November is that sweet spot between the candy-fueled craziness of Halloween activities and the holiday hustle of December. Plus, it’s the month of my absolute favorite holiday (speaking of which, don’t forget to make some check marks off my Thanksgiving Bucket List).
It’s always been the perfect time for me to hit pause, soak up some cozy of those pumpkin spice smells, and sneak in a few adventures before the year waves goodbye.
Check-in! How is your Fall Bucket List coming along?
Things to do in the Month of November
Cozy & Autumn-Themed Experience
This is the time to wrap yourself in soft blankets, grab a book, and let the cozy vibes take over. There’s something special about these last few weeks of autumn when the air is crisp, the trees are golden, and life feels a little slower.
- Go on a scenic drive to see fall foliage.
- Have a cozy movie night featuring Thanksgiving-themed films.
- Bake a pie from scratch (try a twist like chai-spiced apple pie!).
- Organize a Friendsgiving with your favorite people.
- Make a batch of homemade mulled wine or spiced cider.
- Spend an afternoon in a bookstore or cozy café with a good book.
- Take a morning walk in a foggy forest.
- Create a gratitude journal and add to it daily.
- Have a bonfire night with cozy blankets and marshmallows.
Outdoor Adventures & Wellness
November also offers lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures—just crisp enough to feel refreshing, but not quite that bitter ass cold. Plus, it’s the perfect time to sneak in some self-care before the holiday season turns into a marathon of pie, cocktails, and stretchy pants.
- Go on a fall hike before winter settles in.
- Take a weekend road trip to a charming small town nearby.
- Run or walk a local Turkey Trot.
- Visit a hot spring for a relaxing soak.
- Book a massage or spa day for some pre-holiday self-care.
- Participate in a yoga or meditation challenge.
- Try a cold plunge to boost energy and mental clarity.
- Go stargazing on a crisp, clear night (November has the Leonid meteor shower!).
Creative Projects & Crafts
This is the perfect month to roll up your sleeves and get a little crafty! Whether you’re just looking for a little relaxation or brainstorming holiday gifts, getting knee-deep into some artsy projects just feels right.
From knitting a beginner-friendly scarf to making candles that smell like autumn in a jar, there are endless ways to spark your creative side this month.
- Knit or crochet a scarf or blanket (great for beginners!).
- Create a fall wreath for your front door.
- Make homemade candles with seasonal scents.
- Design holiday cards by hand (or digitally) to send in December.
- Host a craft night with friends or family.
- Create a vision board for 2025 to set your intentions early.
- Take a pottery or painting class for some creative fun.
- Learn calligraphy or hand-lettering for holiday gift tags.
Food & Drink Experiences
November is basically the grand finale of fall flavors, so why not get your fill of it while you can. Imagine sipping on a homemade apple bourbon smash, hosting a wine and cheese night with your favorite people, or spending the weekend hopping between new coffee shops. Feeling extra ambitious? Try baking bread from scratch or learning how to pickle those seasonal veggies like a pro.
- Host a cozy dinner party featuring seasonal recipes.
- Visit a local winery or brewery for a tasting.
- Try a new fall cocktail recipe (apple bourbon smash, anyone?).
- Take a cooking or baking class to master something new.
- Make homemade bread or pasta from scratch.
- Try your hand at pickling or preserving seasonal veggies.
- Host a virtual or in-person cookie swap.
- Spend a weekend trying new coffee shops in your town.
- Plan a wine and cheese night with friends.
- Create a festive charcuterie board with fall-themed ingredients.
Personal Growth & New Experiences
November is the perfect time to take a breather, reflect on how the year’s been treating you, and set yourself up for a chill, intentional December. Think of it as a little life reset before the holiday whirlwind kicks in.
Whether it’s decluttering your closet to make space for winter finds, setting a mini fitness goal to stay on track, or volunteering at a food bank, this month is all about finding balance.
- Declutter and donate clothes you no longer need (perfect before winter shopping!).
- Set a mini fitness goal to stay motivated during the holidays.
- Volunteer at a local food bank or shelter.
- Take a digital detox day (or weekend!) and unplug.
- Sign up for a workshop or class to learn something new.
- Book a solo date – take yourself to a nice restaurant or the movies.
- Reflect on the year so far and write down what you’re most proud of.
Travel & Festivals in November
If you’ve got the travel bug, November is the great time to check off some epic experiences from your travel bucket list! This month is packed with festivals and celebrations around the world that will spark your wanderlust. Whether you’re dreaming of a winter getaway or craving one last adventure before the holidays, these events are too good to miss.
- Start planning a winter getaway or holiday vacation to look forward to.
- Dia de los Muertos (Mexico): Honor loved ones with vibrant parades and altars in Oaxaca and Mexico City.
- Pushkar Camel Fair (India): Experience this lively festival of camels, dancers, and traders (early November).
- Bonfire Night (UK): Watch fireworks light up the sky to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night.
- Thanksgiving Parades (USA): See the Macy’s Parade in NYC or smaller parades in Philadelphia and Chicago.
- Sapporo Autumn Fest (Japan): Enjoy seasonal foods and drinks in beautiful Hokkaido.
- Le Beaujolais Nouveau Festival (France): Celebrate the release of this year’s Beaujolais wine (third Thursday in November).
- Iceland Airwaves Festival (Reykjavik): Dance the night away at one of Iceland’s coolest indie music festivals.
- Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Lantern Festival (Thailand): Release floating lanterns in Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
- Melbourne Cup (Australia): Dress up for Australia’s biggest horse racing event.
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