10 unbelievably fab things to do in Bristol this November – from drinking mulled wine in Christmas igloos to visiting the old haunts of Cary Grant

Bristol Christmas Market makes its grand return in November to Broadmead. During its run, visitors will get to peruse the offerings of over 40 festive stalls packed full of gifts, festive treats, unique crafts, and more, alongside numerous food stalls—including favourites such as Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, hog roasts, hot fruit crumble, churros, German bratwursts, and more. The market will again be home to Christmas Igloos and Ski Gondolas, as well as live local music, bubble-blowing fairies, balloon artists, and, of course, Santa.

Candlelight concerts combine breathtaking live music performances with the enchanting glow from thousands of candles to make for an unforgettable winter plan. There’s something for everyone at these magical candlelit concerts, from tributes to Ed Sheeran & Coldplay and Fleetwood Mac to classical renditions of Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

The Totterdown Arts Trail marks its 26th year as Bristol’s longest-running arts trail. The free annual event invites you inside Totterdown houses, studios and community spaces. Over 100 local artists will exhibit their work, offering everything from pottery and sculpture to handmade jewellery, prints, and textiles. From 11 am to 6 pm, both days, spot those taking part in the arts trail by the orange Ducksy flags flying above, while estate agent-style boards point the way.

Clifton LitFest welcomes more than 70 speakers spanning politics, photography, memoir, protest and the future of storytelling. Among the 50+ events are headline appearances from Michael Gove, John Davidson, Liz Berry, Michael Crick and many more.

With Guy Fawkes Night falling on a Thursday, November 5, there are a number of fireworks displays on the night and weekend in Bristol. There’s Bonfire Night at Victoria Park and Low Noise Fireworks at Old Down Country Park (both November 5), Fireworks at Gloucestershire Cricket and Downend Round Table Fireworks (November 6), and Fireworks to Music at Avon Valley Adventure Park (it’s Y2K classics v K-pop) on three days (November 5 to 7).

Experience ‘Under The Lights’ — a night of high-octane Championship action and a spectacular pre-match light show at Ashton Gate. If you’re after something a bit different on a chilly November evening, Bristol City host Wolves in a mid-week Sky Bet Championship match at Ashton Gate on Wednesday, November 4, featuring fan zones, a pre-match light show and pyrotechnics ahead of Bonfire Night.

After last year’s triumphant return, Simple Things Festival will once again take over Bristol venues for a day and night (Saturday, November 7) of boundary-pushing live and electronic music. As one of the UK’s most forward-thinking music festivals, expect a “playground of cutting-edge sounds”—including The Avalanches and Squid.

Longleat’s legendary Festival of Light returns with more life-size lanterns than ever before. You will follow the glow of more than 1,000 spectacular lanterns along a breathtaking 2.5km trail through worlds of myth, magic and adventure. Explore the lost city of Atlantis, wander beneath a life-sized blue whale and encounter mighty gods, dragons, giants and magical creatures as legendary tales come to life in lights.

In autumn, we love nothing more than heading out on hikes this time of year. One of Britain’s most glorious sights, Waterfall Country, is no more than a two-hour drive from Bristol. Situated on the south-westerly edge of the Brecon Beacons (or Bannau Brycheiniog), the area is well known for its unusually high number of waterfalls.

You’ll find three of the grandest, most gorgeous and closest on the Afon Mellte. Sgwd Clun Gwyn (the ‘fall of the white meadow’), Sgwd Isaf Clun-gwyn (the ‘lower fall of the white meadow’) and Sgwd y Pannwr (the ‘fall of the woollen washer’) will keep you mesmerised for hours. If you want a Hollywood-level famous waterfall, however, you’ll have to visit Henrhyd Falls – these were actually used in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises as Batman’s iconic hideout, the Batcave.

The Cary Comes Home Festival is a biennial celebration of Bristol’s most famous film star, bringing Cary Grant back to his hometown through a weekend of film screenings, talks, performances, and special events.