It’s the time of year when we divide into two cold-weather cohorts—those who combine cozy New England layers like it’s their Ted Talk specialty and those who seem to thrive in their threadbare Bruins hoodie. Regardless of which way you roll as the temperatures plummet, you’ll likely be looking for things to do in Boston in November. I used to write events roundups for Thrillist Boston, so I’m delighted to add a Boston & Beyond franchise to my brand new blog. This month, start your holiday shopping at Boston museums, drink pickle-inspired cocktails, spend the evening with Ethan Hawke, and explore three date ideas—all under $42.
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Unique Boston Experiences This November
Monday, November 3
Ticket Drop || Starting at $25
Boston Tea Party Live Reenactment
The 252nd anniversary of the Boston Tea Party is just around the corner. On December 16, Revolutionary Spaces will celebrate with a one-night-only live reenactment at Old South Meeting House, and ticket sales open on November 3. A far cry from a subdued lecture, the event captures the intense, fiery political debate at the public meeting known as the “Meeting of the Body of the People,” and the audience will be fully immersed in the action. Tickets for the Boston Tea Party 252nd Anniversary Commemoration will sell out quickly, so get a jump on it.
Thursday, November 6
7 pm || FREE
Conversations on Photography
Boston photographer and visual artist Claire Beckett joins Boston Public Library Lead Curator & Manager of the Arts Kristin Parker at Watertown’s Project Save for an intimate chat on her forthcoming book and Simulating Iraq project. The 17-year project explores US military counterinsurgency training for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and “draw[s] attention to the problematic depiction of “cultural others” in these trainings.”
November 5—9
Daily || FREE
Double Down on Downton Abbey
Head over to the Prudential Center for the Fleurs de Villes Downton Abbey show—a free and oh-so-floral romp through early 20th-century England inspired by the show. New to Fleurs de Villes? All the mannequins are dressed in elaborate fashion—created solely from flowers. Coinciding with the show and located atop the Pru, View Boston is hosting a Downton Abbey–inspired High Tea experience. Enjoy gourmet tea, sweet and savory bites, and sweeping views of the Boston skyline.
November 7 through December 7
Daily || Starting at $30
Do Portugal Circus
Slapstick humor and motorcyclists whirling around, inside a ‘Globe of Death?’ It’s an immediate yes, for me. Add to that, trapeze artists, jugglers, acrobats, and magicians, and it’s a return on your investment. Expect cotton candy, nachos, and snow cones. What not to expect? Animals. I love that Do Portugal Circus is animal-free circus entertainment.
Want more unique Boston experiences this November?
- November 15: BU’s all-female bhangra team looking to win big in male-dominated competition. In a nutshell: Bhangra is an upbeat folk dance style from the state of Punjab in northern India. Head over to Strand Theatre in Dorchester for the Boston Bhangra Competition 2025 and cheer them on! Tickets start at $20.
- November 18: Which Side?: A Protest Music Teach-Out returns to the Burren Back Room in Somerville. In a nutshell: protest music, empowerment, and community.
Opening: PickleBOS, Boston’s newest home for pickleball, just opened its first location in South Boston. In a nutshell: It’s got four indoor courts, leagues, social events, and more. - MFA Shop 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Yes, yes, YES. The 2025 MFA Holiday Gift Guide offers unexpected delights, like a Sardine Tin Keychain $13.95) and gloriously minimalist pine tree mug ($13). In a nutshell: give the gift of art.
- Newly unveiled luxury wellness suite: The Celadon Spa Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Boston is a tranquil sanctuary created in partnership with Color Theory Boston. Choose from three exclusive treatments and lose yourself in an aesthetic menagerie of the hotel’s new signature color—Mandarin Oriental Celadon Green—created in collaboration with Pantone. In a nutshell: celadon heaven on earth.
- November 26 through December 14: TWAS the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil brings its big holiday energy to the Boch Center – Wang Theatre. Expect whimsical characters, acrobats, and children and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit. In a nutshell: the feel-good holiday vibes we all cherish.
Art & Culture in Boston This November
November 9 – December 20
Times Vary || $40—if you’re lucky
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child x Golden Snitch digital lottery in Boston
The Golden Snitch will run at the Emerson Colonial Theatre November 9 through December 20. Tickets start at around $57 for this first-ever national tour of the acclaimed Broadway production, but the theater just announced a digital lottery partnership with the TodayTix app. Winners from the six drawings will be eligible to buy up to two tickets at $40. Get the full scoop on the app, and good luck!
November 12 through December 10
Days and times vary || Starting at $17
In Celebration of Ethan Hawke
The Coolidge Corner Theatre recently announced actor, filmmaker, producer, and author Ethan Hawke as the 2025 Coolidge Award winner, and the celebration kicks off on November 12 with a screening of Dead Poets Society (1989). In the lead-up to the award ceremony, on December 3, film lovers can attend screenings of a smattering of his best work, including Before Sunrise. Fans and cinephiles can attend a screening of his new movie, Blue Moon, where he’ll join for a Q&A or attend the award ceremony, dubbed An Evening with Ethan Hawke.
November 14-15
Times Vary || Starting at $35
Camille A. Brown & Dancers
Five-time Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown explores themes of self-discovery in the premiere of her newest work, I AM. Brown brings her company Camille A. Brown & Dancers to Emerson’s Cutler Majestic Theatre for a powerful exploration of cultural liberation and radical self-definition. New to Brown’s work? Check out this PBS American Masters feature. On Friday, arrive early for a free book club meet-up to discuss Katherine Dunham: Dance and the African Diaspora by Joanna Dee Das.
Ongoing
Daily || Starting at $2.50
Indigenous-designed Gifts at the ICA/Boston
In celebration of the opened exhibition, An Indigenous Present, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston partnered with Indigenous artists on exclusive ICA Store goods. From beaded jewelry handloomed by Navajo artisans in New Mexico to limited-edition totes and blankets, the collection offers winter gift-giving options imbued with tradition and beauty.
Ongoing
Daily || $20 General Admission
Exhibit: Lighten Up! On Biology and Time
The MIT Museum’s latest exhibit invites you to explore the nuanced cycles of light and dark, biological clocks, and fresh visual interpretations of topics like time and sleep. Lighten Up! On Biology and Time, features works by Carsten Höller, James Carpenter, Liliane Ljin, Helga Schmid, and more, and delves into how living organisms—us included—experience these critical ideas. Expect a beautiful art experience and a few cool trivia facts about circadian rhythms.
Ongoing
Daily || FREE
The ICA launches the Free ICA Artist Pass
Are you a Massachusetts-based artist? The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA) invites MA artists to enjoy the benefits of the newly launched ICA Artist Pass, offering free year-round general admission to visual, performing, and literary artists who live and work in the state. Learn more and sign up: ICA Artist Pass.
Want more art & culture in Boston this November?
- Through November 30: The hit comedy Kim’s Convenience extended at the Huntington due to popular demand. In a nutshell: the heartfelt play that inspired the CBC / Netflix TV series.
- The new musical CUBAMOR is a Cuban-American reimagining of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In a nutshell: it follows two Americans in love with two Cubans who navigate historical divides of both cultures. Presented by Front Porch Arts Collective and Teatro Chelsea, November 12-14. Times and locations vary.
- November 22 and 23: Bagpipes + Beatboxing + Dance? The Boston-area artist collective known as beheard.world presents How We Go, a new dance piece with an eclectic soundtrack combining bagpipe, cello, piano, singing bowls, classical guitar and human beatbox lays. In a nutshell: the Cambridge’s Dance Complex performances are inspired by regional immigrants and artists coming together through movement and sound.
The Boston Food & Drink Scene in November
Before we dive into all the delish happenings in November, I want to share that two Boston-area American Flatbread locations will offer free pizza to SNAP cardholders beginning on November 1. For the duration of the government shutdown, anyone can show a SNAP card and receive one free small Medicine Wheel pizza at the Worcester and Brighton American Flatbread locations.
Ongoing (seasonal)
Daily || Starting at $7.59
New Fall Flavors at Saloniki Greek
Autumn has officially arrived at Saloniki Greek and its five Boston locations. The brand just launched two limited-time toppings to pair with their signature Greek donut bites. The Pumpkin Spice Pie Greek Donut Topping is a from-scratch pumpkin drizzle with all the fall spices and Caramel and Spiced Apple FroYo Topping speaks for itself, really.
November 9
11 am || $66 pp
Boston’s Top Pastry Chefs Battle for the Best Donut
Wear your stretchy pants and head over to The Banks Seafood & Steak for their annual Rise & Rumble event, where the city’s top pastry chefs go head-to-head for best donut bragging rights. Tickets include donut samples from all seven chefs (including Stacey Caissie from Grill 23 & Bar and Ava Pastries’ Danny G), a beverage, and a brunch buffet, including a raw bar and carving station. Children’s tickets are $28.
November 11
All-Day || à la carte
Veterans Day Around the City
Available on November 11 at all Margaritas Mexican Restaurant locations in the Northeast, armed forces members, past and present, will receive 50% off their check (food only for MA locations). Plus, on November 12, the brand also kicks off an ongoing 10% military discount (veterans and active military members). Veterans and active military members can enjoy 50% off general admission at View Boston from November 8-11.
November 14
Daily || à la carte
YOTEL Boston’s Après Deck 12 Opens for the Season
YOTEL’S seasonal après-ski-inspired rooftop pop-up is back, boasting a new partnership with Boston-founded hard iced tea brand Sun Cruiser. Stop by Aprés Deck 12 for heated indoor and outdoor bars, bowls or flights of piping hot chili (with cheese and Fritos, of course), ski-themed chairs, and spectacular views of the Boston skyline. Warm up by the fire and indulge in chocolate or caramel fondue. Looking to channel those cozy, wintery vibes into a getaway? Check out my recent post about an all-inclusive luxury mountain lodge near Smoky Mountains National Park.
November 14
12 pm || FREE Admission
National Pickle Day Party
The folks at South Boston’s Small Victories have teamed up with Grillo’s Pickles, and they’re throwing a fairly epic pickle soiree. Get your fill of all things brine-inspired—from limited edition Grillo’s merch and bites to a claw machine loaded with Grillo’s prizes. Grab a perfectly pickled cocktail (à la carte) and stop by the photo booth to capture some memories.
Want to know more about the Boston food & drink scene in November?
- Brassica Kitchen + Café moved into new location in Jamaica Plain. In a nutshell: it’s next door to the original location, and Chef Jeremy Kean’s got a new fermented pizza!
- Lou’s (Harvard Square) is now offering brunch Wednesday through Sunday. In a nutshell: the new subterranean music hotspot will host brunch (including house-made English Muffins) in the restaurant’s performance space.
- Sat November 15: Citrus & Salt (Fort Point) hosts Wicked Drag Brunch with shows at 11:30 am and 2 pm. Admission is $25, which includes a table, and increases your chances of being So Popular. In a nutshell: Menu is à la carte with lots of nods and winks to the Emerald City, and guests are encouraged to dress on theme.
- Sun. November 30: Gobble up the last of the Turkey Day leftovers and head to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Seaport) for a National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Movie Party. In a nutshell: Alamo movie parties include fun giveaways and themed drinks. Enjoy the full menu, including draft beer, wine, apps, pizza, burgers, boozy milkshakes, and crazy-good popcorn options like spicy ranch. GF buns? Yup!
- Sun November 16: Autumnal Alchemy Holiday Hosting Cocktail Class at Eastern Standard. Spend 90 minutes with Eastern Standard Hospitality Beverage Director Jackson Cannon to level up your holiday cocktail skills (and nimble some light bites). Class registration also includes a cocktail recipe book.
Boston Date Night Ideas for November
November 7 & 28
8 pm || $20 + $15
Comedy at Kowloon + Batting Cages
The kings and queens of cocktails over at Kowloon Restaurant have a few stand-up shows scheduled this month—Harrison Stebbins on November 7 and Mark Riley on November 28. Both shows start 8 pm, which means you’ve got just enough time to head over to the Hittrax Batting Cages at Dick’s Sporting Goods before they close at 9 pm. You can take a few free swings or get in on a 15-minute rental for just $15.
Ongoing
Daily || $20 + $22
Boston Harbor Distillery + Waterfront Snacks at Venezia Restaurant
Nestled in one of the last remaining mill buildings in the Boston area, Boston Harbor Distillery (the Neponset section of Dorchester) boasts post and bean construction and over 100 windows. Learn about founded by Rhonda Kallman’s passion for beer and spirits and indulge in the $20 Taste of Boston Sampler—a barrel-side tasting of a variety of the distillery’s best sips. Nearby, the side dishes at waterfront Venezia Restaurant doubled as shareable wallet-friendly apps. The Pumpkin Risotto and Truffle Fries will set you back just $22.
Ongoing
Daily || Starting at $1
$1 Wonton Wednesdays at Kings Dining & Entertainment
Visit any Kings Dining & Entertainment locations on a Wednesday and get your fill of $1 Buffalo Chicken Wontons. Hunker down for a spell and dabble in bowling, the arcade, and general shenanigans like photo booths, billiards, and Giant Jenga. I feel like there’s a Kings around every corner these days, and I’m forever grateful for the easy access to Skee Ball.
Ongoing
Mondays || $25
Martini Mondays at Puritan & Company
Oh my heavens; Martini Mondays! Every Monday, at Puritan & Company, you can score a house martini, a half dozen oysters, and hot fries for just $25—from 5-9 pm. Plus, they just announced Chef Joe Nardo as Chef de Cuisine—a Hull native. So, be on the lookout for his Gruyere cheese fondue and caramelized onions.
2025 Black Friday Deals in Boston
Rumble Boxing
For Rumble Boxing class packages purchased during the week of Thanksgiving (Monday, November 24th through Monday, December 1st/Cyber Monday), folks can gift as many as they buy. So, if you buy 5, gift 5; buy 10, gift 10, etc.). Available at Rumble Boxing’s Arsenal Yards and Assembly Row studios.
Boston Hotel Deals for Black Friday
* some deals won’t appear on the respective websites until the day the sale begins. Be sure to review the fine print and restrictions like black-out dates.
Save up to 50% off best available rates at the Boston Harbor Hotel with code CYBER; live on November 18. Also, The Liberty Hotel is offering up to 25% off during their Cyber Week sale; live on November 25.
For a modern-day ode to Art Deco design and sweet, sweet Black Fridays deals, check out The Dagny Boston’s Cyber Savings package, offering a 33% discount for stays through February 25th, 2026. The deal will go live (promo code CYBER) on November 28 and can be enjoyed by travelers who book before December 3.
Events Beyond Boston in November
November 1
2-6 pm || FREE
Ajinomoto Dumpling Pop-Up
When folks mention umami flavor, that’s because of Japanese scientist Dr. Kikunae Ikeda, who, in 1908, coined the term. He went on to found Ajinomoto, and the brand’s hosting an foodie activation at the Walmart in North Attleboro. Think chef demos, food trucks, tastings, games, and more.
November 7 and 22 || Newton
7:30 pm || Starting at $30
Cozy Jazz Club at the Allen Center Jazz Club
The beloved Newton’s Allen Center morphs into a cozy jazz club for two special performances this month, marking the opening of the Allen Center Jazz Club. Performances feature The Casey Scheuerell Quintet (Friday, November 7), followed by The Gingersnap Band on Saturday, November 22. Pregame with Mediterranean at Blue Salt, or Paddy’s, where the logo is a lovable lab sporting a Sherlock Holmes-style pipe.
Saturdays in November || Belmont
7:30 PM || FREE Admission
Live Music ft. Morningside Music Studio
Located in Belmont’s historic center, The Wellington is known equally well for its eatery vibes and live music. In addition to live bands each Fridays and Sunday Jazz Brunch, the neighborhood spot just launched a live music collaboration with Morningside Music Studio, one of the largest ensemble programs in New England. Order flatbread and an Amalfi Martini with scorched rosemary and settle in for a pretty sweet Saturday night.
Saturdays and Sundays || Canton, MA
Starting at $16
Northern Spy Launches Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar
Creative garnishes? Yes. Local ingredients? Absolutely, but the magic of Northern Spy’s Bloody Mary Bar is the personalization. With an ever-rotating line-up of house-made sauces, salsas, chutneys, pickled veggies, spices, and hot sauces, the build-your-own Bloodies are sure to inspire your inner mixologist. The custom drinks are available during brunch service—10:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Northern Spy is located in Canton, near the Paul Revere Heritage Site and the Mass Audubon Museum of American Bird Art Education Center.
Looking Ahead in the Boston Calendar
February 27 and 28
8 pm || Starting at $86
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit 2026 Tour
In just a few months, the Boch Center Wang Theatre hosts Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit for shows that will likely sell out. So, get a jump on those tickets now. Expect plenty of Foxes in the Snow highlights, and all the favorites.
Getaways within 5 hours of Boston
November 14-16
Cape Cod Retreat: Plunge and Presence: Cold Immersion, Breathwork and Yoga
I stayed at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club a few years ago and was properly wowed. They’re always thinking of new, cool experiences, and are now offering highly curated wellness retreats. This month’s retreat is Plunge and Presence: Cold Immersion, Breathwork and Yoga, which includes seaside meditation, breathwork, yoga, cold immersion, floating sound bath, and more. Six meals are included, and it’s the perfect way to calm the nervous system before the busy Thanksgiving holiday.
November 28
Jay Peak’s Day for the Devoted
2025 marks the fifth year of Jay Peak’s Day for the Devoted, an opening-day tradition like no other. Guests staying on the resort’s Thanksgiving Weekend Package will be among the first to ski and ride. This Jay Peak Resort package is discounted by nearly 40 percent, and includes free lift tickets, and—new this year—free day-of-arrival waterpark access. The day wraps up with live music in the Bullwheel, complimentary pizza, and board demos from Never Summer Snowboards. Curious about Jay Peak’s recent snow-making upgrades? Check out the details.
Black Friday Deal
Red Jacket Resorts (South Yarmouth)
Plan your next Cape getaway, with Red Jacket Resorts’ biggest sale of the year—up to 40% off select 2026 stays. (Booking dates: Nov. 20-Dec.8, 2025; Stay dates: Select dates in 2026)
I’m getting ready for December and I’d love it if you signed up for the newsletter, below. In the meantime, get out there and try new things!
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