November Events in Boston
What to do in Boston in November
November Events in Boston 2026
November in Boston is filled with a wide variety of activities and events as the autumn season transitions to the holiday season.
Be sure to visit our Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun in Boston for a comprehensive look at all of the spectacular and low key things you can enjoy during this robust time of year.
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 Parade on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. The parade steps off at the Boston Public Library on Boylston Street, marches to the corner of Park and Tremont Streets, and ends at City Hall Plaza. 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 48th annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair, November 6 to 8, 2026, one of the largest rare book fairs in the country! The Book Fair brings more than 100 dealers from around the world to the Hynes Convention Center in Boston’s Back Bay to display manuscripts, first editions, children’s books, maps, autographs, and more. Students and children 12 and under get in free, and newcomers can look for affordable “Discovery” items priced at $100 or less.
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at the annual America's Hometown Thanksgiving Parade Celebration in Plymouth, November 20 to 22, 2026, with the parade on Saturday, November 21. This fun weekend of festivities has become a beloved holiday tradition as well as an important link to our nation’s history and heritage, and this year’s celebration also honors the nation’s 250th anniversary.
For more than 25 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 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 for an exhibition where more than 20 artists display and discuss their works. Check their website for details on this year’s Fall Open Studios event!
Sharpen your ice skates and go Ice Skating! Nothing welcomes winter and the holiday season like an excursion to an outdoor ice skating rink! Boston has a few to offer throughout the winter, and 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 available for purchase! Visit often throughout the week, as the displayed art is rotated with new pieces as works 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 Garden - Boylston
Wander through the beautiful New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and soak in the festive atmosphere of twinkling lights! The garden hosts an outstanding winter holiday lights festival each year, so plan ahead and check the garden’s website for this season’s dates. Check out our list of Holiday Light Shows near Boston for more great ideas.
Boston Tuba Christmas
Another lively event that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit is the annual Boston Tuba Christmas concert! Enjoy the sweet sound of dozens of tuba players as they serenade Boston with a selection of holiday classics. Bring on the brass, and visit the Boston Tuba Christmas website for this year’s date and location.
photo courtesy of Boston BID
Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting - Boston, MA
Monday, November 23, 2026
Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park for the 24th annual holiday lighting of the park’s signature trellis on Monday, November 23, 2026, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm at the Christopher Columbus Park Trellis Lighting.
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 near the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel and throughout the park, and you can enjoy the lights all winter.
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
New England loves its holiday lights, and there are lots of joyful holiday light displays near Boston to explore this season. Our guide highlights both beloved traditions and sparkling new displays in the city and suburbs.
photo courtesy of Magic of Lights
Tree Lightings
As temperatures plummet and the daylight wanes, nothing quite takes the chill out of the air better than the 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 to 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 in Boston's Downtown Crossing. Join in on family fun activities such as face painting and balloon artists, and take a pic with the spirit of the holidays himself, Santa Claus. After musical entertainment outside, Macy's lights up the festive evergreen trees on the Summer Street side of the store and unveils its famous holiday window displays.
Keep an 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 every year to kick off the holiday season in aerodynamic style.
Ice Skating
Frog Pond Ice Skating is a hopping spot for ice skating on the Boston Common. Frog Pond has its own ice-making system and also offers skate rentals and hot cocoa at the Pond Cottage.
Just across the river in Cambridge, Kendall Square boasts another terrific outdoor ice rink that is open to the community for skating. Don't miss the 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 and 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. Enjoy a cozy Candlelight Concert 🎻
Boston weather is wild in November. It could be freezing, it 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.
2. Get into the holiday spirit at Snowport ❄️
Seaport’s beloved Snowport Holiday Market returns for its sixth season from Friday, November 6 to December 27, 2026, at 100 Seaport Boulevard! Expect more than 130 independent businesses, local food and drink vendors, festive themed bars, and live music. General admission is free. Perfect for those early holiday vibes!
3. 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.
4. 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, because these views are totally Instagram-worthy!
5. 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)
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 and soft on the inside, they’re pure happiness on a plate.
11. 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.
12. Indulge in rich hot chocolate at the Ritz 🍫
Head to the Avery Bar at The Ritz-Carlton for an indulgent fireside hot chocolate experience, with delicious chocolates crafted by their talented pastry chef. Available Saturdays from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.
13. 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.
14. 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!
15. 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 to all the free things to do in Boston.
Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral, for over 25 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.