As we step into November, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect and relish the change of seasons — and especially to plan for a memorable Thanksgiving. Drawing inspiration from what’s happening in places like San Francisco (from sources such as Secret San Francisco) — and adapting those creative ideas for you — here are fresh suggestions and thoughtful activities to make this month really count.
Embrace November’s Magic
November is a bridge between fall’s cozy richness and the early glint of the holiday season. It’s a time for mellow light, warm beverages, indulgent treats and meaningful gatherings. According to the Secret San Francisco list of November events, you’ll find everything from late-fall color displays and ice-skating rinks to immersive art and holiday-market kickoffs.
1. Fall Foliage & Nature Walks
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Carve out time to stroll through a nearby park or nature reserve and note the changing leaves.
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Bring a camera or phone and capture “before the holiday rush” moments.
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Maybe pair it with a warm drink in hand — like a spiced latte or chai — and just soak in the season.
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On the Secret SF list, they mention the following spots in the Bay are to see fall foliage as a standout for November. Tip: Choose a time when the light is soft (late afternoon) for those rich colors and warm tones.
1. SF Botanical Garden 📍Golden Gate Park • 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
2. Japanese Tea Garden 📍 Golden Gate Park • 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
🔥 Other Hot Spots:
- Filoli Estate & Gardens 📍Woodside • 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062
- Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden📍 Berkeley • 1550 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA
- Mount Tamalpais📍 Mill Valley • 3801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA
- Bothe-Napa Valley State Park 📍 Calistoga • 3801 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA
2. Get Ahead on Holiday-Mood Experiences
- Many holiday-light displays and ice-skating rinks open in November and create a magical mood early. For example: seasonal rinks in the Bay Area open around early November: Union Square Ice Rink in San Francisco — Opened Nov. 5, 2025. See full list of Bay Area ice rinks here.
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Attend a craft or holiday market — great for unique gifts but also for ambience and supporting local makers. San Francisco Christmas markets will be in full force every weekend in November and December. We have our eye on West Coast Craft, the Sunset Holiday Mercantile, and museum markets at SFMOMA and the Asian Art Museum. Find details for those and many more below.
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- West Coast Craft Fort Mason Night Market (Nov. 7, 2025) – Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
- Asian Art Museum Holiday Artisan Market (Nov. 14-16, 2025) – Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
- Embarcadero Center Holiday Market (Nov. 19, 2025) – Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
- West Coast Craft Winter ’25 (Nov. 22-23, 2025) – Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
- Fall Chocolate Salon (Nov. 23, 2025) – SF County Fair Building, San Francisco
- 2025 Crystal Fair (Nov. 29-30, 2025) – SF County Fair Building, San Francisco
- Napa Gifts ‘N Tyme Holiday Faire (Nov. 21-23, 2025) – Napa Valley Expo, Napa
- The Mill Valley Lumber Yard hosts a lovely holiday environment for its periodic markets: November Maker’s Market (Nov. 15, 2025) – Mill Valley Lumber Yard, Mill Valley
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3. Culture & Unique Events
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Consider attending immersive art or light installation events:
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AURA: An Immersive Odyssey of Breathtaking Proportions
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Candlelight Concerts
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GLOW: Discover the Art of Light at the Exploratorium: Nov. 20, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026
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Garden of D’Lights
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After Dark at the Exploratorium: Thursday evenings — The Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco
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Try a live-theatre experience where you’re more than a spectators:
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Monthly street festivals or block-parties are sometimes overlooked but can be fun community outings such as Downtown First Thursdays.
Tip: Book early if tickets are needed, and if you’re trying something new, go with an open mind and maybe a friend.
4. Support & Give Back
November is also a great time to give back. In the SF list, volunteering with groups like GLIDE is suggested for the holiday season. Even if you aren’t in San Francisco, you can find local nonprofits or community efforts around you: food banks, toy drives, neighborhood clean-ups.
Tip: Make a small plan early (which organization, when, how). Sometimes giving time is as meaningful as giving goods.
Thanksgiving-Inspired Moments
Thanksgiving weekend holds a special kind of magic: good food, good company, reflections and traditions. Even if you’re not in the U.S. or do a smaller version, many of the ideas below can be adapted.
1. A Morning Move Before the Feast
In SF, a “Turkey Trot” 5-mile/3-mile race through a park is a staple of Thanksgiving morning. You could adapt this by doing a fun walk/run or family outing before the meal — helps work up an appetite and sets a joyful tone.
Tip: Make it light and fun, not competitive—costumes optional, smiles mandatory.
2. Friendsgiving & Meaningful Gatherings
There’s a rising trend of “Friendsgiving” — gathering friends for a meal without the formalities. In SF, lists include fun options for hosting a Friendsgiving. Check out the full list on Secret San Francisco. Whether it’s family, friends, or a mix — you can choose to do something slightly different: maybe a potluck, maybe a themed dinner, maybe a relaxed brunch in place of the big dinner.
Tip: If you’re hosting, make it simple — one dish you love, something everyone can chip in. Focus more on the gathering than the perfection of the meal.
3. Holiday Shopping, Markets & Gift Finds
After the meal: consider heading out (or online) for some early holiday shopping. The SF guide suggests Black Friday deals and neighborhood boutiques - check the full list on Secret San Francisco. You could also go slower and more mindful: seek out local artisans, pick one meaningful gift, skip the frenzy.
Tip: Create a little shopping list in advance: 2-3 items you want to tick off, budget in mind, and avoid impulse overload.
4. Holiday Lights, Museums & After-Dark Fun
After dinner or on the weekend: check out an evening outing — maybe a light show, an after-dark museum event, or ice-skating. SF’s list mentions museums open on Thanksgiving and special light installations.
Tip: Book ahead for popular spots. If you’re in a warmer climate, adapt: perhaps an outdoor night market or rooftop event.
5. Create a “Thankful” Ritual
Home & Lifestyle Tips
Prepare for the season ahead
Clear gutters, check insulation, and bring in cozy layers with textured throws and soft lighting.
Design a gratitude corner
A simple tray with a candle, journal, and a touch of greenery for mindful moments.
Infuse your home with local charm
Handcrafted Marin ceramics, Bay-made candles, and fresh seasonal wreaths to welcome guests.
