10 Cozy Ways to Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night Wherever You Are
Moving to the U.S. from England has been quite the adventure, but this fall feels a little incomplete. Back home, autumn is all about Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night.
It’s a tradition where we Brits gather around bonfires in parks, wrapped in scarves and gloves, munching on toffee apples, waving sparklers, and watching fireworks light up the sky.
It’s a nostalgic night celebrating the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, but more than that, it’s about cozying up with loved ones and enjoying the brisk November air.
I think it’s a fun aside that Bonfire Night points to our differences in culture between my husband and I – in the UK we celebrate how the government caught and overthrew a rebel and here in the U.S. in July you celebrate how you overthrew a government!
Since moving to the U.S., I’ve realized that Bonfire Night doesn’t exist here, and something just feels… missing. But instead of feeling left out, I’ve decided to bring a little bit of that celebration with me.
If you’re a fellow Brit abroad or just looking for an excuse to get festive this fall, here are 10 cozy ways to celebrate Bonfire Night in the U.S. and make it feel like home.
1. Host a Backyard Bonfire
At the heart of every Bonfire Night is, well, the bonfire! If you’ve got the space, setting up a fire pit in your backyard can bring the night to life.
There’s something magical about gathering around a crackling fire, wrapped in blankets, and watching the flames dance in the chilly autumn air.
Invite some friends and family, break out the woolly scarves and mittens, and enjoy the warmth with traditional British snacks. And if you’re not a fan of marshmallows, don’t worry—you can swap them out for jacket potatoes or roasted chestnuts to keep it authentic.
If a bonfire isn’t feasible, consider using a tabletop fire pit or even an electric one to create that warm glow. It’s all about creating that cozy vibe, no matter the scale.
- Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit – This smokeless fire pit offers an easy and efficient way to enjoy a cozy bonfire without all the smoke, perfect for creating a warm and inviting centerpiece for your backyard.
- Flameless Candles – These flameless candles provide the soft glow of real firelight without the risk, perfect for creating a warm, ambient atmosphere around your seating area.
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2. Bake Traditional Parkin Cake
No Bonfire Night celebration is complete without a slice of traditional Parkin cake. This rich, spicy gingerbread cake is a beloved treat in the UK, especially around this time of year.
Made with oats, treacle, and molasses, Parkin cake is known for its deep flavor and moist texture, perfect for enjoying with a hot drink around the fire.
Baking your own Parkin cake at home is a wonderful way to embrace the tradition. Using high-quality ingredients and the right tools will ensure your cake turns out perfect.
Pairing it with a beautiful bundt cake pan not only makes it delicious but also gives it an impressive presentation for your guests.
Parkin Cake Recipe: For a truly British Parkin Cake Treat we love THIS RECIPE from BBC Good Food. Enjoy!
- Nordic Ware Bundt Cake Pan – This elegant bundt pan helps you create a beautifully shaped Parkin cake with ease, ensuring even baking and stunning presentation.
- Organic Molasses – A key ingredient for traditional Parkin cake, this organic molasses brings rich, deep flavor to your baked goods, enhancing the cake’s signature taste.
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3. Enjoy Toffee Apples
Toffee apples are a beloved Bonfire Night treat in the UK, offering a delightful twist on the American caramel apple.
The difference lies in the hard, glossy toffee coating that gives the apples a satisfying crunch, compared to the softer caramel coating found on their US counterparts.
Making toffee apples is a fun activity that both kids and adults enjoy, and they’re perfect for adding a sweet touch to your Bonfire Night celebration.
Set up a toffee apple station with high-quality caramel or toffee sauces and a variety of toppings, allowing guests to customize their own. Using treat cups will keep things tidy while giving your presentation an extra touch of style.
Toffee Apple Recipe: check out this classic British recipe HERE!
- Ghirardelli Caramel Sauce – A rich and smooth caramel sauce, ideal for adding gourmet toppings like nuts to your toffee apple.
- Wilton Caramel Apple Treat Cups – These treat cups are perfect for serving toffee apples, keeping them easy to handle and mess-free for guests.
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4. Create a DIY Fireworks Display
No Bonfire Night is complete without the excitement of a fireworks display. While full-scale fireworks might require professional handling, sparklers are a safe and fun alternative for creating your own DIY light show at home.
They add a magical touch to the evening and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Sparklers create beautiful, glowing effects and are perfect for lighting up the night in a safe and controlled way.
Set up a sparkler station for guests to grab and enjoy during the evening. It’s a simple yet delightful way to bring the festive spirit of Bonfire Night into your backyard.
For added safety, ensure everyone is equipped with sparkler holders or long matches to keep hands away from the flame.
- Sparklers – Fireworks are a little harder to get outside of the UK at this time of year but wedding sparklers are available and will do the job!
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5. Toast Marshmallows with a British Twist
Toasting marshmallows over a fire is a classic Bonfire Night activity, but you can add a British twist by pairing those toasted marshmallows with beloved British biscuits like McVities Chocolate Digestives.
Instead of the usual graham crackers used in American s’mores, the rich chocolate coating on Digestives adds a decadent touch, elevating the experience.
The combination of warm, gooey marshmallows with the crunch of these iconic biscuits creates a delightful treat that’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
Set out a toasting station with marshmallows, Digestives, and stainless steel roasting forks, making it easy for everyone to create their own delicious dessert.
- McVities Chocolate Digestives – These classic British biscuits add a delicious twist to your s’mores-style treats, pairing perfectly with toasted marshmallows for a delightful Bonfire Night snack.
- Stainless Steel Marshmallow Roasting Forks – Durable and easy to use, these roasting forks are perfect for safely toasting marshmallows over the fire and making the experience fun for everyone.
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6. Make Jacket Potatoes (Baked Potatoes)
Jacket potatoes are a Bonfire Night staple in the UK. There’s nothing quite like wrapping a potato in foil, tossing it into the embers of a fire, and letting it roast until the skin is crispy and the inside is perfectly soft.
Serve them with butter, cheese, or baked beans for that comforting, hearty flavor that reminds you of home.
They’re the perfect food for a chilly night, keeping you warm from the inside out. No sour cream here!
If you don’t have a fire, you can bake them in the oven until the skin is crispy. Or for convenience you can’t beat a slow cooker! Either way, it’s a simple, satisfying dish that screams Bonfire Night.
Slow Cooker Jacket Potato Recipe: HERE is a simple, tasty slow cooker method for making the fluffiest Jacket Potato’s to enjoy on cold evenings!
- Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil – Essential for wrapping jacket potatoes for cooking either in the oven or directly over the fire, keeping them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker – A versatile slow cooker perfect for baking jacket potatoes slowly, ensuring they’re warm and ready to serve to guests throughout the evening.
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7. Recreate British Pub Culture with a Bonfire Quiz
Bring the warmth of British pub culture to your Bonfire Night celebration by hosting a themed pub quiz night! It’s a fun way to add some lively entertainment to the evening while keeping the cozy, communal atmosphere of a traditional pub.
Serve classic pub snacks like crisps (or chips, as they’re called in the U.S.), pork scratchings, and sausage rolls, while guests test their knowledge with a quiz focused on Bonfire Night trivia, British traditions, and general autumn knowledge.
To really set the mood, make sure to stock up on British ales and ciders, and create a welcoming pub-like environment in your living room or backyard.
Soft lighting, candles, and cozy seating will transport you and your guests back to those classic nights spent at a warm British pub after a brisk bonfire.
- Guinness Pub Pint Glass – A classic pint glass brings a touch of authentic British pub culture to your gathering, perfect for serving your favorite beverages while enjoying the quiz.
- Union Jack Wall Sign – Add a bit of British flair to your outdoor or indoor decor with this Union Jack wall sign, setting the scene for a fun and festive quiz night by the bonfire.
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8. Serve Mulled Cider or Hot Chocolate
One of the best parts of Bonfire Night is sipping on something warm while the cold air nips at your nose. Mulled cider is a classic autumn drink, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and oranges for that cozy, warming flavor.
If you’re not a cider fan, rich, velvety hot chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
For a non-alcoholic version, spiced apple juice works just as well, so even the kids can enjoy a cozy drink around the fire. The warmth of these drinks is the perfect way to stave off the chill and add a festive touch to your Bonfire Night celebration.
Whether you prefer the rich flavors of mulled cider or the decadence of hot chocolate, your guests will appreciate having something warm to sip while they enjoy the festivities.
Hot Chocolate Recipe: Try this British Hot Chocolate Recipe HERE.
Mulled Cider Recipe: Or for something a little punchier give THIS Mulled Cider Recipe a go!
- Mulling Spices in Tea Bags – These convenient mulling spice tea bags make it easy to brew delicious, fragrant mulled cider, perfect for warming up chilly Bonfire Night gatherings.
- Cadbury Drinking Chocolate – Treat your guests to an authentic British hot chocolate experience with this rich and smooth Cadbury drinking chocolate, adding a sweet touch to the celebration.
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9. Craft Your Own Guy
In true Bonfire Night fashion, why not craft your own “Guy”? It’s a fun and simple project that adds a bit of British nostalgia to your evening.
Use old clothes stuffed with newspaper or straw to create an effigy, just like we did back home.
While burning the Guy might not be practical, creating one can be a quirky and fun way to add some tradition to your night.
Get creative with your “Guy,” and let everyone join in. It’s an activity that keeps everyone entertained and brings a bit of British charm to your U.S. celebration.
Making your own effigy is also a great conversation starter and can be used as a decoration around the bonfire for added authenticity.
How To Guide: HERE is a fun article if you’d like to try and make your own Bonfire Night Guy!
10. Wrap Up in Cozy Knits
Bonfire Night often comes with a chill in the air, making cozy knitwear an essential part of the celebration.
Whether you’re sitting around the fire or walking through a brisk autumn evening, wrapping up in chunky knit scarves, hats, and fuzzy socks will keep you warm and comfortable.
Cozy knits not only provide much-needed warmth but also add a layer of style to your Bonfire Night outfit, blending comfort with seasonal fashion.
Encourage guests to bring their favorite blankets or offer a basket filled with knitted throws and accessories so everyone can stay toasty by the fire.
Soft scarves and fuzzy socks are perfect companions to the evening’s festivities, ensuring everyone stays warm while enjoying the outdoor fun.
- Chunky Scarf – This thick, warm scarf is perfect for wrapping up on chilly Bonfire Night evenings, combining comfort and style.
- Fuzzy Socks – Keep your feet toasty by the fire with these ultra-soft, fuzzy socks, perfect for cozying up in cold weather.
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Want to Learn More About Guy Fawkes Night?
If you’d love to learn a little more about the origin of Guy Fawkes Night here’s a fantastic video resource from the BBC we think your family might enjoy!
The Takeaway
Celebrating Bonfire Night outside of the UK may not come with the big, official fireworks displays and roaring town bonfires, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the magic.
With these cozy traditions, British-inspired treats, and a touch of nostalgia, you’ll feel right at home even from thousands of miles away. Cheers to making new memories while keeping old traditions alive!
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As always, I’d love to hear from you – how are you planning to celebrate Bonfire Night this year? Leave us a comment below!
Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
