Your Ultimate Guide to Fun Events Worldwide This November

Discover the top events and must-do activities worldwide this holiday season! From food festivals to parades worth traveling for, explore what’s happening in November.

November is a fantastic month for travel, with a diverse lineup of exciting events across the globe. With the holiday season just around the corner, here are a few must-visit events and festivals that showcase unique traditions and local artistry that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re an adventurer or a cultural enthusiast, our list has something for everyone.

Asia

Hitaki Fire Festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Japan

Held at the famed Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, the Hitaki Fire Festival (also known as Hitaki-sai) is a great way to experience a major Shinto ritual. Held after the autumn harvest, the festival uses fire to call the deity Inari to return and rest. A major part of the event involves setting up bonfires for priests to throw prayer sticks to wash away sins and invite good fortune. You can find out more about the festival via Kyoto’s official tourism website.

This year’s festival is held on 8 November and starts at 1 PM. You can get to Fushimi Inari Shine via public transportation; from Kyoto Station, you can take a JR Line local train to Inari Station or take bus Route Number 5 (South) to Fushimi Inari Taisha Bus Stop. Admission to the shrine is free.

However, it’s important to note that it is located on top of a mountain, and you might need 1.5 to 2.5 hours to hike to reach the shrine after taking public transportation. The hike involves going through demanding terrain and many flights of stairs.

Loy Krathong, Thailand

Celebrated annually, Loy Krathong is known as Thailand’s festival of lights. Held from 15 to 16 November throughout the country, the festival is known for its celebration of the goddess release of krathong, which is a small floating basket filled with flowers and lights. The festival is held throughout the country, with major celebrations happening in Thailand’s biggest cities such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

This year, you can choose between a variety of events to attend. A major Loy Krathong festival will be held at Wat Arun on 15 November, with the festival theme songs performed in multiple languages, including English. You can also opt for the Yi Peng Chiang Mai Lantern Festival, where you can release a sky lantern alongside fireworks celebrations.

North America

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, United States

Ready to kick off the holiday season? Make a start on your Thanksgiving with one of the oldest Thanksgiving parades in the United States. A holiday classic, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held annually since its inception in 1924. The 98th edition is the largest parade yet, with over 22 floats and performances by top musicians such as Idina Menzel, Dan + Shay, and more.

If you’re in New York City, you can catch the parade on November 28. The parade will begin at 8:30 at West 77th Street and Central Park West and end at Herald Square, near Macy’s flagship store. The best spots to watch the parade go by include West 75th and 61st Streets and along Sixth Avenue.

Santa Claus Parade Toronto, Canada

If you’re already hyped for Christmas, Toronto’s very own Santa Claus Parade is perfect. Branded as the Original Santa Claus Parade, the tradition has been going strong since 1905, with this year’s edition held on 24 November. Kicking off at 12:30 PM, the 2024 parade will take a slightly new route, starting at Christie Pits and ending at St. Lawrence’s Market.

You can catch a glimpse of the parade at Queen’s Park North, which also serves as a family-friendly Christmas fair. Get a free cup of Tim Hortons chocolate or coffee or just enjoy the fall foliage as you wait for Santa to appear. You can take a variety of public transportation options to head to Queen’s Park, such as the bus, streetcar, and subway.

Europe

Strasbourg Christmas Market, France

Soak up the holiday spirit with a visit to the Capital of Christmas! With one of the oldest Christmas markets throughout Europe, Strasbourg is a must-visit for any Christmas enthusiasts. The Strasbourg Christmas markets run from 27 November to 27 December, with shops selling a variety of food, drink, and decor.

There are multiple Christmas markets within the town, but the most popular and oldest of them all is Christkindelsmärik, which you can find at Place Broglie and Place de la Cathédrale. The whole city also gets decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, turning Strasbourg into a winter wonderland.

Visiting from Paris? You can easily take the high-speed train (TGV) in just under two hours from either the city center or Charles de Gaulle airport. Within the city itself, you can get around via trams and buses.

Roma Jazz Festival, Italy

Get cozy this fall with Rome’s annual jazz festival, which occurs from 1 to 23 November. The 48th edition features both Italian and international jazz musicians such as Nubia Garcia, Camilla Battaglia, and more.

Performances are spread throughout three venues, namely Monk Roma, Auditorium Parco della Musica, and Casa del Jazz. Visitors can buy tickets through the official Roma Jazz Festival website. All locations can be reached via public transportation, such as metro, bus, and tram.

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