With the clocks going backwards shortly and the night drawing darker earlier, it would feel now would be the ideal time to stay at home with a warm drink and a good book.
We have a few suggestions though for those across the East Midlands that can’t stand being stuck indoors, or at least stuck inside the confines of their own four walls.
With Christmas Markets popping up in Derby to Lincoln’s annual Sausage Festival, we’ve taken our pick across the area for 17 events that might be of interest for you, many of which are free to attend. But in the event a performance does require a ticket, head on over to Ticketmaster to avoid missing out.
Have you an event in the East Midlands area you think we should have highlighted? Let us know by dropping a comment down below.

5. Fire and Thunder
The roar of the engines, the thrill of the speed and a chance to encounter what Santa Pod Raceway have called "The World's Fasted Wheelie Bin." The spectacular Flame and Thunder event comes to Airfield Road Podington on October 26 2024. | Santa Pod Raceway

6. Halloween Outdoor Theatre
Wollaton Hall hosts a series of spooky Halloween themed films throughout October. Families can enjoy outdoor screenings of Hocus Pocus (October 26), The Nightmare Before Christmas (October 27) while older audiences can enjoy Wes Craven's landmark horror film Scream on October 28 2024. | Wollaton Hall

7. Melton Mowbray Fireworks Festival 2024
There'll be fireworks in the air and on stage at this year's Fireworks Festival at Play Close Park on November 1 2024: not content with the stunning display, the organisers have also brought in Planet ABBA and Supersonic Queen to regale audiences with their stunning tribute performances. | Digit Light

8. Daventry Fireworks Spectacular
The annual Daventry Fireworks Spectacular will once again dazzle families in the area with a fireworks display set to a musical soundtrack spanning the decades, featuring golden oldies and the latest hits. Don't forget the obligatory pie and peas also when it takes place at The Parker E-ACT Academy on November 2 2024 from 6pm. | AFP via Getty Images

