LIFESTYLE
November 2024
November is the perfect time to take advantage of cooler temperatures for exploring national parks, enjoying outdoor festivities, and perusing holiday craft fairs for that perfect gift! An array of fall experiences across California and Arizona await you, from fall hikes to farm tours and farm stays, wine tastings to harvest markets, Turkey Trots (for fun or fundraising for local charities), to holiday parades, evening art walks, and of course, golf! Here are some regional and region-specific activities to enjoy as the holiday season kicks off.
Central Valley, CA
A Taste of Tempranillo in Sacramento
On November 16, celebrate International Tempranillo Day with a guided tasting of the most popular early varietals at Scribner Bend Vineyards in Sacramento. Each tasting session is small and intimate, hosted by expert Winemaker Cuong Transo, so be sure to reserve your spot!
8th Annual Pageo Holiday Market
Enjoy the ultimate holiday experience while shopping locally at Pageo Lavender Farm in Turlock on November 30. Stroll the stalls of unique handmade gifts at this festive market featuring live music, food trucks, craft drinks, and unique handmade gifts from local artisans.
Fresno County Wine Journey
On the weekend of November 9-10, taste the award-winning wines, beers and spirits locally grown and crafted in Fresno County. Purchase a wristband to visit and taste the fruits of vintners' labor at any and all of the 17 participating locations, where wineries will celebrate the fall harvest with live music, local vendors and delicious food for purchase.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trots
Many Central Valley cities including Fresno, Bakersfield, and Modesto host annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots, "fun runs" that support local charities. On Thanksgiving morning, join thousands of runners in Stockton for its 20th annual Run & Walk Against Hunger, raising money for the Emergency Food Bank's holiday nutrition programs.
Old Town Elk Grove Dickens Street Faire
On Saturday, November 30, Elk Grove's Old Town Plaza will be bustling with over 125 arts and craft vendors, live music and performers, amazing food trucks, and an interactive kids' craft corner. As the sun sets, stick around for Christmas carols, photos and story time with Santa, and the community Christmas tree lighting at 6pm.
Southern California
The Great Los Angeles Walk
Dispelling the myth that "nobody walks in LA", hundreds of Angelenos will hit the sidewalks for The Great Los Angeles Walk on Saturday, November 23. The event continues to expand each year as more Angelenos join in to explore their city on foot, with a different area selected to explore each year. Follow their website for this year's starting location announcement!
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink
The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is back for another season of outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown LA. Starting November 21, 60-minute ice skating sessions are just $20, including skate rental, and special weekly DJ Spotlight Nights are featured throughout the season.
SoCal Turkey Trots
If you're looking for a Thanksgiving fun run that raises money for a great cause, check out the 12th Annual Turkey Trot LA on November 28. Organized by Midnight Mission, the 5 or 10K run helps provide meals for unhoused people in the LA area. The whole family can get in on the fun, as the day includes a "Widdle Wobble" race for trotters under 12 and even a "Dog Jog" for Fido!
Visit Death Valley National Park
The hottest (literally) place to visit in California has perfect temperatures for hiking and exploring in November. Marvel at towering sand dunes, colorful mountains, and unique geological formations in this iconic national park, and stay to enjoy a breathtaking desert sunset.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Be a part of a magical event where entertainment and philanthropy unite at the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 1. This vibrant celebration brings the Hollywood community together with dazzling floats, marching bands, and a charitable mission, collecting toys and donations to ensure that less fortunate children experience the joy of the holiday season.
Coachella Valley
Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival
On Saturday, November 9th from 12-4pm at the Palm Springs Stadium Pavilion, explore the finest international cuisine from world-renowned food purveyors and award-winning restaurants. Enjoy elevated wine and spirit tastings and watch live celebrity and emerging chef and mixology demonstrations that may inspire your own holiday menu!
Golfing in the Desert
November is peak golf season in the low desert, and Trilogy Golf Club at La Quinta will reopen this month, reclaiming its status as a must-play course in the Coachella Valley. The club is also renovating the clubhouse, with its full-service golf shop and a signature restaurant, so get out and hit those links!
El Paseo Art Walk in Palm Desert
Join in the fun for First Friday El Paseo Art Walks, Palm Desert's long-standing tradition for art lovers and casual strollers alike. Take a self-guided tour of more than 15 fine art galleries and enjoy in-gallery artist receptions along the famous shopping district, then stroll the Median Art Exhibition to peruse the beautiful wall murals.
Joshua Tree National Park
November's milder temperatures create the ideal climate to visit the captivating, unique landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, Embark on scenic hikes around boulders and the park's iconic trees, then camp under the stars to enjoy the peaceful serenity and the brilliant night sky, often with a spectacular view of the Milky Way.
La Quinta Art Celebration
A great way to spend time outdoors while supporting local, regional, and global artists, this popular four-day event celebrating fine arts also features live music and gourmet food. Jury-selected, world-class artists from across the nation and around the globe will exhibit their original artworks at the stunning La Quinta Civic Center on November 14-17.
Arizona
Mesa Arizona Temple Holiday Light Display
750,000 twinkling lights displaying 50 life-size figures, including a Nativity, the Three Wise Men, and other iconic Christmas scenes will get you in the holiday spirit! Set in a picturesque desert landscape of citrus trees, cacti, and palm trees, Mesa's holiday light display also features free special musical performances each evening.
Arizona Fall Festival
Celebrate what makes Arizona special at the The Arizona Fall Festival, the ultimate gathering of local businesses from across the valley. Feast on homegrown food and explore the products of over 200 vendors at this free, family-friendly and dog-friendly festival showcasing everything people love about Arizona at Margaret T. Hance Park on November 9.
6th Annual Early Bird Makers Market
On November 23, Local Trade AZ presents Phoenix's favorite pop-up event celebrating over 100 talented local artisans, with raffle prizes & Santa selfies supporting Phoenix Children's Hospital. This carefully curated marketplace at Town & Country Shopping Center is the perfect place to find unique, handcrafted and locally sourced gifts for your loved ones!
Play an Amateur Golf Tournament
November is perfect for golfing in cities like Scottsdale and Phoenix, with numerous world-class courses to choose from. Join a local tournament like the Desert Amateur in Goodyear from November 18-19 or The Gobbler Amateur Tournament in Tucson from November 24-26.
Take the Polar Express to the North Pole in Williams
The classic children's book The Polar Express comes to life when the Grand Canyon Railway train departs the Williams Depot for a journey to the "North Pole." Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and watch the children's faces light up when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus boards the train to give a special gift to each child!
Wherever you explore the outdoors, sample regional wines, enjoy a holiday festival, or play a friendly round of golf, take advantage of November's cool autumn air for some restorative me-time before the holidays really take off. You'll enter the festive season refreshed and ready to spend time with friends & family, and the decorations and cuisines you experience may inspire your own holiday home!
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