Using fireworks isn’t the only way to light up the night on 5 November. You can add some fairy lights to your garden to add a bit of sparkle, and the best thing about fairy lights is they are safe so children can enjoy them - and they’re also quiet too of course so pets won’t be troubled either. You can also place battery lights in mason jars and grab some glowsticks for the kids too.placeholder image
Using fireworks isn’t the only way to light up the night on 5 November. You can add some fairy lights to your garden to add a bit of sparkle, and the best thing about fairy lights is they are safe so children can enjoy them - and they’re also quiet too of course so pets won’t be troubled either. You can also place battery lights in mason jars and grab some glowsticks for the kids too. | Martin - stock.adobe.com

Bonfire night: seven alternative things you can do with family without fireworks, including food and films

Rochelle Barrand
By Rochelle Barrand

Lifestyle & Fashion Writer, NationalWorld

3rd Nov 2022, 11:42am

There are alternative ways to celebrate 5 November with your family - here are some of the best for people of all ages

Fireworks have become synonymous with bonfire night, but setting off fireworks in the back garden or going to watch an organised firework display isn’t the only way to celebrate the ocassion. Fireworks aren’t appropriate for everyone; they can startle pets and also upset little ones because of the loud noises they make - and they are expensive. In addition, not everybody has outdoor space to be able to have their own fireworks display.

So, if fireworks aren’t the right thing for you and your family, take a look at our seven suggestions below for alternative - and budget friendly - ways that you can all enjoy bonfire night. If you would still like a little bit of sparkle, without the big bangs, then take a look at our guide of the best places to buy sparklers too.

We know that, no matter what you do in your own home, the chances are you will hear fireworks on the night of 5 November, but this is how to calm your pet down if they become upset on bonfire night.

Read more:

Bonfire night 2022: how can I save money on fireworks for 5 November, what time of year is cheapest to buy?

Bonfire Night 2022: story of Guy Fawkes and Gunpowder Plot explained - why do we celebrate on 5 November?

How to calm dogs and cats during fireworks: calming music and tricks to help scared pets on Bonfire Night 2022

Adults can celebrate bonfire night with a bonfire themed cocktail. Add some cider, apple juice, demerara sugar, cinnamon, nutmug, spiced rum and amaretto to a glass and you’ve got a delicious homemade cocktail. For the children, a sweet hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows is sure to go down well.

5. Make a bonfire themed drink

Adults can celebrate bonfire night with a bonfire themed cocktail. Add some cider, apple juice, demerara sugar, cinnamon, nutmug, spiced rum and amaretto to a glass and you’ve got a delicious homemade cocktail. For the children, a sweet hot chocolate topped with cream and marshmallows is sure to go down well. | Alex Tihonov - stock.adobe.com

You don’t need a bonfire to toast marshmallows. You can make yourself some gooey goodness just using your grill. It’s up to you to decide if you want to make s’mores with them, add them to a hot chocolate or just eat them as they are.

6. Toast some marshmallows under the grill

You don’t need a bonfire to toast marshmallows. You can make yourself some gooey goodness just using your grill. It’s up to you to decide if you want to make s’mores with them, add them to a hot chocolate or just eat them as they are. | Anastasiia - stock.adobe.com

There aren’t any films that are focused solely around bonfire night, but there are films which have epic firework scenes which you can enjoy. Family friendly options include Disney’s Mulan, both the original animated and new live action versions, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

7. Watch a film

There aren’t any films that are focused solely around bonfire night, but there are films which have epic firework scenes which you can enjoy. Family friendly options include Disney’s Mulan, both the original animated and new live action versions, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. | deagreez - stock.adobe.com

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