Thursday 5 November 2026 · Remember, remember
Bonfire Night
Sparklers in the dark, toffee apples, woodsmoke and the glow of a bonfire: Bonfire Night is the great November fire festival. Gather round a flame, let go of the old and welcome the cosy season with a little fireside ritual.
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After the fires of November comes the longest night. Discover Yule traditions, rituals and gifts for 21 December.
Explore Yule →A fire candle spell by Rowan HartA personal candle spell for courage, fresh starts or letting go, written for you and sent as a beautiful PDF. £9.99.
Request your spell →The scents, colours & stones of fire
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A rich red resin with a warm, sweet smoke, burned for courage and protection.
Shop dragon’s blood (20) →CinnamonWarm, sweet spice for the cosy season, comfort and a welcoming home.
Shop cinnamon (33) →WoodsmokeThe scent of bonfires and log fires, bottled for a candlelit evening indoors.
Shop woodsmoke (3) →CarnelianThe fiery orange stone of courage, energy and fresh starts.
Shop carnelian (10) →Red & orange candlesFire colours for courage, passion, energy and warmth.
Shop red & orange candles (21) →ObsidianVolcanic glass, born of fire, kept for protection and letting go.
Shop obsidian (10) →Dragon’s blood
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Cinnamon
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Red & orange candles
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Fireside scents: woodsmoke, spice & toffee apple
Show all 32 fireside scents: woodsmoke, spice & toffee apple
Red, orange & gold candles
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Fire incense: dragon’s blood, cinnamon & copal
Show all 105 fire incense: dragon’s blood, cinnamon & copal
Fire stones: carnelian, red jasper & obsidian
Show all 28 fire stones: carnelian, red jasper & obsidian
Cauldrons & fire-safe dishes
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Cosy bonfire night treats
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Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
On 5 November 1605, Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding barrels of gunpowder beneath the House of Lords, part of the failed Gunpowder Plot. Bonfires were lit across London to celebrate the King’s survival, and a year later an Act of Parliament made 5 November a day of thanksgiving. Ever since, the night has been marked with bonfires, fireworks and the old rhyme: “Remember, remember, the fifth of November.”
The older fire festivals
Lighting fires at this time of year is far older than 1605. Bonfire Night falls just days after Samhain, the Celtic festival that marked the start of winter and the dark half of the year, when great fires were lit on the hills. The word bonfire itself comes from “bone fire”. In many places the November fires simply carried on these much older customs: gathering together, warming the community and sending away the old before the long winter.
The magic of fire
In folk magic, fire is the element of courage, energy, passion and transformation. It is used for letting go of what no longer serves you and for kindling something new. Red, orange and gold candles, warming spices such as cinnamon and clove, and fiery stones like carnelian and red jasper are all traditional for a fireside ritual.
A simple Bonfire Night candle ritual
- After dark on 5 November, light a red, orange or gold candle in a safe, heat-proof holder, away from curtains and anything that could catch.
- Warm a few drops of cinnamon or spiced orange oil, or light a stick of dragon’s blood incense.
- Write down one thing you are ready to let go of as winter begins, and one thing you want to kindle in its place.
- Tear the first slip into small pieces, or safely burn it in a fire-proof cauldron with a window open. Keep the second by your candle.
- Watch the flame for a while and enjoy the fireworks. Snuff the candle when you are done, and never leave a candle or flame unattended.
Cosy ways to celebrate
- Go to an organised display: it is the safest and most spectacular way to enjoy fireworks.
- Make toffee apples or parkin, the traditional Bonfire Night treats of northern England.
- Warm spiced apple juice or cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange.
- Light a woodsmoke or spiced candle at home and wrap up in a blanket by the window to watch the sky.
- Think of your pets: keep them indoors with the curtains closed and a radio on while the fireworks are going off.
Want a ritual written just for you? Request a personal candle spell by Rowan Hart.
Bonfire Night: questions and answers
When is Bonfire Night 2026?
Bonfire Night is on Thursday 5 November 2026. Many towns hold their organised displays on the nearest weekend, so check your local events.
Why is it called Bonfire Night?
It is named after the bonfires lit every 5 November since 1605, when the Gunpowder Plot failed. The word bonfire comes from “bone fire”, and fires at this time of year are much older, linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain.
What is a Bonfire Night ritual?
A simple fireside ritual is a lovely way to mark the night: light a red or orange candle, write down what you would like to let go of as winter begins and what you want to kindle, then let the old go safely as the fireworks fill the sky.
What scents remind you of Bonfire Night?
Woodsmoke, cinnamon, spiced orange, toffee and apple are the classic Bonfire Night scents. Dragon’s blood incense has a warm, sweet smoke that suits the night beautifully.
How can I keep my pets calm on Bonfire Night?
Keep pets indoors after dark with the curtains closed, a radio or TV on to soften the bangs, and a cosy hiding place. Walk dogs before it gets dark.
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes. Orders are dispatched within 1 to 2 working days, with free UK delivery on orders over £50. We also deliver to Europe and worldwide.
See also Yule and the winter solstice, the wheel of the year, our guide to candle magic and the Christmas gift guide.