This Boston in November, the trees are bursting with hues of auburn and gold, the air is crisp, and the spooky season is officially over. While things might be feeling a bit hectic at the moment, there’s still plenty to do this November in Boston to enjoy the remainder of the fall season before it ends and the cheerful winter décor goes up. Check out our favorite things to do this November in Boston!
1. Visit the otherworldly Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition
Catch awe-inspiring displays of the legendary artist’s 34 famous frescoes! They’ll be magnified up to 60x, making for a chance to observe the vivid details of Michelangelo’s otherworldly works. The exhibit is photographable, so make a photoshoot with the iconic art illuminating your shots. Grab tickets for the perfect family-friendly excursion this season!
📍121 Webster Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150
2. Enjoy a cozy Candlelight Concert with a live string quartet
November is a peculiar month here in Boston, we never know what kind of weather we’re gonna get. On those freezing Boston nights, treat yourself and a close pal to a cozy toasty Candlelight Concert! The atmosphere here will keep you all warm and fuzzy while you jam out to classical renditions of timeless tunes and symphonies from your favorite artists like:
- A Tribute to Taylor Swift at First Church
- The Best of Hans Zimmer
- A Tribute to Beyoncé
- Favorite Anime Themes at First Church
- The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole
Tickets for these candlelight concerts are selling wicked fast so you better hurry and secure your spot!
Locations and dates vary for more information click here
3.Enjoy the winter wonderland magic of ‘Snowport’
Seaport’s annual winter wonderland returns on November 10! The winter village is returning with over 140 vendors, a heated food and beverage tent with a ski lodge theme, and winter games for everyone to enjoy! There will be plenty of events throughout the duration of the market like a special lighting ceremony and surprise exhibits.
Find Snowport seven days a week at 100 Seaport Boulevard, Boston Seaport, MA 02210
4. Catch a film on the big screen at Black Friday prices
No need to wait until November 24 for a crazy good steal! All month long, you can enjoy discounted movie ticket prices thanks to these AMC yellow tickets! Some of the most anticipated films of the month include The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Napolean, and Good Burger 2 which was actually filmed in New England!
5. Awe at the vibrant glow of one million winter lights
50-90 acres of historic estates will be covered with millions of colorful LED lights this November! Grab a hot cocoa and take a walk through this brilliant display. Winterlights return on November 24 to three properties:
- Canton (30 minutes south of Boston)
- North Andover (38 minutes north of Boston)
- Stockbridge (2 hours west of Boston)
Find out more about Winterlights entry and dates
6. And then there were more holiday light shows
There are so many holiday light shows to pick from, and they’re all returning bigger, brighter, and earlier this year! We guess New England just can’t contain its excitement for the holiday season! Check out some of these returning holiday light shows. Head to the closest one or map them out and go to them all! Dazzling lights never get old!
- Gardens Aglow (November 18-December 31 in Boothbay, Maine)-3 hour drive from Boston
- Zoo Lights is also returning to Stone Park Zoo( November 17-January 7 in Stoneham, MA)– 16 minute drive from Boston
7. Reconnect with nature by going on a hike
It’s safe to say Boston’s one of the best and most beautiful cities in the country, but our beloved Beantown is also surrounded by some absolutely stunning wilderness. From the more urban Emerald Necklace to the hilly paths of World’s End in Hingham, explore the great outdoors at these ten gorgeous spots, perfect for hikers of all levels.
Oh and don’t forget to bring your camera with you cause these gorgeous trails serve some equally gorgeous views! Plus, this gorgeous outpost in Warren, VT, which is a popular summer swimming spot is the perfect place to escape the crowds of leaf peepers touring New England.
8. Gobble up a Thanksgiving feast brought to you by Boston’s best chefs
Leave your Thanksgiving dinner to the pros! Dozens of local chefs are offering up a la carte and all-inclusive Thanksgiving menus this year. Choose from a selection of expertly made sides, stuffings, and sweets, or get all of that plus the turkey. We won’t judge you if you tell your guests it’s homemade.
9. Or enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant
Several Boston area restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, and serving up their full dinner menus enhanced with a la carte fall-inspired starters, traditional turkey dinners, specialty desserts, and more. Check out some of the options below:
- Abe & Louie’s (Boylston St., Boston)
- Atlantic Fish Co. (Boylston St., Boston)
- Joe’s on Newbury (Newbury St., Boston)
- Joe’s Waterfront (Atlantic Avenue, Boston)
- The Ritz-Carlton Artisan Bistro (Avery St., Boston)
- Bambara (25 Edwin H. Landing Boulevard, Cambridge)
- Coach Grill (Wayland)
Menu options vary and include everything from buttery whipped mashed potatoes with turkey pan jus at Atlantic Fish Co. to Abe & Louie’s signature house rolls with an all-natural Vermont raised turkey.
10. Reward yourself with a hearty bowl of Ramen
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hot ramen to warm you up on a cold November day. If you’re looking to slurp down on a steamy bowl of noodles in a flavorful broth we know a few places you may want to check out. From creamy vegetarian miso to 48-hour chicken broth all served with noodles cooked to perfection, here are some of our favorite spots to grab ramen in Boston. And the best part? They’re all open for delivery!
11. Cozy up with a cup of coffee
What better way to brave the dropping temperatures and the incoming winter season, than by grabbing a steaming cup of freshly-brewed coffee from one of the best coffee shops in Boston? Plus, if you’re a student, coffee shops always make for a great study spot–and an endless source of caffeine!
12. Take in the remnants of Boston’s beautiful fall foliage
With fall foliage in New England about well past its peak, Boston’s trees are still looking beautiful spectacular hues of gold and auburn! If you’re like us and you can’t get enough of the fall foliage, read on to discover some of our favorite places to watch the changing of the seasons in and around Boston. Boston’s fall foliage peaks around November 4!
13. Check out the country’s oldest tavern
New England is, of course, full of historical gems– Boston alone is home to at least a dozen of them–but despite their high status as museums, monuments and battlefields, none are quite like Newport’s White Horse Tavern. Built in 1652, the historic tavern has been welcoming hungry Americans since even before the US was born. The building is considered a national landmark and it’s even among the 10 oldest taverns in the world!
Find White Horse Tavern at 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840
14. Check out a film festival at the MFA
The MFA is showcasing all mediums of art and that includes the art of cinema! This November, the MFA will showcase a few major Boston Film Festivals including the Turkish Festival’s Documentary and Short Film Competition!
Find the MFA at 465 Huntington Avenue in Boston
15. Hang out in your own igloo enjoying a warming late fall menu
Lookout Rooftop is bringing back its popular igloos just in time for the winter season! The cozy enclaves overlooking the Boston Harbor will be available with a full menu starting November 3! Check out this list for a plethora of other awesome igloo dining options in the city.
Find the Lookout Rooftop at 70 Sleeper Street above The Envoy Hotel
16. Indulge yourself with the best waffle in Massachusetts!
Do you love sweets a waffle lot? We don’t blame you, there’s nothing quite like a sweet pick-me-up, especially when it comes in the shape of crispy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside, mouthwatering waffles. And we just found the best ones in the whole of the state of Massachusetts according to Yelp, right here at Cambridge’s Curio Coffee!
Find Curio Coffee at 441 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141
17. Test your ping-pong skills at this luxurious indoor venue in Seaport
SPIN is putting a spin on the perception of ping-pong. They’re adding all of the cool in this game with a neon-nighttime atmosphere, 14 tables, and a full menu. Grab some friends and get lost in a night of ping-pong!
Find SPIN Boston at 30 Melcher St, Boston, MA 02210
18. Check out this instaworthy pizza spot in Fenway!
Local celebrity chef, Tiffani Faison, you might know her from Sweetcheeks, Fool’s Errand, or Orfano, opened up her second Tenderoni’s Boston location last November! The pizza parlor is perfect for yummy food and a fall photoshoot with its vintage feel and enormous 2.5-footlong pizzas, making for incredible cheese pulls!
Find Tenderoni’s Fenway at 1363 Boylston Street in Boston, MA 02215
Check out Tenderoni’s Financial District at 100 High St, Boston, MA 02110
19. Enjoy a Harry Potter trivia brunch at City Tap
City Tap has some awesome events in its November lineup, including a super fun Harry Potter trivia brunch on November 18! The restaurant will transform into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
They also be throwing a Thanksgiving Feasting event on November 23. Put on your stretchy pants and get ready to indulge in roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, house made cranberry relish, stuffing, maple-thyme Brussels sprouts and, of course, stuffing. Save room for dessert, a no-bake pumpkin cheesecake! Reserve your visit online!
Find City Tap at 10 Boston Wharf Rd, Boston, MA 02210
19. Honor Veteran’s Day with a trip to the Bedford Whaling Museum
Veteran’s Day falls on November 11, 2023 so Friday, November 10 will be a federal holiday. If you’re looking for something to do that long weekend, take an excursion to the Whaling Museum for the All Hands Exhibition.
Learn about the important connections between the United States Navy and the American whaling fleet. The exhibit features whalemen’s scrimshaw of naval battles, marine paintings and prints, and personal biographies and objects of sailors who served in both branches.
Admission to the museum is free throughout the weekend for all active duty, retired, and reserved military personnel with a valid ID.
From November 24-26 the museum will also host its “Wonders of the Blue Whale Weekend!” Climb through the heart of a giant blue whale, and watch a movie in the immersive 3D theater!
Find the Whaling Museum at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740
20. Join the New England Aquarium for a night with local shark expert, Greg Skomal
Skomal dedicated his life to studying and tracking the Great White shark. In his new book, Chasing Shadows, he covers the decades spent on a quest to tag, track, and demystify this animal, using every high- and low-tech method at his disposal, including those he invented, and he frequently comes face-to-face with these shadows of the deep.
Find it November 2 at 6:30 PM in person at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre, 1 Central Wharf, Boston. The lecture will also be livestreamed via Zoom.
21. Enjoy some tableside hot chocolate at the Ritz
The Ritz-Carlton welcomes you to Avery Bar Chocolat! Warm up with the perfect cup of cocoa with curated chocolates from Pastry Chef Christoper Goluszka. According to Goluszka, the perfect cup of cocoa uses a balance of milk and dark chocolate from Maracaibo. The hot chocolate is served beside a cozy fireplace along with decadent desserts for $20.
Saturdays from 3-8 PM at 10 Avery Street, Boston, MA 02111
22. Check out The Real James Bond…Was Dominican at the ArtsEmerson Theatre
Bond Creator, Ian Fleming drew inspiration for the iconic saga from the true life of Dominican, Porfirio Rubirosa. Rubirosa was the “real James Bond” of the 1950s, serving as a Dominican diplomat, international polo champions, race car driver, pilot, and of course, undercover spy.
Join lead, Christopher Rivas and Director, Daniel Banks, for an epic performance. Reserve your visit.
Playing November 8-12 at ArtsEmerson Theatre
Box Office: Emerson Paramount Center 559 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
23. Celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month
Did you know the word “Massachusetts” stems from the Native American tribe, Massachusett? Our state has a rich Native American history, and its enlightening to take time to explore it! From the MFA to Harvard’s Peabody Museum, the history surrounds us and many places are creating special exhibits so we can dive deeper this month! These are five great spots to explore for Native American Heritage Month.
24. Explore a golden retriever farm in Vermont
Golden Dog Farm is perfect for those who love puppies, dogs, and nature! Set on a massive farm near Stowe, Vermont, Golden Dog Farm offers a unique “Golden Retriever Experience” where you can cuddle with 10+ dogs at a time!
25. Shop local and small for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday
There’s a plethora of awesome local businesses to check out when shopping this season. Whether a gift for yourself, or someone else-you don’t want to sleep on these awesome local gifts ranging from zapped “forever jewelry” to cozy New England sweaters made from recycled oyster shells.
26. Grab some seasonal treats from Kane’s Donuts
New month, new flavors! The Boston-favorite donut shop rings in November with a mouthwatering menu. Features this November include Pumpkin, Apple Pie Filled, Salted Caramel Glazed, and Vegan Funfetti donuts! They’re available at all Kane’s locations but only until the end of the month, so make sure to get your hand on them while you can!
27. Help 10,000 Bostonians enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner
The MA Salvation Army set up a donation drive outside the CVS at CambridgeSide Place. Donations for select items and canned foods can be made in-person through November 19. Afterward, donations can continue to be made online.