What’s Happening in Durham in November 2025?
As the clocks go back and Durham’s streets start to glow with autumn light, there’s still plenty to tempt you outdoors this month. November brings moments of reflection, dazzling creativity, and the welcome return of one of the city’s most loved landmarks. With Lumiere Durham lighting up our nights and the Durham Miners’ Hall at Redhills reopening after a major refurbishment, it’s set to be a special month indeed.
Remembrance
November is a time to pause and reflect, and Durham marks this with a series of moving events.
Festival of Remembrance – Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral’s annual Festival of Remembrance concert supports the Army Benevolent Fund and this year commemorates the 80th anniversaries of the Victories in Europe and Japan at the end of WW2.
📅 Friday 8 November, 7.30pm
🎟️ Book tickets via the Cathedral website
Remembrance Sunday Service
The annual Remembrance Day Service takes place in the Cathedral on Sunday 9 November at 10.15am, bringing together local communities, veterans and visitors in a shared act of remembrance.
By Our Life’s Ember – Redhills, Durham Miners’ Hall
Later the same day, head to the beautifully restored Redhills for By Our Life’s Ember, a concert of remembrance featuring the DMA Brass Band.
📅 Sunday 9 November, 3pm
🎟️ Find out more on the Redhills website
The interior of Redhills: Durham Miner’s Hall
A display of handmade knitted red poppies, each with a black button centre, prepared for a Remembrance commemorations
Tours and Activities
This month offers a chance to explore both heritage and nature in new ways.
Lumiere Durham 2025
The UK’s light art biennial returns to Durham for the last time! Lumiere Durham 2025 will take place over three evenings from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November, transforming the city into an illuminated, open-air gallery with 28 spectacular installations. This year, the festival also shines its light beyond Durham, casting a new spotlight on Shildon.
📅 Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November
💡 Find out more about Lumiere
Rediscover Redhills: Past, Present and Future
Join one of the new guided tours of Durham Miners’ Hall to learn more about its remarkable history and transformation.
📅 1, 5, 15, 19 & 29 November – 3pm
🎟️ Book via the Redhills events page
Wild About Brain Health – Rainton Meadows
At Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, the Durham Wildlife Trust is running a series of “Wild About Brain Health” workshops, using nature-based activities to support wellbeing and reduce dementia risk.
📅 3, 7, 17 & 24 November – 1–3pm
🌿 More details at Durham Wildlife Trust
A dazzling Lumiere Durham light installation fills the Cathedral with shimmering colour and cascading glass-like forms, illuminating the historic arches in shades of blue, violet and gold.
Events
Candlelight Concerts – Durham Town Hall
Experience the magic of live music by candlelight in the heart of Durham. The Candlelight Concert Series offers fresh takes on classics by Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Hans Zimmer and even festive favourites.
🎶 See what’s on at Durham Town Hall
Durham Fringe Presents is a night of varied performances by acts from the North East.
📅 Friday 28th November 6.30pm at Fabio’s Bar
Spotlight: Talks and Exhibitions
There’s plenty to spark curiosity this month, from medieval mysteries to modern conservation.
Courts and Coroners – Durham Cathedral Museum
A new exhibition opening on 10 November delves into the Cathedral’s legal history and the fascinating roles of courts and coroners.
📅 from 10th November
Legenda – Durham Town Hall,
Bestselling historian Professor Janina Ramirez explores how women’s identities have been shaped and reshaped through history in her latest talk, Legenda. Janina Ramirez tickets
📅 Thursday 20 November, 19:00
Shakespeare Recovered – Palace Green Library
If you haven’t yet seen Shakespeare Recovered, don’t miss it. The exhibition tells the captivating story of the loss and rediscovery of the First Folio, highlighting the meticulous work of the Palace Green conservation team.
📅 Open Wednesday–Saturday
The introductory board at Durham Town Hall .
A close-up of the First Folio of William Shakespeare’s works, listing the playwright and the principal actors from his company — part of the Shakespeare Recovered exhibition at Palace Green Library, Durham.
Exploring Durham This Month
For more ideas of Durham attractions open in November, visit our Things to Do in Durham pages. You’ll find links to museums, galleries, heritage sites and seasonal activities with up-to-date opening hours.
Follow Durham Pointers on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on free attractions in Durham city centre, hidden gems, and upcoming events.