Bonfire Night 2023: family-friendly firework displays
The best family-friendly firework displays are early, well organised and easy to leave, so even little ones can enjoy the bangs and sparkles without tears. Bonfire Night 2023 fell on Sunday 5 November, and many displays ran over that weekend. Some towns hold their shows a little later, and November also brings Diwali lights and the first Christmas switch-ons. Here is how to pick a show, what suits which age and how to make the evening easy.
What's on: Bonfire Night, Diwali and November lights
Most big Bonfire Night displays took place over the first weekend of November, but community shows, Diwali celebrations and light events carry on through the month. Ticketed displays at large venues usually sell out early, so it's worth noting them for next year too.
| Event or place | Area | Best ages | Indoor/outdoor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra Palace fireworks | North London | 4+ | outdoor | ££ |
| Battersea Park fireworks | South London | 4+ | outdoor | ££ |
| Diwali lights and celebrations | Leicester | all ages | outdoor | free |
| Community and school displays | across the UK | all ages | outdoor | £ |
| Eureka! (for a calmer day out) | Halifax | 0–11 | indoor | ££ |
Price per person: £ = under about £8, ££ = about £8–£20, £££ = over £20. Rough guide only, prices change.
Check timings, accessibility and prices on the organiser's official website before you go.
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What's in it for kids by age
Toddlers like the colours but not the noise; school-age children love the whole show, from the bonfire to the hot dogs.
- Babies and toddlers: ear defenders, a sling or pushchair with a rain cover and an early, short display.
- Ages three to six: a community display with a funfair ride or two and a glow stick.
- Ages seven and up: big displays with music, bonfires and food stalls.
If your child is sensitive to noise or crowds, talk about what will happen beforehand, watch a short fireworks video together and agree a signal for when they want to leave. Standing at the back of the crowd, near the exit, makes a quick getaway easy and keeps the evening positive. Some organisers now offer quieter viewing areas or relaxed sessions, so it's worth asking.
Top family-friendly firework displays and events
London's big ticketed displays are spectacular, while local community shows are often the most relaxed choice with young children. Alexandra Palace hosts one of the capital's best-known fireworks festivals, with views over the city. In south London, Battersea Park is home to another popular display by the river.
Outside London, look for displays run by rugby clubs, schools, scouts and councils. They tend to be shorter, cheaper and less crowded. In Leicester, the city's Diwali celebrations are among the biggest outside India, with lights along the Golden Mile; Visit Leicester lists the events.
Practical tips: parking, prams and baby change
Arrive early, park facing the exit and agree a meeting point before it gets dark.
- Prams: a pushchair with a cover keeps a baby warm, but crowds make them hard to steer, so a sling is often easier.
- Parking: big events fill nearby streets, so public transport or a short walk from further out can be quicker.
- Baby change: big venues have toilets, but field displays may only have portable loos.
- Ear defenders: essential for babies and young children.
- Glow sticks: help you spot your kids in the dark.
Where to eat nearby
Most displays have hot food stalls, but a flask of hot chocolate and some sausage rolls save money and queues. Eat a proper tea before you go, so children aren't hungry and cold at the same time. Afterwards, a warm pub or café is a lovely way to end the evening.
Find kid-friendly cafés and pubs near you on the Kid.ooo map. For toddler tips and family days out, take a look at @mummataralouise on Instagram.
Alternatives if it's busy
If fireworks feel like too much, watch from a distance, try glow sticks and, for over-fives, sparklers at home or choose a quiet daytime activity instead. Hilltops and upstairs windows offer great free views of town displays. For a calmer November weekend, a children's museum such as Eureka! The National Children's Museum or a soft play from our best soft play centres in the UK list is a cosy choice.
Half-term pumpkin trails may be over, but our guide to October half-term Halloween trails includes woodland walks that are lovely in November too.
More family events on the Kid.ooo map
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share events, attractions, playgrounds and cafés. Use it to find things to do with kids near me this November, from fireworks venues to warm soft play and kid-friendly cafés.
Explore family attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Missing your favourite local display or family venue? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan next year's Bonfire Night.
Frequently asked questions
What age can children go to a fireworks display?
There's no fixed age, and babies can go with good ear protection. Many parents find that from about three, children enjoy fireworks more, especially at an early display and with a clear way out.
Do babies need ear defenders for fireworks?
Yes, ear defenders made for babies and children are strongly recommended at fireworks displays. Stand well back from the launch site, as distance reduces the noise a lot.
Are there early fireworks displays for young children?
Many community and school displays start early in the evening, and some big events run a family or early show. Check the timings on the organiser's website.
How can toddlers enjoy Bonfire Night without the noise?
Watch from a window or a hill far from the display, give them glow sticks (sparklers are not recommended for under-fives), or visit a light festival instead. Sensory-friendly or quiet fireworks events are also becoming more common.
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