November in New England: Best Events and Travel Deals
Make the most of stick season in New England with our picks for November’s best events and travel deals.
By Kim Knox Beckius|Oct 22 2025|
See New England icon Mr. Potato Head in larger-than-life balloon form this November in Stamford, Connecticut.
Photo Credit: happyhaha.comSouthern New England is holding on to some fall color, but like it or not, it’s time to turn back the clocks and adjust to filling longer hours of darkness with fun distractions. November in New England may not look as calendar-photo perfect as the two months that precede it, but there is still much to be grateful for if you live in or are visiting the region.
Thanksgiving is almost as late as it can possibly be in 2025, and that means there are four full weekends to savor before the annual feast on November 27. New Englanders may be storing away their giant skeletons and raking up leaves, but they also still know how to throw a fun parade or community celebration even after autumn has given up the ghost.
If your calendar is looking as bare as the trees up north, consider these reasons to hit the road in November. And as you start to get in the holiday spirit, curl up with a warm mug of cider and page through our holiday issue of Yankee online. It’s filled with travel ideas and inspiration for making your home cozy, food-filled, and bright.
November in New England: New This Month
Photo Credit : Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
On November 2, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston unveils a remarkable exhibition of watercolors by beloved New England artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910) that haven’t been displayed together for a half-century. Of Light and Air: Winslow Homer in Watercolor will be on view through January 19, 2026, providing a rare glimpse of works that are typically not on view due to their sensitivity to light. Homer’s masterful depictions will take you on a journey to the Adirondacks, the Caribbean, and Maine’s rugged coast. You’ll also see iconic oil paintings from the MFA’s collection of Homer works, as well as everything from his childhood drawings to his final unfinished canvas.
Photo Credit : Atelier Florian
For the first time, New Haven Restaurant Week is expanding to two full weeks this fall, so make reservations to dine at some of this foodie city’s top destinations. From November 2-15, participating restaurants will offer three-course dinners for $45 or $55 and two-course lunches for $25 (beverages, tax, and gratuity not included). It’s the perfect time to try newcomers like Casanova for modern Italian or The Melting Pot for fondue.
Photo Credit : Fleurs de Villes
Calling all Downton Abbey fans! Fleurs de Villes sweeps into Boston November 5-9, transforming the Prudential Center into a free exhibition of floral artistry. You’ll marvel at flower-dressed mannequins designed by some of Boston’s most talented florists. Each installation reimagines the show’s iconic characters and couture, from sophisticated gowns to polished staff uniforms, entirely in flowers.
Weekend of November 1-2, 2025
Photo Credit : Kim Knox Beckius
WaterFire Salute to Veterans | Providence, RI
On Saturday, November 1, the final full WaterFire lighting of the year honors those who have served our country. It’s the last evening before Daylight Saving Time ends and the sun sets even earlier, so get out and stroll along the bonfire-filled rivers in the heart of Providence and enjoy the magical interplay of music and shimmering reflections. If you’ve never seen this spectacle, it’s so worth the drive, especially on this night when you can enjoy an extra hour of sleep.
Harvest on the Harbor | Portland, ME
Maine’s foodie city is the place to be this weekend, as Harvest on the Harbor adds additional allure to Portland’s famed culinary scene. The event actually kicks off Thursday evening, October 30, with The Maine Pour + From The Sea, a sampling event for spirits and seafood lovers. Additional ticketed events on Friday and Saturday, October 31-November 1, celebrate the best of Maine’s ocean bounty. Who will be crowned Maine Lobster Chef of the Year? Be there Friday to toast the winner.
Weekend of November 8-9, 2025
The Mystic Cocktail Classic | Mystic, CT
Be there for the inaugural Mystic Cocktail Classic, a four-day mixology immersion presented by Connecticut’s Veritable Distillery that kicks off on Friday, November 7, and wraps up on Monday, November 10, with one bartender taking the crown. Along the way, you can attend spirited dinners, classes, and a book fair, or map out your own tour of Mystic bars offering specialty drinks and amusements. All events take place at Mystic-area venues. Buy tickets to Monday’s Whiskey Spirited dinner, and you’ll even get to participate in judging the cocktail competition.
New England Christmas Festival | Uncasville, CT
From November 7-9, Mohegan Sun hosts a holiday shopping extravaganza that never fails to enchant. What I love most about the New England Christmas Festival is how happy everyone seems: attendees, vendors, casino staff. You won’t want the day to end as you browse the cool assortment of handmade and gourmet gifts. Buy tickets online in advance for fastest access to all that sparkles. Kids 14 and under are admitted free, and parking’s free, too.
Lost & Found Market | Portland, ME
Maine’s largest vintage pop-up market makes it easy to shop sustainably on Sunday, November 9, at Thompson’s Point. Early birds need a ticket to enter the Lost & Found Market between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission is free from 2 until 6 p.m.
Weekend of November 15-16, 2025
Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler Craft Fair | West Springfield, MA
For the 37th year, the Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler Craft Fair turns the Better Living Center at The Big E into a wonderland of unique, handmade gifts. Be there November 15 or 16 to meet more than 200 juried makers and Santa Claus. Outside, you’ll have the chance to stroll around Storrowtown, a recreated village of 18th- and 19th-century buildings, for photo ops.
Kids Con New England | Portland, ME
Before you pack Halloween costumes away, whisk your family off to the Maine coast for this annual comic con for kiddos. Kids Con New England, on Saturday, November 15, celebrates children’s literature with author and illustrator appearances, character appearances, video games, and creative workshops. While you’re online purchasing tickets, you can also adopt a dragon to wrap up for a holiday gift.
Weekend of November 22-23, 2025
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration | Plymouth, MA
Saturday’s parade celebrating America through the centuries is the highlight of this three-day event, November 21-23. In addition to staking a spot along the parade route, you can participate in America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration by purchasing Friday or Saturday night concert tickets, joining in activities on the waterfront, and chatting with living historians at the Historic Village. New for 2025, America’s Hometown Holiday Village comes alive with activities for children, photo ops, gift shopping, and opportunities to whisper in Santa’s ear. On Sunday, the Harvest Market offers a bounty of Massachusetts-grown products to add to your own holiday table.
Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular | Stamford, CT
Did you know New England has its own giant helium balloon parade for Thanksgiving? On Sunday, November 23, the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular will step off for the 32nd year at noon, and there’s an Inflation Party from 3-6 p.m. the night before, November 22, at the intersection of Hoyt and Summer streets. In addition to Peppa Pig, Elmo, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Mr. Potato Head, Bumble the Abominable Snowman, and other favorite balloons, the parade features marching bands, dancers, floats, horses, and Santa.
Photo Credit : Ampersand Creative Co.
The Good Trade Makers Market | Providence, RI
Get a jump on your holiday shopping as the fifth annual Good Trade Makers Market transforms Providence’s WaterFire Arts Center into the city’s coolest pop-up retail destination on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23. You’ll find more than 90 creators showcasing their wares, and Ampersand Creative Co. fosters an atmosphere where you’ll be reminded that the holiday season is about being together, supporting each other, and doing a bit of good in the world.
Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, November 28-30
Lighting of the Nubble | York, ME
Rather than contend with crowds, purchase tickets to watch this year’s illumination of Nubble Lighthouse with a cocktail in your hand. The Viewpoint Hotel is hosting a Lighting of the Nubble Party on its lawn from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, November 29. You can even book a private fire pit for up to eight people. Every attendee gets a professional photo with Santa, and you can enter to win a gift card for the Viewpoint by donating nonperishable food items for the local food pantry.
A Family Thanksgiving | Woodstock, VT
Once you’ve enjoyed your own holiday feast, take the kids to Billings Farm & Museum for A Family Thanksgiving. From Friday, November 28, through Sunday, November 30, this classic Vermont attraction adds hands-on activities and displays themed around an 1890s Thanksgiving holiday. From apple tasting to pie-crust making, it’s a sensory exploration that will make your weekend festive and fun.
Holiday Shop & Stroll | Tiverton, RI
Meet rescue cows, alpacas, donkeys, and pigs, during a festive event at West Place on Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29. The annual Holiday Shop & Stroll is an important fundraiser for this nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and provides lifelong care to farm animals saved from cases of abuse, neglect, and cruelty. After an educational tour of the historic farm property, stop into the gift shop to see thousands of handmade items. Admission tickets, available online, and purchases support the organization’s work.
Meet Jan Brett | Rutland, VT
On Black Friday, November 28, meet beloved children’s book author and Massachusetts resident Jan Brett at the Paramount Theatre, where she’ll be signing her new holiday classic, The Christmas Sweater. Tickets include a copy of the book and entry for up to four people, and there’ll be photo ops with one of Brett’s favorite characters, Hedgie, and other fun surprises.
November’s Best Travel Packages and Deals
Photo Credit : The Wilburton
Murder Mystery Weekend at The Wilburton | Manchester, VT
Mayhem’s about to break out at the 1902 Wilburton mansion, and you’re invited to step into the tale of The Runaway Debutante, an all-original murder mystery inspired by the property’s history. Add the whole weekend package to your room rate for an additional $150 per person, and you’ll enjoy wine and cheese with the suspects on Friday, breakfast each morning, Saturday’s murder mystery dinner party, and professional photos, too (yes—you should dress your Gilded Age best).
Treat Yourself to a Martha’s Vineyard Thanksgiving | Vineyard Haven, MA
Take all of the stress out of Turkey Day when you make a stay at the Nobnocket Boutique Inn your new holiday tradition. Their Thanksgiving package, priced at $990 for two including all taxes, features lodging for three nights, gourmet breakfasts each morning, and a glass of champagne to kick off your festive escape. The innkeepers will also secure a Thanksgiving dinner reservation at Bettini or Black Dog Tavern for you (dinner is at your own expense). Yankee named the Nobnocket the Best Romantic Overnight in Massachusetts a couple years ago, so if you’re celebrating Thanksgiving pour deux, this is the perfect package for you.
Yankee Out & About in November
Firelight Theatre Workshop in Peterborough, New Hampshire, kicks off its season with a dramatic play, Mary Jane, on November 1, and Yankee executive editor Ian Aldrich is excited to be the production’s assistant director. Performances run through November 23, and tickets can be purchased online.
On Thursday, November 6, join senior food editor and Weekends With Yankee co-host Amy Traverso for a once-in-a-lifetime event as Yankee celebrates 90 years with a special dinner at the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Massachusetts. The four-course menu is inspired by cherished Yankee recipes, and each dish is paired with an exceptional wine, in partnership with Bonterra Organic Estates. Tickets are $175 per person including tax and service fee. As a keepsake, each reservation includes a signed copy of In Season: A New England Year in 20 Recipes, a new Yankee publication celebrating the regional flavors and seasonal rhythms of New England.
Christine Baranski, star of HBO’s The Gilded Age, and her daughter, Lily Cowles, chair and host this year’s Auction for the Environment to benefit the Housatonic Valley Association on Saturday, November 22, at South Farms in Morris, Connecticut, and I’ll be there volunteering on behalf of this organization that’s on a climate-ready mission to restore and protect clean, cold waters and a sweeping woodland corridor across the entire tri-state Housatonic Valley, from the Berkshires to Long Island Sound. Tickets can be purchased online; registration for the silent auction only is free.
