November in Darlington is packed with things to do, from Bonfire Night celebrations and festive light switch-ons to markets, theatre shows and fun runs.
Here’s a round-up of what’s happening across the town this month.
The Misfit Market - Hopetown | 10am-4pm | Sunday, November 2
The Misfit Market is coming to Hopetown Darlington on the first Sunday of every month, offering a space for alternative artists and traders to showcase their work. Visitors can browse a wide range of handmade goods, including clothing, homeware, artwork, jewellery, gifts, and curiosities. Entry to the market is free, with advance booking recommended but not required.
The Signalman - Darlington Hippodrome | 7.30pm | Tuesday, November 4 - Saturday, November 8
Age 14+, Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd has announced an extended adaptation of Charles Dickens’ The Signalman. Set in 1880, the play follows a troubled signalman haunted by visions of disaster on his remote railway line, and a traveller’s attempt to save him from descending into madness.
Christmas Fayre - Carmel College | 6pm - 8pm | Thursday, November 6
The Carmel Christmas Fayre promises an evening of festive fun with Christmas crafts, food, and stalls. Tickets cost £3.50 for adults, £3 for concessions, and entry is free for under-16s.
Lights Out Market - Darlington Market | 2pm - 8pm | Thursday, November 6
The event promises a spooky shopping experience with glowing stalls, local makers, street food, Halloween music, and festive fun. Entry costs £3.50 for adults, £3 for concessions, and is free for under-16s.
Moretallica Live - The Forum Music Centre | 7pm | Saturday, November 8
Renowned as one of the UK’s top Metallica tribute acts, Moretallica return to The Forum with a high-energy, authentic performance covering every era of the metal legends’ career. Formed in 2012, the band’s 60+ years of combined experience and use of Metallica’s own gear promise a powerful live show.
Tickets: £13 in advance (early booking advised - last year’s show sold out)
Doors: 7.30pm | Show: 8.30pm | Ages: 16+ (under 18s with adult) | Standing event
Craft Fair - Cornmill Shopping Centre | 10am - 4pm | Saturday, November 8
The Cornmill Craft Fairs bring together over 20 local traders offering a wide range of handmade goods, from candles and chocolates to collectables and personalised gifts. With a rotating line up of crafters and artisans, each event offers fresh finds and unique treasures perfect for gifts or self-indulgence.
The Smeds and the Smoos - Darlington Hippodrome | 1.30pm | Tuesday, November 11 - Wednesday, November 12
The Smeds and The Smoos, presented by Tall Stories, brings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved book to life in an Olivier Award-nominated stage adaptation. This joyful tale follows two star-crossed aliens who defy their families and journey across space together.
It's A Wonderful Life - The Majestic | 7.30pm | Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15
An amateur production of Mary ELliottt Nelson’s adaptation of the classic film by arrangement with Nick Hern Books. A lovely lead in to Christmas leaving you with a warm fuzzy feeling. A fun night out! The theatre has its own bar so can relax with a drink before, at the interval or after the show.
Tickets start from £13.50.
Craft and Christmas Fayre - Blackwell Grange Hotel | 4pm - 9pm | Friday, November 14
Last entry at 5pm. The Early Christmas Artisan Fayre will take place, offering a festive day of shopping, food, and live music. Visitors can browse handmade gifts, jewellery, artwork, home décor, and seasonal treats from local makers. Entry is free, and those who book in advance via Eventbrite will receive an exclusive Christmas goody bag filled with treats and surprises.
The Guns 'n' Roses Experience - The Forum Music Centre | 7.30pm | Saturday, November 15
The Guns N’ Roses Experience, Europe’s leading tribute to the iconic rock band, delivers a high-energy show capturing the sound, style, and attitude of the original line up. Featuring the world’s only Axl impersonator who performs live vocals and piano, and a guitarist endorsed by Marshall Amps, the band offers an authentic recreation from “Welcome to the Jungle” to “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” Tickets are £15 in advance, with doors opening at 7.30pm and the show starting around 8.30pm. Ages 16+, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. It is a standing event.
Steampunk weekend - Hopetown | 10am-5pm | Saturday, November 15 - Sunday, November 16
Hopetown Darlington will host a packed free weekend of steampunk-inspired fun and railway heritage. Visitors can explore the North Road Station Museum’s steampunk market, enjoy live entertainment, table-top games, costume contests, and classic vehicle displays. Highlights include live music from Alice Strange, Captain of the Lost Waves, and The Cogkneys, as well as immersive experiences like the Experiment time-travel ride (£5 per person). Guests can also visit the Darlington Locomotive Works to see locomotives Tornado and Prince of Wales in action, explore the Goods Shed café and gift shop, and engage with the museum’s rich railway collections.
Christmas Lights Switch On - Market Square | 4pm | Sunday, November 16
Festivities will begin at 4 p.m., with the Christmas lights switch-on at 5:30 p.m. led by Father Christmas and a pantomime star, followed by fireworks. Hosted by Hits Radio DJs Steve and Karen, the free event will include live music and special guests.
Callie Hart's Brimstone book release - Waterstones | 8am - 5.30pm | Tuesday November 18
Fans of dark fantasy can join the launch of Brimstone by Callie Hart, the highly anticipated sequel to Quicksilver, at 8am on publication day. Attendees will be the first to get a copy and can pick up exclusive goodies. Brimstone follows Queen Saeris Fane as she struggles with power, loyalty, and survival, while Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate faces new dangers in the Silver City. Together, they must confront the darkness threatening Yvelia.
Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection - Darlington Hippodrome | 7.30pm | Tuesday, November 18
Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection is a new stage production celebrating six decades of the music legend’s greatest hits. Featuring a full live band, the show recreates iconic performances from The Old Grey Whistle Test (1978), Wembley (1984), and Live in Long Island. Audiences can expect a high-energy two-hour concert packed with classics including Piano Man, Uptown Girl, New York State of Mind, and She’s Always a Woman.
Wicked Trail - Darlington town centre | 10am - 4pm | Saturday, November 22
Something wicked is hiding in Darlington town centre shops! Pick up your trail sheet, solve the clues and collect goodies along the way. Complete the trail to enter a prize draw.
Victorian Christmas Market - Tees Cottage Pumping Station | 11am - 3pm | Saturday, November 22
A Victorian-themed Christmas Market will take place on 22 November 2025 from 11am to 3pm. The event will feature stalls selling festive gifts and stocking fillers, along with a visit from Santa in his grotto. Visitors can take the Santa Express train for £10, with additional rides costing £2. Entry to the market is £1 per adult. While engines and buildings will remain closed, the Blacksmith Shop will be open throughout the event.
Step into Christmas - Darlington Hippodrome | 7.30pm | Tuesday, November 25
Step into Christmas returns this year with a bigger and brighter festive concert packed with classic holiday hits, live performances, and dazzling visuals. The feel-good show promises to kickstart the season with music, cheer, and plenty of festive spirit for audiences of all ages.
Snow Play - The Hullabaloo | 10am - 2pm | Wednesday, November 26
From ages 0-7 and runs until February 16, 2026. Children can explore a snowy-themed creative play space filled with tunnels, slides, ball pits, and mini tipis. The free, drop-in activity encourages imaginative play, with donations welcomed.
The Big Christmas Assembly - Darlington Hippodrome | 7.30pm | Thursday, November 27
James B Partridge brings The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 to the stage, offering a festive night of singalongs, classic tunes, and nostalgic holiday cheer. Known for his appearances on BBC shows and radio, Partridge promises an energetic performance full of Christmas magic, community, and fun.
Hanz Zimmer Candlelight Experience - St Cuthbert's Church | 7pm | Friday, November 28
Tickets from £20+. Lumos presents an intimate Hans Zimmer tribute at St Cuthberts Church, Darlington, on Friday 28th November. The string trio performance features music from Gladiator, Interstellar, The Lion King, and more. There are two sittings: 7-8pm and 9-10pm, with entry 15 minutes prior. Seating is allocated by tiered zones, and the event is suitable for ages eight and up. Each month, Lumos donates to a different charity.
Christmas Lights - The Hullabaloo | 10am - 2pm | Friday, November 28
For ages one to four, running until December 7 with tickets from £10. Filskit Theatre presents Christmas Lights, a festive performance for children and their families. Set on a tiny, snow-covered house, the show follows friends Alvie and Kit as they try to light up their home for Christmas- only for the lights to take on a life of their own. Featuring original music, twinkling lights, playful performance, and integrated BSL, the show invites audiences to stay and play in the garden afterward.
Santa's Grotto and Elves' Gift works - Hopetown | 10am - 4pm | Saturday, November 29
The Elves’ Gift works Trail at the museum offers a festive family adventure from 29 November to 24 December 2025. Set around a replica of Locomotion No.1, visitors can explore an immersive Christmas streetscape, help elves sort letters to Santa, add wishes to the Memory Tree, and meet Santa’s reindeer. The trail includes hands-on activities and a festive mystery challenge, with tickets starting from £1. All Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Night at the Museum tickets include access to the trail.
Riverside Rebellion 9: Punk Fest - Forum Music Centre | 3pm - 11pm | Saturday, November 29
Riverside Rebellion returns for its ninth year at The Forum, showcasing top punk bands including Dirt Box Disco, Boilermaker, The Gakk, MC16, Nervous Twitch, The Inklings, and a solo set from Peesh (LoGOz). The 18+ standing event takes place from 2.30 pm, with the show starting around 3.10 pm. Tickets are £20 in advance, £25 on the door.
Night Market - Walworth Castle Hotel | 5pm - 10pm | Sunday, November 30
Visitors can enjoy live music, mulled wine, seasonal treats, and festive activities including Santa in the Dungeons and Elf on the Shelf surprises. The event promises a day of holiday cheer for families and friends.
Mind Mental Elf 5k fun run - South Park | 9.45am | Sunday, November 30
Participants of all ages can walk, jog, skip, or run a 5km two-lap route, with festive fancy dress encouraged and prizes on offer. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Registration opens at 9.45am, with the race starting at 10.30am. The event is sponsored by Aldi and EE, with all proceeds supporting local mental health services.
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