An Insider’s Guide to November Events in the Hudson Valley
Hudson River tourism directors share their top picks for places to go, sights to see, and things to do throughout November.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There are a ton of things to do in the Hudson Valley each month. Even in the face of the coronavirus, there exist dozens upon dozens of ways to experience the best of what the region has to offer. While they might not be traditional per se (virtual holiday fests, anyone?), they are engaging, entertaining, and 100-percent #flattenthecurve-approved.
To help scout out the best events in the Valley, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Westchester for their top picks for things to do. Check out their selections, then get planning!
Discover Albany President and CEO Jill Delaney shares her top recommendations for the month.
Albany
November 1-8
Albany’s fifth annual lantern parade gets a socially distant twist this year. Held over the course of a week, the event invites the Albany community to get creative and craft lanterns to display in windows across the city. After that, everyone can snap photos of the city aglow.
Shaker Heritage Society, Albany
Wed-Sat 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun 12-5 p.m.
Start holiday shopping early at the Shaker Heritage Society’s festive market. The event runs through December 19, but there’s no time like the present to scout out unique gifts for friends and family while supporting regional artisans.
Read up on Columbia County Tourism’s highlights for things to do in the Hudson Valley this month.
Olana State Historic Site, Hudson
November 7, 1-2:30 p.m.
Olana invites Hudson Valleyites to experience the scenic landscape through the perspective of pollinators. The workshop explains how honeybees and humans can prepare for winter during a guided walk. After that, it’s onto a short demo on how to make beeswax salves.
Won Dharma Center, Claverack
November 14, 10:30 a.m.
Won Dharma opens its doors for a socially distant sound healing session this month. The morning workshop helps participants bathe in nature with tuning forks, crystal alchemy bowls, and essential oils. Later, an optional vegetarian lunch and hikes make the day more special.
Take a peek at Dutchess Tourism, Inc.’s top picks for things to do in Dutchess County this month.
Online
November 8 and 15, 5 p.m.
Dream of becoming a Chopped champion? Take the first step toward top chef status during The Culinary Institute of America’s virtual cooking sessions. They’re led by alumni of the Hyde Park school and feature insider tips and tricks in the kitchen. Chefs Katianna and John Hong lead the November 8 session during a special collaboration with the Hudson Valley’s very own The Vale Fox Distillery, while Chef J.J. Johnson, a James Beard award winner, instructs how to make spicy prawns in a piri piri sauce on November 15.
Online
November 8 and 15, 5 p.m.
Dream of becoming a Chopped champion? Take the first step toward top chef status during The Culinary Institute of America’s virtual cooking sessions. They’re led by alumni of the Hyde Park school and feature insider tips and tricks in the kitchen. Chefs Katianna and John Hong lead the November 8 session during a special collaboration with the Hudson Valley’s very own The Vale Fox Distillery, while Chef J.J. Johnson, a James Beard award winner, instructs how to make spicy prawns in a piri piri sauce on November 15.
Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie
November 27-29
Locust Grove rounds up the talented makers of the Hudson Valley for a one-stop showcase to celebrate the holiday season. More than 20 vendors will feature their wares onsite, and the grounds will be open for exploring as well.
Look no further for the coolest attractions and activities in Greene County during the month.
Bridge Street Theatre, Catskill
November 1
The Hudson Valley’s Halloween horrors continue into November during Bridge Street Theatre’s steampunk-inspired extravaganza. The show is a Victorian twist on the spooky season, with everything from “phantastical” dance to stage combat, fire dancing, aerial acrobatics, and more.
Windham Mountain, Windham
Early November
Windham is back this winter with reduced capacity updates. Because of this, expect season passes to fly once they go on sale at the beginning of November. Ticket sales are based on this red and green capacity calendar, with green days signaling no anticipated restrictions and red days signaling significant capacity restrictions.
Check out Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana’s selections for the best things to do this month.
Orange County Farmers Museum, Montgomery
November 1, 1-5:30 p.m.
The attack of the mac is back in Montgomery at the start of November. Tickets are expected to sell out, so purchase ahead of time to dig into more than 12 types of cheese noodles, plus more than 30 creative flavors, as local restaurateurs compete for the coveted Best Mac crown.
Blooming Hill Farm, Blooming Grove
November 7, 12-2 p.m.
Orange County’s beautiful Blooming Hill Farm invites Hudson Valleyites to explore its natural habitat during a walk with local ecologist Tracy Hanson. Participants can learn more about the flora, fauna, and wildlife in the region before a family-style lunch at the end of the session.
Monroe Town Hall, Monroe
Fridays in November, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Town of Monroe hosts a food truck fest all through fall at its town hall. Come for bites from a different local food truck each weekend to support the community and try something new.
Applewood Winery, Warwick
November 15, 2-5 p.m.
Americana country blues band Nailedshutt brings the smooth tunes during Applewood Winery’s autumnal weekend event. Come for the music, then stay for the local wine and cider. While you’re there, sample one of Applewood’s tempting fruit wines as well.
Read up on Putnam County Tourism Director Tracey L. Walsh’s picks for things to do this month.
Garrison
For art lovers in the Hudson Valley, Garrison Art Center is an absolute must. The Putnam County venue offers a delightful mix of pottery, painting, and seasonal art-making classes, with courses designed for groups of varying ages and abilities. For those who prefer to admire the works of others, the center’s galleries feature solo and group shows that incorporate a medley of mediums.
Kent
Switch up your go-to trail and check out this moderate trek in Kent instead. The loop isn’t too hard to hike and takes explorers through the Nochpeem tribe’s hunting grounds and along farm ruins. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Hawk Rock, the 25-foot monolithic glacial erratic that features carvings of a turtle, beaver, and bird.
Mahopac
Local golfers know that fall is prime time for golfing in the Hudson Valley, mostly because it’s a chance to play a round while doing a little leaf peeping. At Putnam County Golf Course, 18 pristine holes on 6,800 yards offer spectacular views of the region. Plus, with its par-71 championship course, it’s a prime spot for serious players.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring’s free, community preserve is a dream for anyone who wants to admire the Hudson while learning about local history. Plan a visit to walk trails, which are cared for by Scenic Hudson and pass by remains of foundry buildings complete with signs and interpretive features that detail the location’s history in the Hudson Valley.
Take a browse through Director of Economic Development and Tourism Jeremy Schulman’s picks the hottest things to do in Rockland County throughout the month.
Van Houten Farms, Orangeburg
Rockland County’s only cidery invites Hudson Valleyites over for hard cider tastings at the farm’s outdoor oasis. Stop by for a signature cider or dare your taste buds to try one of the small batch varieties on offer. Peanut butter cider, anyone?
Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, South Nyack
If you haven’t strolled your way across the Hudson Valley’s newest bridge path, then November is the month to plan a visit. Enter from the Rockland Landing, then make sure to stop at each of the six overlooks to take in the views and ogle the local art.
Torne Valley Vineyards, Hillburn
Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Make the most of the vino paradise that is the Hudson Valley with a weekend wine tasting in Hillburn. Torne Valley pours wine alongside meals outside, making it the perfect place to spend an autumn afternoon.
Read up on Ulster County Tourism’s event highlights for the month.
Online
November 1-30
New Paltz’s family turkey trot goes virtual to allow participants to run for fun throughout the month. Runners can complete their route from any location, and funds raised go toward Family of New Paltz’s work to run a food pantry and provide domestic violence and adolescent services in the Hudson Valley.
Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery, Gardiner
Through November
Make a tasting at Whitecliff extra-special by pairing it with a few bars or Rhinebeck’s Oliver Kita chocolates. As for which flight to order, let your taste buds be our guide. The dry white, dry rosé, and sweet flights are all delicious alongside the local cocoa.
Online
November 5, 5:30-7 p.m.
Struggle to make veggie-centric dishes that actually taste delicious? Catskill Animal Sanctuary is here to help with a dedicated workshop that walks participants through the ins and outs of preparing a meat-free feast.
Throughout the Hudson Valley
November 9-22
The Valley Table’s signature dining event is back this month with options for dine-in and takeout meals. Browse the list of participating restaurants and menus online before booking a table (or a to-go order) for a prix fixe meal that makes the most of Hudson Valley flavors.
Westbrook Lane Station, Kingston Plaza, Kingston
November 27-29, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express ride may be canceled this year, but its Christmas Express is still choo-choo-ing through the Hudson Valley. Hop aboard for an adventure through the Catskill Forest to Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole. During the trip, passengers can snack on cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee to keep warm aboard the decorated and covered open-air flat cars.
Discover the hottest happenings according to Westchester County Tourism this month.
Online
Caramoor keeps the musical programming going throughout November with online shows featuring world-class performers. Mark your calendar for the Callistro Quartet on November 1, bass-baritone Dashon Burton on November 8, and cabaret signers Laura Osnes and Tony Yazbeck on November 20. All concerts stream live and free of charge.
Valhalla
Starts November 27
Right after Thanksgiving, Westchester’s Winter Wonderland arrives to set the county aglow all holiday season long. This year, the fest takes on a 1.2-mile drive-thru format that leads visitors along a path filled with thousands of twinkling lights. Expect dancing trees, a candy cane lane, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and more show-stopping scenes.
Sleep in an architecturally significant B&B, or book a room at a nationally known hotel. Casual travelers as well as visitors looking for luxury will find a wide range of properties to consider. There are lodging options for everyone – Try our user-friendly lodging search below and come stay with us in Orange County, NY.
