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What's on in November?

York Christmas Markets, copyright VisitYork

As the night’s get colder and darker, the real winter fun starts to begin around the UK.

To give you a taster of what’s in store this November, here is a selection of events taking place close to our Grand Central train routes…

Alexandra Palace Firework Festival

1st & 2nd November

If you are looking to attend a bonfire festival like never before, then Ally Pally’s Firework Festival is exactly what you are looking for! This is London’s (if not the UK’s) largest firework festival with live music, beer tents and an outdoor cinema – not to mention one of the greatest fireworks exhibits you may have ever seen.

There is a funfair for the thrill-seekers, comedy provided by some of Edinburgh Fringe’s best acts, and plenty of street-food to keep your tummies happy throughout. Trains to Alexandra Palace run regularly from King’s Cross Station, so grab yourself a timetable to plan your journey there and home again.

York Christmas Festival

Opens 14th November 

Dare we mention the C word yet?! Well, looking towards November, it’s hard to ignore it as all the Christmas markets begin to open around us. If you are heading to York train station this November, then from 14th onwards you can experience some truly festive cheer to really get you in the mood.

Delicious local food, mulled wine and independent producers selling a range of beautiful crafts and lovable stocking fillers. Plus, York is officially one of the best markets around – it was voted Best Large Specialty Market at the Great British Market Awards 2019!

Blackpool Illuminations

Finish on 3rd November

If you’ve not yet managed to get your train to Blackpool station to see the famous illuminations, then fear not - you still have a few days left!

Using over 1 million light bulbs and spanning over 10km, the illuminations are a great spectacle and loved by kids and grown-ups alike. As soon as the sun goes down, the lasers, neon lights, fibre optics and LEDs go on – lighting up the promenade as well as some of Blackpool’s most famous landmarks. Whether you choose to watch them with a portion of fish and chips from near the tower or out of the window of one of the many local restaurants, you are sure to have an evening of fun with friends and family.  

Sunderland Christmas lights switch on 2019

21st November

Put on your hat, scarf and gloves, sprinkle yourself with festive cheer and head on down to Keel Square in Sunderland city centre for the annual switching on of the Christmas lights. The festivities will start from 5.30pm, so arrange your train to get into Sunderland station early so that you can get a good position to watch from and maybe sneak in a bit of shopping first.

This always promises to be a fun night with a great atmosphere, so get ready to join the Mayor of Sunderland and some of his very special guests to officially commence the start of the festive season in Tyne and Wear! 

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