November Events in Boston
What to do in Boston in November
November Events in Boston 2024
November in Boston is filled with a wide variety of activities and events as the Autumn season transitions to the holiday season.
Fun Things to Do in Boston in November
From fairs to tree lightings to outdoor sporting adventures and more, there is plenty to keep your spirits warm in Boston during the chilly month of November! Check out our robust list of things to do in Boston that are sure to stomp out those winter blues!
Wave your flags and wear your red white and blue at the Boston Veterans Day Parade! Celebrate the holiday that marks the anniversary of the historic November 11, 1918 signing of the Armistice Agreement to end the fighting during World War I.
Open a book at the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair, one of the largest rare book fairs in the country! The Book Fair hosts more than 120 dealers from around the world that rendezvous every fall at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston’s Back Bay to display their latest acquisitions to collectors.
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at the annual America's Hometown Thanksgiving Parade Celebration. This fun weekend of festivities has become a beloved holiday traditions well as an important link to our nation’s history and heritage.
For over 20 years, hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life have traveled to the historic Plymouth Harbor and Waterfront to experience a bounty of authentic Americana.
Photo Courtesy of America's Hometown Thanksgiving
The parade is ranked the #1 Thanksgiving parade in the nation by AOL. It features beautifully decorated floats, nationally recognized Drum and Bugle Corps, re-enactment units from every period of American history and military marching units.
The National Historic Landmark Fenway Studios building opens its doors to the public and hosts an exhibition which showcases where more than 20 artists display and discuss their works. Check back on their website for more details of their Fall Open Studios Event!
Sharpen your ice skates and go Ice Skating! Nothing welcomes winter and the holiday season like an excursion at an outdoor ice skating rink! Boston has a few to offer throughout the winter with the Frog Pond on Boston Common Is a skating fan favorite.
Take home a masterpiece of your very own at the big Annual Art Sale at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts. Art collectors and those who simply love art are sure to discover incredibly appealing works of art available for purchase! Visit often throughout the week, as the displayed art will be rotated with new art as pieces are sold.
November is a great month to attend professional sporting events in Boston! Veteran fans or first timers at professional games are sure to feel the thrill of a Boston Celtics or a Boston Bruins game. Grab your favorite jersey and foam finger and get ready for a fun night the whole family can enjoy!
Gear up for your Thanksgiving Feast and get your fitness on at one of the many Turkey Trot Fun Runs hosted in the Boston area! Many of these fun races are family friendly and a great way to start a healthy tradition before the big feast.
Holiday Lights at New England Botanic Gardens - Boylston
Wander through the beautiful New England Botanic Gardens at Towel Hill and soak in the festive atmosphere beautifully lit up with twinkling lights! This venue also hosts an outstanding winter holiday lights festival in December. Check out our list of Holiday Light Shows near Boston for some great ideas.
Boston Christmas Tubas
Another lively event that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit is the annual Boston Christmas Tubas concert at Downtown Crossing! Enjoy the sweet sound of over lots of tuba players as they serenade Boston with a selection of holiday classics on the steps.
Bring on the brass at the annual Boston Tuba Christmas Concert.
photo courtesy of Boston BID
Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting - Boston, MA
November 20, 2023
Located at 110 Atlantic Avenue on Boston’s historic waterfront, Christopher Columbus Park will be transformed into a beautiful holiday display when the park’s 260 feet of trellis are illuminated with 50,000 blue lights along with 14 decorated trees at the Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting.
The event takes place near Tia’s, the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, and throughout the park - and you can enjoy the lights all winter.
photo credit: not known
Get in the holiday spirit as you sit back and enjoy the talent of the Boston Ballet as they gracefully perform 'The Nutcracker'. The season generally runs from late November through the December holidays.
Photo courtesy of Boston Ballet
Holiday Lights Displays Near Boston
While the past year (plus) has been a challenging year for events and festivities, you can still find lots of joyful holiday light displays near Boston. Our guide highlights some new, and sparkling holiday traditions that have been re-imagined for safety this year.
photo courtesy of Magic of Lights
Tree Lightings
As temperatures plummet and the the daylight wanes, nothing quite takes the chill out of the air better than displays of twinkling of holiday lights! Thankfully, Boston is aglow with lots of opportunities to light up the night and warm your soul.
Numerous public Christmas trees and displays will be lit throughout the last week in November in Boston, ringing in the holiday season! Check out this exciting list of Boston Christmas Tree Lightings so that you can bask in the joy of every illumination!
Photo Courtesy of WCVB Boston
Traditionally, tree lighting dates and times are finalized in the Fall, so be sure to check for times and dates as the holiday season approaches.
Join Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty as Copley Square comes to life with lights! Enjoy the festive feel of wreaths with big red bows that adorn the Square, and prepare get goosebumps as the Old South Church bell tolls when the lights on the Copley Square tree illuminate the city.
Kick off the holiday season with Santa and his elves at Macy's Downtown Boston Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Join in on family fun activities such as face painting, balloon artists and take a pic with the spirit of the holidays himself, Santa Claus. After some musical entertainment outside, Macy's will unveil their dazzling holiday windows and light up the sky with a Christmas tree.
Head to Christopher Columbus Park for a light extravaganza provided by Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park, and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The celebration is the 16th annual lighting of the park’s signature trellis on Monday, November 18, beginning at 5 p.m.
Located at 110 Atlantic Avenue on Boston’s historic waterfront, Christopher Columbus Park is transformed into a beautiful holiday display when the park’s 260 feet of trellis are illuminated with 50,000 blue lights along with 14 decorated trees near Tia’s.
Experience the magic of the season as Macy's lights up Boston's Downtown Crossing this year on Black Friday! Enjoy the vibrant lights of the festive evergreen trees on the Summer Street side of the store and view the unveiling of the store's famous holiday window displays.
Keep and eye out for Santa and his Elves, as well as entertainment from the Boston Children's Choir and other local performers.
Santa arrives in Quincy by parachute, (or helicopter) with his elves in Quincy event year to kick off the holiday season in aerodynamic style.
Ice Skating
Frog Pond Ice Skating - A hopping spot for ice-skating is Frog Pond on the Boston Common. Frog Pond has its own ice-making system. It also offers skate rentals and hot cocoa at the Pond Cottage.
Just across the river in Cambridge, Kendall Square boast another terrific outdoor ice rink that is open to the community for skating. Don't miss the annual Kendall Square Holiday Ice Show - another annual favorite.
Photo courtesy of Kendall Square Community Ice Rink
Winter Skate at Patriot Place, offers day and evening public skating, is the perfect antidote to cabin fever this winter. A fun and affordable activity for parents with children, Winter Skate is also a romantic addition to a dinner date at Patriot Place.
🍁 November in Boston is here! 🍁
The trees are rocking those beautiful auburn & gold hues, and the air’s getting chillier, but there’s still so much to do around town before winter really takes over. Here are some more top picks for things to do this November in Boston:
1. Check out a magical light show in a historic building
Genesis: An Immersive Light Show combines colors, sounds, and shapes to create a stunning visual experience. Settle into a cozy beanbag chair and get ready for 30 minutes of pure magic. It’s the perfect indoor treat on a chilly November day.
2. Enjoy a cozy Candlelight Concert 🎻
Boston weather is wild in November—could be freezing, could be mild! Either way, treat yourself and a friend to a warm, candlelit evening with live string quartets playing hits like Taylor Swift and Queen. Grab tickets to Candlelight Concerts while you can.
3. Get into the holiday spirit at Snowport ❄️
Seaport’s beloved winter wonderland is back starting November 10! Expect over 120 vendors, a ski lodge-themed heated tent, and fun winter games for everyone. Perfect for those early holiday vibes!
4. Explore even more holiday light shows 🎄
New England loves its holiday lights! Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, these festive displays are sure to bring some cheer. Our Boston Christmas & Holiday Lights Guide will help lead the way.
5. Hit the trails for a late fall hike 🌲
Boston’s surrounded by some gorgeous hiking & walking spots. From the Emerald Necklace and World’s End in Hingham, to Mt. Wachusett and the Blue Hills, explore the great outdoors before winter fully sets in. Don’t forget your camera—these views are totally Instagram-worthy!
6. Leave Thanksgiving dinner to the pros 🍗
This year, why not let local chefs handle the heavy lifting? Whether you’re after an all-inclusive feast or just want to pick up some sides, Boston Restaurants have got you covered for Thanksgiving.
- Abe & Louie’s (Boylston St., Boston)
- Atlantic Fish Co. (Boylston St., Boston)
- Joe’s Waterfront (Atlantic Avenue, Boston)
- The Ritz-Carlton Artisan Bistro (Avery St., Boston)
- Coach Grill (Wayland)
7. Warm up with a bowl of ramen 🍜
There’s nothing like slurping down a hot bowl of ramen on a cold November day. Whether you’re craving creamy miso or rich chicken broth, Boston’s ramen spots are ready to serve.
8. Cozy up with a cup of coffee ☕
Brave the dropping temps with a steaming cup of joe from one of Boston’s best coffee shops. And if you’re a student, these cozy spots are perfect for studying.
9. Check out a classic New England tavern 🍻
Take a day trip to Newport’s White Horse Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in the world. Built in 1652, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and food lovers alike.
10. Enjoy some rooftop igloo dining 🍹
Boston’s popular igloos are back, just in time for the colder months! Enjoy stunning views of Boston Harbor while staying nice and cozy.
11. Grab the best waffles in MA 🧇
Got a sweet tooth? Head to Curio Coffee in Cambridge for their award-winning waffles. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—pure happiness on a plate.
12. Test your ping-pong skills at SPIN 🏓
Gather your friends for a night of ping-pong, food, and drinks at SPIN in Seaport. It’s the perfect way to add some fun to a chilly November evening.
13. Indulge in rich hot chocolate at the Ritz 🍫
Head to the Avery Bar at The Ritz-Carlton for an indulgent hot chocolate experience fireside, with delicious chocolates crafted by their talented pastry chef. Available Saturdays from 3-8 PM.
14. Shop local on Black Friday & Small Business Saturday 🛍️
Support Boston’s many local businesses and holiday markets and pick up unique gifts this holiday season—from zapped “forever jewelry” to cozy New England sweaters.
18. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Kane’s Donuts 🍩
Kane’s Donuts is celebrating November with limited-time flavors like Pumpkin, Apple Pie Filled, and Salted Caramel Glazed. Get ‘em while they last!
19. Donate to a local food or clothing drive 🧣
The season of giving is here. Help out by donating to the Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s Winter Clothing Drive or the BPL’s Spice Bank to make someone’s winter a bit warmer.
🍂🍁 Hope you find something fun to do this November in Boston! Whether it’s catching a show, exploring the outdoors, or just indulging in some delicious treats, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. 🍁🍂
Find more things to do next month in our December events in Boston guide. And for a daily view of what's going on in Boston - visit our Boston Events Calendar any time of the year, as well as our popular guide about all the free things to do in Boston.
Looking for more ideas for VIRTUAL family fun? Visit our guide to social distancing activities for families, with ideas for both indoors and outdoors!
Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.