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November in the United States is a magical time of year. The cool weather is filled with anticipation of the holiday season just around the corner, and communities celebrate with festivals that connect people together.
There are parades (Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade) and fairs, and food and wine festivals in California and Texas and beyond, and music festivals.
There are also culturally based events that may mark the beginning of the holiday season, including winter markets, festivals, and holiday celebrations and events that showcase the diversity of the American experience.
1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Location: New York City, New York
When is the festival held?
Thanksgiving Day, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
Why is it worth attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Nothing reminds you that it is "November in the USA" more than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This parade has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 1924, with huge character balloons, floats, marching bands, and live performances from famous singers and Broadway shows.
What to expect?
Huge balloons filled with helium of characters from your favorite cartoon, Broadway musical routines on the street, and masses of people filled with holiday cheer.
Travel tip:
Get there early, like super early, like 6 am early if you want a good view along Central Park West or Columbus Circle. Hotels in Midtown get booked quickly for that weekend, so book months in advance.
2. Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Location: Chicago, Illinois
When is the festival held?
Thanksgiving Day
Why is it worth attending the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade?
Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade is a cheerful, family-friendly experience of colors and fun, featuring floats, equestrian units, and cultural presentations.
What to expect?
A unique blend of traditional American cheer and diverse cultural displays, this parade takes place on State Street and will draw thousands of spectators.
Travel tip:
Wear layers as November in Chicago can be very cold. After the parade, enjoy a warm deep-dish pizza at some of Chicago's famous pizza spots.
3. Austin Food and Wine Festival
Location: Austin, Texas
When is the festival held?
Early November
Why is it worth attending the Austin Food + Wine Festival?
If you are a food and flavor traveler, then the Austin Food + Wine Festival is for you. This event is held every year in Austin to celebrate the incredible culinary scene that Texas is known for, and offers tastings from top chefs with wine, along with chef cooking demos.
You could even get lucky with Austin’s excellent fall or November weather, and inquire about outdoor events to attend in between foodie activités. Enjoy the scenery where you can catch some sightseeing at Lady Bird Lake and the famous South Congress Avenue while engaging in your foodie experience.
What to expect?
Expect Texas-style BBQ, gourmet bites, and fine wines to enjoy. You can interact with and learn cooking secrets from top-name chefs in cooking demos, and because this is Austin, you can be prepared to see live music to accompany your foodie endeavor.
Travel tip:
Purchase your tickets early because this event sells out quickly. Extend your trip for some venue hopping and BBQ exploring around the live music Austin is known for.
4. San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival
Location: San Diego, California
When is the festival held?
Mid-November
Why is it worth attending the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival?
With an amazing waterfront location as your backdrop, you are at one of the largest culinary festivals on the West Coast! Perfect for wine lovers and foodies alike, the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival provides a week's worth of delicious decadence.
When you are not attending the festival, sunbathe on San Diego's beaches, see the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and visit some of the parks' world-class attractions such as the San Diego Zoo.
What to expect?
A colorful montage of wine tastings, grand dining events, celebrity chef cooking demos, and hands-on multiple chef cooking classes. The Grand Tasting Event is located at the Embarcadero Marina Park North, featuring hundreds of wineries, breweries, and gourmet food stations!
Travel tip:
Book accommodations near the waterfront for easy access to the events and allow for the great waterfront views. If you want to capture all of the experiences offered throughout the week, consider purchasing the all-inclusive pass for even better value.
5. Miami Book Fair
Location: Miami, Florida
When is the festival held?
Mid-November
Why is it worth attending the Miami Book Fair?
If literature is your happy place, November will have you cheering for joy because the Miami Book Fair is here! A book festival of some of the largest and most prestigious in all of the U.S., the Miami Book Fair will have authors, publishers, and book lovers from all corners of the world.
You can spend two action-packed days enjoying your bookish time and take in some beach time at South Beach, or take up culture tour of a concentration of art in Wynwood Walls. You will love the perfect November weather in Miami that features warm days and a bit colder evenings.
What to expect?
Authors, readings, discussions, book signings, storytelling times, a street fair with live music, a ton of authors, a ton of publishers, tons and lots. There's something cool and fun for every reader in every genre, from fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and graphic novels. The fair also offers programs for kids!
Travel tip:
Book pre-book author sessions if you see one that interests you, or you'll miss it as these sessions fill up quickly! You will need light layers (t-shirt, sweater, light jacket) or no jacket at all on certain occasions, don't forget your sunscreen for time outdoors!
6. Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
When is the festival held?
Late October to early November
Why is it worth attending the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience?
This festival is for you if you are a lover of music, art, and the wonderful amusements of New Orleans. The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience combines local talent with international headliners for a spectacular cultural celebration!
Because of all of the activity in the French Quarter, tourist parties and excitement on Bourbon Street, jazz clubs, and excellent Creole food experiences, it is highly recommended that guests book hotels in the French Quarter because of the ease of accessing all New Orleans-authorized events while avoiding getting lost.
What to expect?
Three days of live music, surrounded by remarkable artwork, and excellent food options covering everything from casual to gourmet style. An added perk is the location in City Park, so you can enjoy the outdoors. The excitement will keep the festivities going even after the scheduled music comes to an end.
Travel tip:
Book your tickets soon. It's Halloween week, so it is going to be a busy time in New Orleans. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be dancing and walking, with so much to see and do.
7. Boston Christmas Festival
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
When is the festival held?
Late November
Why is it worth attending the Boston Christmas Festival?
Get your holiday season in Boston underway at the annual Christmas Festival. It is a perfect time to eat holiday treats, drink warm drinks, and gather unique gifts for the holiday season.
While you are in the city, you can take in other sites such as Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail, and Boston Common.
What to expect?
300+ exhibitors featuring hand-crafted products, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, and artisan items. The festival is a great spot to find unique items and to enjoy the remarkable holiday atmosphere. The culinary demonstrations with tastes from some of the top chefs in the city really add vibrancy to the festival.
Travel tip:
Boston can be cold in November, so dress warmly for holiday shopping. Book your hotel in advance, especially considering that early November begins the holiday rush in the city.
8. Honolulu Marathon & Cultural Events
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
When is the festival held?
Late November
Why is it worth attending the Honolulu Marathon & Cultural Events?
The Honolulu Marathon, which occurs every December, is more than just a race! It's a scenic and cultural experience that attracts participants from all over the world. Whether you're running or participating in the events, and Hawaiian character, the Marathon is definitely worth your time.
If you are not a runner, just participate in the activities of the marathon and enjoy some of the attractions of the island, such as the beach, hiking Diamond Head. Hawaii is a wonderful place to visit in November. The weather is pleasant, it isn't crowded, and it's much easier to travel compared to the busy holiday season.
What to expect?
A beautiful marathon course along the gorgeous coast of Oahu, Hawaii, pre-race luaus, hula performances, and local food festivals in the festive and friendly Hawaiian atmosphere.
Travel tip:
If you plan on running the marathon, register as soon as the event opens. It's not just the marathon that fills up. There are other events, especially luaus, that are very popular and may fill up quickly.
9. Las Vegas Great Santa Run
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
When is the festival held?
Late November to Early December
Why is it worth attending the Las Vegas Great Santa Run?
If you're looking for a fun holiday tradition with a cause, you need to participate in the Las Vegas Great Santa Run! It's a fun charity event where thousands will dress as Santa Claus to run or walk in downtown Las Vegas. It's a fun, festive, and silly holiday experience for a traveler looking for something completely different.
Make sure to enjoy Las Vegas outside of the race, catch a show, have dinner in one of the celebrity-chef restaurants, and enjoy all that Las Vegas nightlife has to offer.
What to expect?
There will be thousands of other Santas running or walking the course, live entertainment, food trucks, and photo opportunities all over the place. It's an upbeat, positive, joyful event that will be full of holiday cheer.
Travel tip:
Be prepared to run in your Santa suit, or you can likely purchase one when you compete on-site. However, most times registration includes a Santa suit. November temperatures in Vegas are mild, making it a great time to be outside and take in the Vegas charm.
10. Tucson Celtic Festival
Location: Tucson, Arizona
When is the festival held?
Early November
Why is it worth attending the Tucson Celtic Festival?
Experience the joys of Celtic culture in the sunny Southwest during this lively festival, celebrating history and heritage, and having fun. It's a surprising, yet fantastic way to experience Irish and Scottish traditions in the middle of Arizona!
When the event is over, explore Saguaro National Park and do not skip on biting into Tucson's food scene, as it is a UNESCO-recognized city of Gastronomy!
What to expect?
Highland games, bagpipes, dancing, Celtic foods, and family events! Vendors will be presenting unique one-of-a-kind crafts, and there will even be a medieval-themed village to add more excitement.
Travel tip:
Tucson in November is a great place for an outdoor festival with warm days and cool nights. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and light layers.
