Decorating Workshop included in the Grotto Experience Ticket. You can also extend the fun with an overnight stay in the Resort’s 4-star on-site hotel with a Stay & Play package.
A festive day out
Alton Towers Resort
Selected dates, 25 November – 2 January 2023
Tickets: from £30 per person
http://bit.ly/3DW29G3
Experience fun-packed live entertainment and a whole host of family rides and attractions across three themed Lands including the UK’s only CBeebies Land and The World of David Walliams with Gangsta Granny. Explore the Christmas Market with market stalls, bars and food stands along Towers Street. The award-winning illuminated trail, Lightopia, also returns for 2022 with new installations and interactive experiences. An immersive spectacle, this year’s “Christmas Wonder” themed attraction takes a brand-new route through the park.
STOKE-ON-TRENT
Christmas Light Switch On
Middleport Pottery
18 November 2022
Tickets: from £4 online
https://bit.ly/3FyTnA9
A traditional start to the festive season at Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent with food, activities, and late-night shopping. The band and choir will accompany the countdown to the twinkling lights illuminating the Victorian site.
Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
8 October – 29 January 2023
Tickets: £5 adults, children under 16 free entry
www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/
Britain’s spiritual home of ceramics hosts an important exhibition of some of the finest pieces of Victorian majolica pottery ever made in the UK and the US. After a debut at New York City’s Bard Graduate Center, and then Baltimore, the exhibition is in the UK. Fittingly, the only place where it can be seen is in Stoke-on-Trent, dubbed the world capital of ceramics and the only city in Britain to be named after its primary industry, “The Potteries”.
A Victorian Welcome to Christmas
Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley)
17 November 2022
Christmas in Stoke-on Trent officially starts with a host of lively street theatre in the City Centre (Hanley) featuring free Victorian themed attractions, interactive theatre and roaming performers along with the popular continental market on Market Square, an artisan market on Fountain Square and fairground rides. Among attractions will be Van Buren’s Victorian Theatre of Wonders, a fun and baffling family show about Victoriana, magic and illusion.
Christmas Trentham Makers Market
Trentham Shopping Village
19 November – 4 December 2022, weekends
Free entry
https://bit.ly/3UbShOS
A special Christmas themed Makers Market showcasing award-winning local food and drink, art, craft producers, and vintage artisans.
HAMPSHIRE
Science Starz
Winchester Science Centre
Until 13 November 2022
Admission: from £13.63 per person
https://bit.ly/3ebnBO9
In 2022 Winchester Science Centre is celebrating 20 years of wow moments, and the last stop is sound. Grab your exclusive ticket to join the live studio audience of Science Starz – and be wowed by the ultimate science musical instrument, the mind-blowing, light-bending laser harp.
Southampton Ice Rink
West Quay Shopping Centre
11 November 2022 – 8 January 2023
Admission: £13 adults, £11 child
www.westquayonice.co.uk
Southampton’s premium ice skating experience returns for the 2022/2023 winter season. Step inside an alpine winter wonderland, providing the perfect atmospheric experience for both beginners and skating aficionados. The real ice rink is staged within the Esplanade, next to the Medieval Walls and Westquay South, brought to life for the Christmas season. Après Bar also opens its doors alongside Westquay on Ice, serving a range of festive favourites including Mulled Wine, Winter Cocktails, Hot Chocolate and Frosty Stein’s of German bier. Après Bar also hosts several cosy mini chalets, with room for up to 10 people and with waiting service.
Trailblazers Curator’s Tour & Afternoon Tea
Chawton House
8, 15, 22 November 2022
Ticket: £25 per person
https://bit.ly/3ft3J9Z
Join exhibition curator Emma Yandle for an exclusive tour of current exhibition Trailblazers: Women travel writers and the exchange of knowledge. Bringing together Chawton House’s collection of works by women writers, with loans from archives and museums across the country, Trailblazers offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating stories of the women who travelled the world in the 18th and 19th centuries. After the Tour, take a seat in the historic Great Hall and enjoy an Afternoon Tea.
Neverland Illuminova
Wellington Country Park
17 November – 23 December 2022
Tickets: from £20 adult, £16 child (aged 2–15)
https://neverlandilluminova.co.uk
For the first time, Wellington Country Park’s gates will open at dusk to reveal a kingdom of illumination. Billed as no ordinary light walk, but an imaginative story and a one-of-a-kind adventure. Immerse yourself with imaginative storytelling and let colour and sound awaken your senses and turn the great outdoors into a symphony of light. Wave hello to Father Christmas as you travel through a magical portal to commence your journey to Neverland.
Portsmouth Christmas Market
17 November – 24 December 2022
https://bit.ly/3Wy8KPB
Portsmouth Christmas Market brings wooden cabins to the city centre, selling treats such as German sausages and glühwein, plus Christmas stockings, tree decorations and gifts. Take a festive tipple – whether that’s traditional mulled wine or authentic German beer, or a warming coffee or hot chocolate.
Christmas at Uppark
Uppark House and Garden, near Petersfield
19 November – 1 January 2023 (closed 25 & 26 December)
Normal admission charges apply (£11 adult, £5.50 child)
Celebrate Christmas at Uppark this year and see the rooms of the mansion house adorned with handmade decorations, reflecting the activities and lives of people who once lived above and below stairs. Follow the festoon lights illuminating the approach to the house before stepping into the entrance hall, decorated using natural materials such as cinnamon, citrus fruit, pinecones and luscious greenery. Continue your journey into the saloon, dressed in colourful, while in the servant’s quarters, discover trees adorned with decorations reflecting the profession of the people who lived and worked below stairs.
