10 Things to Do in Boston in November

The month of November in Boston is filled with an amazing variety of activities and events as the autumn season gives way to the holiday season.

Verónica Álvarez

Verónica Álvarez

11 min read

10 Things to Do in Boston in November

Boston | ©kmf164

Winter arrives in the city of Boston and its colours change. The white of the snow is joined by the colours of the American flag to celebrate Veterans Day, and hundreds of brightly coloured Christmas lights begin to be seen all over the city.

During November there is a wide variety of things to see and do in Boston, from fairs and parades to tree lighting and Thanksgiving Day events.

1. Attend the Veteran's Day Parade

Veterans Day| ©Tim Pierce
Veterans Day| ©Tim Pierce

Get your flags ready and dress in red, white and blue to take part in Boston's annual Veterans Day Parade, which takes place on the anniversary of the historic signing of the Armistice Agreement on November 11, 1918, ending the fighting during World War I. The United States has been a longtime supporter of the war between the United States and the United States.

Throughout its history, the United States has fought in wars across the globe. The veterans who fought for their country in the various armed conflicts are highly respected by the vast majority of the country's population, regardless of political ideologies.

Veterans Day celebrations are not limited to the Veterans Parade Boston. There are many events organised annually around this date that you can attend, from traditional barbecues to evening parties.

Special shows can also be found in Boston to honour veterans. Events change every year, so keep an eye out for official announcements about what 's happening in the city in November for Veterans Day.

Practical information

  • Where: The parade takes place in the city centre, leaving from Charles Street. The rest of the activities are spread out over several different areas.
  • When: Usually takes place on one of the first Saturdays of the month.
  • Price: Free

2. Be amazed at the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair

Hynes Convention Center, Boston| ©Ed Uthman
Hynes Convention Center, Boston| ©Ed Uthman

If you love books and antiques, this is definitely the event for you. The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair is one of the largest rare book fairs in the country and the world.

The Book Fair hosts more than 120 booksellers from around the world who gather annually in November at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston's Back Bay to showcase their latest acquisitions to collectors and make sales.

This is a rare event, so if you happen to be in Boston during its run, take the opportunity to visit. You can view details of the Boston Antiquarian Book Fair and plan your visit.

The calendar of events is made public around September, so keep an eye on the event's official website for all the details.

Practical information

  • Where: Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St.
  • When: Usually in the second week of November.

3. Attend a Boston Celtics game

Boston Celtics| ©Rene Schwietzke
Boston Celtics| ©Rene Schwietzke

One of the top basketball teams in the country is based in Boston. The Boston Celtics are a team that brings together sports fans not only from Boston, but also from the rest of the United States and around the world.

The month of November is one of the best months to watch the Boston Celtics because the season is already underway, but usually not yet defined and teams leave everything on the court to win.

Sports fans will want to catch a game of one of the greatest teams in NBA history. To get to see the team in action, you're going to have to book well in advance because tickets are flying.

Buy your Boston Celtics tickets

4. Experience something different: a Boston Christmas Tuba Concert

Christmas Tubas at Quincy Market| ©Mike Ball
Christmas Tubas at Quincy Market| ©Mike Ball

Some time ago if I was invited to go to a tuba concert I would have answered with a resounding "no", but after seeing the Boston Christmas Tuba Concert, I changed my mind about it.

The Boston Christmas Tuba Concert is a lively event that is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit that is already beginning to be felt all over the United States in November. You'll enjoy the enchanting sound of over 150 tubas as they serenade you with a selection of Christmas classics.

This concert is held annually at Quincy Market. You can check dates and times of the Boston Christmas Tuba Concert and add this colourful event to your itinerary.

Practical Information

  • Where: Quincy Market. 4 S Market St,
  • When: at the end of the month.
  • Price: about $10

5. Attend the Christmas Tree Lighting in the City of Boston

Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree Lighting| ©Masayuki (Yuki) Kawagish
Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree Lighting| ©Masayuki (Yuki) Kawagish

After Thanksgiving, America begins to prepare for its Christmas festivities and really celebrates in style. IF you've travelled to Boston in the fall, you'll be able to enjoy the start of the holiday season.

All across the country, the popular Christmas tree lighting ceremonies begin, from small towns to megacities, everyone has a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Boston is no exception.

The massive tree at Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the tallest decorated tree in the Northeast region and features more than 30,000 twinkling lights. The tree' s spectacular lights are illuminated during a traditional ceremony complete with live musical performances.

Dates and times for the tree lighting are made public in the autumn, so keep an eye out as the holidays approach.

Check out the information on the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and make it one of the things to do if you've travelled to Boston with children.

If you like this kind of event, don't miss the annual Macy's Downtown Boston Christmas tree lighting either - there's plenty of fun to be had in addition to the tree lighting.

6. Go ice skating at one of Boston's ice skating rinks

Boston Common Frog Pond| ©Bill Damon
Boston Common Frog Pond| ©Bill Damon

Another winter activity that starts in November in Boston is ice skating. During the season , several temporary ice rinks are set up in addition to the permanent rinks to increase the number of ice rinks available to winter skating enthusiasts.

One of Bostonians' favourite ice skating spots is Frog Pond on Boston Common, a rink with its own ice-making system.

One of the advantages of this place is that you don't need to have your own skates, as it offers skate and equipment rentals. After an evening of skating, there's nothing better to warm you up than a hot chocolate at the Pond Cottage.

Price details

  • Ticket prices: from approx. 5 euros per person.
  • Skate hire price: adults from 10 euros and children from approximately 5 euros.
  • Skate sharpening: from approx. 8 euros.

7. Embark on a world of flavours, enjoy a gastronomic tour

Cooking| ©Rene Schwietzke
Cooking| ©Rene Schwietzke

A cosmopolitan city like Boston has a huge gastronomic offer to boast about. From France to Thailand to Mexico to Brazil, the gastronomic styles of many regions are represented in Boston.

One of the things to do in November is a food tour of the city. While you can do it all year round, I recommend doing it in November because the weather, which is becoming inhospitable, can alter your itinerary.

Taking a food tour of Boston is the perfect activity for a cold or rainy day, as you'll be indoors for most of the time.

At this time of year, Boston's cosmopolitan restaurant scene tends to change the menu to more weather-appropriate options, offering more calorific dishes such as Cajun-fried lobster tail, for example, or spicy pork ribs.

There are a variety of food tours in Boston. Some offer a mix of gastronomy and history, others are more focused on pizzas, for example, others specialise in beer - there's something for everyone.

You can choose your favourite and don't worry if you gain a few extra pounds, the cold weather in Boston in November will help you burn off the extra calories.

Book a food tour of Boston

8. Tour the city of Boston on a trolley tour

Tramway, Boston| ©Yuki Shimazu
Tramway, Boston| ©Yuki Shimazu

It's true that Boston is a city best explored on foot and doesn't justify renting a car, but during the first cold of winter in November, it's best to combine walking with other means of transport to avoid spending so much time outdoors.

I recommend taking a tram tour of the city. The tours last between 1.5 and 2 hours, during which you will be able to see the main sights of the city, sitting comfortably and sheltered from the cold.

Another great advantage of these tours is that they have free stops, which gives greater flexibility to your ride and allows you to use it as an alternative means of transport. If you prefer, there are also tour buses available in Boston.

Book your Boston trolley tour

9. Feel like a local fan at a Red Sox game

Red Sox Stadium| ©Richard Eriksson
Red Sox Stadium| ©Richard Eriksson

If you're a sports fan, going to a Red Sox game in Boston in November is a great idea because the season will already be underway and the speculation is already underway forcing the players to work even harder to achieve the best results.

You will see baseball lovers crazy behind their team and supporting them at every game, which is why it is difficult to get tickets if you don't buy them in advance.

When I was planning my first trip to Boston, I have to admit that I wasn't too keen on the idea of going to see a baseball game, I didn't understand the sport, after much insistence, my husband convinced me.

I bought the tickets to see the Red Sox and studied a bit the rules of baseball. I went to the game without many expectations, but after a few minutes there, the energy of the Red Sox fans is so special that it infected me, now the team has one more fan from the other side of the ocean.

Buy your Red Sox ticket

10. Have fun at Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade

Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade| ©Larry Lamsa
Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade| ©Larry Lamsa

Thanksgiving is one of the times of the year when families gather to celebrate together. In addition to the classic family meals, a number of different events are held to celebrate the day.

One of these special events is America's Hometown Thanksgiving Parade, a parade that mobilises thousands of people in the city of Plymouth, Massachusetts, near Boston.

The Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade is rated the best Thanksgiving parade in the United States by AOL.

You will see beautifully decorated floats, nationally recognised drum and bugle bands, historical re-enactment groups from all periods of American history as well as military units during this full parade.

How to get from Boston to Plymouth

  • Bus: It takes about an hour to get there and costs between 10 and 17 euros.
  • Train: also takes about an hour and costs around 11 euros.
  • Car: this is the best option, it only takes around 45 minutes and the price is much lower, as you will spend around 3 to 6 euros on fuel.

What is the weather and temperature like in Boston in November?

Boston| ©Chris Rycroft
Boston| ©Chris Rycroft

November weather in Boston is very cold. Daytime temperatures are around 8 degrees Celsius and can drop to 6 degrees Celsius at night. The average temperature is 7 degrees Celsius with a high of 11 degrees Celsius and a low of 3 degrees Celsius.

As for rainfall, the month of November has historical rainfall averaging 13 days during the month. When preparing your trip, take into account the weather at the time to plan your itinerary.

You can check Boston weather data in real time when planning your activities.

Are there many tourists in Boston in November?

Tourists in Boston| ©Bart E
Tourists in Boston| ©Bart E

The number of tourists in Boston is lower during November due to the inclement weather. However, there is a fair amount of domestic tourism at certain times of the month such as the days before and after Thanksgiving when families gather together.

You will find that some events during the month of November are quite crowded, such as the Christmas lighting shows.

When it comes to sports, no matter the weather or the cold, fans still come to the games, so don't get complacent and if you plan to go to a game, buy your ticket in advance.

Take advantage of Black Friday prices in November in Boston

Boston| ©Brandon Olafsson
Boston| ©Brandon Olafsson

One of the great things about travelling to the United States in November is that you can take advantage of the incredible Black Friday discounts and Boston has some great shops in all areas to do your Christmas shopping.

You will save a lot if you travel to Boston in November because the sales are often extended a few days before and after Black Friday. Don't miss the opportunity to buy all your Christmas gifts at ridiculously low prices on almost every item.

Be aware that people go a bit crazy on this day, so take it easy and don't try to get into the shops first. Some people queue outside in the early hours of the morning, in the rain and in the cold to make sure they get in first and get the best discounts.

In addition to Black Friday there is Cyber Monday, where you can buy the latest technology at clearance prices.

What you can't miss in your suitcase when you visit Boston in November

Packing your suitcase| ©Marissa Grootes
Packing your suitcase| ©Marissa Grootes

The most important items in your suitcase are warm clothes and shoes. Boston in November is quite cold and you should be prepared for it. You should also be prepared for rain.

But there is one thing you should keep in mind, you will be in Boston during the month when there are the biggest discounts in all the shops. You have to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

I recommend that you take your suitcases as empty as possible and take the opportunity to buy what you need in Boston. It often pays off if you are travelling to the US in November to pay for excess baggage or extra luggage on your return home.

Tips on how to shop safely on Black Friday

Boston| ©Carlos Pacheco
Boston| ©Carlos Pacheco

When I tell you that people go crazy during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the United States, I'm not exaggerating. So follow these simple tips if you're going to take advantage of the November discounts in Boston: - Don't try to compete with the locals to get into any shop first. There are people who wait for this day all year and will do anything to get in first, they may even get aggressive.

  • Try to know the prices of the items you want to buy before Black Friday, many times the discounts are not such.
  • The offers are often unbelievable and you may be tempted to spend more than you can afford, so control yourself.
  • Enjoy your shopping day and have fun, Black Friday shopping in Boston or any city in the United States can be an adventure.