California, and 2024 is no exception. Culinary festivals are still celebrating the season’s harvest, while several California ski resorts hold their opening days this time of year. Of course, in many parts of California it’s still balmy enough to enjoy public art, music festivals, or wine tasting outside—or to start exploring the holiday decor and lights at theme parks and other attractions. Here are 20-plus festive events around the state that are worthy of a November getaway.
Through Nov. 2: Dia de los Muertos Festival, Los Angeles and Oxnard
The annual Day of the Dead remembrance for departed ancestors—rooted in pre-Columbian Mayan and Aztec traditions—gets several nights’ observance along Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Come each evening (festivities run from Oct. 25–Nov. 2) for the processions, blessings, dances, treats, and face-painting.
The Central Coast town of Oxnard hosts its own Dia de los Muertos observances. From Nov. 1–3, visit the giant altar—adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and candles—on the steps of the town’s Carnegie Arts Museum and at The Collection at Riverpark. On Nov. 2, soak up the decor, music, and Mexican and Filipino cuisine at Dia de los Muertos at Oxnard Performing Arts Center.
Oct. 31–Nov. 2: Big Sur Food & Wine Festival, Big Sur
Feast on local food and wine against the backdrop of Monterey County’s breathtaking scenery at this weekend event in Big Sur. Buy individual tickets for festivities such as the Pinot Walkabout at the Post Ranch Inn; the barbecue-themed Wine & Swine at the Henry Miller Library; and a Magical Mystery Tour to locations that most Big Sur visitors don’t usually get to see.
Oct. 31–Nov. 3: Palm Springs Pride, Greater Palm Springs
While most cities hold their annual pride events in the summer, the Palm Springs area celebrates in November, just as the desert’s high season begins. This year’s festivities include a parade, a street festival, and a 5K.
Nov. 1–2: Breeders’ Cup, Del Mar
Watch thoroughbreds race for the richest purse in North America at the Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego County. Local festivities begin Oct. 28 in the village of Del Mar, then the races run Nov. 1–2. Choose from ticket options including reserved grandstand seats, dining packages, and seats on the track’s infield area known as The Beach.
Nov. 2: Ventura County Farm Day, Camarillo
Explore the bounty of Ventura County through a variety of farm tours and other ag-themed activities in Oxnard, Camarillo, and other nearby towns. Take a tractor ride at Prancer’s Farm, check out strawberry harvesting at Good Farms, or hobnob with alpacas at Windy Hill. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of agricultural-themed murals in the Heritage Valley community of Santa Paula.
Nov. 2: Madera Pomegranate, Fruit, and Nut Festival, Madera
Winter’s pomegranates are ripening in farm-rich Madera County, and this annual festival near Yosemite National Park also highlights local almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. Taste fruits and nuts, watch cooking demos, and check out the weekend’s other diversions: a muay Thai boxing competition, the cosplay-welcome Ohana Comic Con, and celebrity guest and Fresno native Miranda Rae Mayo, star of Chicago Hope.
Nov. 2: People Fan Fest, Los Angeles
Not ready for jingle bells yet? Extend your Halloween season at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Come for autograph sessions, photo ops, and Q&A sessions with horror film and television stars such as Ian Somerhalder, star of Vampire Diaries.
Nov. 2: Harvest on the Coast, San Luis Obispo
Sample wines from about two dozen San Luis Obispo County wineries that use grapes grown in the SLO Coast AVA, while enjoying the scenery at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach. To take it up a notch, book a spot at the event’s VIP Sparkling Wine Lounge, featuring bubblies and Stepladder Creamery cheeses.
Nov. 2–3: Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival, Ridgecrest
The high desert town of Ridgecrest has one of the world’s best collections of ancient rock drawings, which are only accessible by tour. They’re also the centerpiece of this annual festival held during Native American Heritage Month. The celebration includes a street fair, live Native American music and dance, and tours of the Coso Petroglyphs, some of which date back 10,000 years.
For more ways to observe the month, check out these points of interest on Native California tribal lands, such as outdoor adventures, Native American resorts, and Native American festivals, including the LA Skins Fest film festival (Nov. 19–24) held at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre.
Nov. 2–3: Spartan Race, San Luis Obispo
Challenge yourself to a Spartan Race—which boasts of being the world's largest obstacle-course race—at Santa Margarita Ranch in San Luis Obispo. Choose from different lengths (up to a 50K) and different amounts of obstacles: they all involve plenty of grapevine scenery and 3,000 ft. in elevation gain. Since this event is a Trifecta Weekend, you have a chance to complete three races (Sprint 5K, Super 10K, and Beast 21K) and qualify for the 2024 Trifecta World Championship in Sparta, Greece.
Nov. 2–10: San Diego Bay Food+Wine Festival, San Diego
The annual food festival set on the San Diego waterfront offers plenty of local flavor by way of Golden State chefs and sommeliers as well as regional ingredients. The lineup of activities includes the Grand Decant (Nov. 8), a limited-release tasting of award-winning wines and spirits hosted by the James Beard Foundation; the VIP section features Charlotte Randolph, the inaugural Michelin Sommelier of the Year and co-owner of San Francisco’s two-star Californios.
On Nov. 9, the Grand Tasting showcases more than 200 domestic and international wines and food from 80-plus West Coast and Baja chefs, culminating in the “Chef of the Fest Competition.” Stick around for the finale on Nov. 10: the Grand Fiesta at Liberty Station celebrates Latin American influences on SoCal cuisine, including the crowd-pleasing Taco TKO competition. The weekend’s standalone events include more tasting events in neighborhoods such as North Park and Little Italy.
Nov. 3: De Portola Wine Trail Harvest Festival, Temecula Valley
Experience Temecula Valley’s wine region by sipping your way along the 5-mile De Portola Wine Trail. Your ticket to this one-day festival grants you tastings paired with winery cuisine at a selection of 11 wineries including Robert Renzoni Winery, Somerset Vineyard & Winery, and Leoness Cellars.
Nov. 6: Festival Napa Valley Presents Boyd Meets Girl, Napa
See and hear the renowned duo—comprised of American cellist Laura Metcalf and Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd—playing pieces that range from Bach and Debussy to Radiohead and Beyoncé. The concert, held at the 12-acre Sleeping Giant Winery, is part of Festival Napa Valley’s Olivia Decker Power of Music series and includes both small plates and plenty of wine.
Through Nov. 17: Harvest Festival Mendocino, Mendocino
In Mendocino County, autumn harvest season means lots of mushrooms—ideally paired with local wine and beer. This food-forward festival, which kicks off Oct. 25, features an array of events including a Mushroom, Wine, & Whiskey Train excursion on the Skunk Train (Nov. 2) and the Mendocino Mushroom Club’s Fungi Festival (Nov. 16–17).
Through Nov. 22: Boardwalk Bites & Brews, Santa Cruz
Autumn along Santa Cruz’s Beach Boardwalk brings plenty of foodie fun, including this weekly event (Thursdays and Fridays) near the amusement park’s Neptune’s Kingdom. Each week offers a different stye of cuisine (such as American comfort food, street food, and “Almost Turkey Time”) paired with Bay Area craft beers and live music.
Nov. 8–17: Eat Drink SF, San Francisco
Take advantage of prix fixe pricing, ticketed events, and special menus at restaurants all over San Francisco during this 10-day restaurant week. Keep tabs on the event site for the list of participating restaurants, and consider going to the kickoff cocktail party at China Live or the closing brunch at Wayfare Tavern.
Nov. 9–10: Palm Desert Choreography Festival, Palm Desert
First held in 1998, this annual dance festival in Palm Desert offers compelling performances and, for competitors, prize money up to $10,000. Watch original dances and see the Emmy Award–winning choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo—also known as “Nappytabs”—receive the lifetime achievement award.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles
This cemetery in Hollywood Hills is known in part for its share of movie-star graves, but it’s also the site of a stirring annual Veterans Day observance. This year’s commemoration, held outside the Hall of Liberty, will feature patriotic music by the Los Angeles Police Concert Band, a military flyover by the Condor Squadron, a color guard, a wreath laying, and family-friendly activities.
In Tehachapi, the local observance includes a parade, live reenactments, authentic military vehicles, and a kids’ bootcamp course, with dog-tag medals awarded to kids who complete it.
Starts Nov. 15: Holiday season at the theme parks
California theme parks start decking their halls, fa-la-la’ing, and putting out the holiday treats this month. Start with the much-anticipated candy canes and holiday cheer at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim (Nov. 15–Jan. 6) and the evening snowfalls at Knott's Merry Farm (Nov. 22–Jan. 5) in Buena Park.
In Los Angeles County, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and holiday fun within Super Nintendo World (Nov. 29–Jan. 6), and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita holds its Six Flags Holiday in the Park (Nov. 28–Dec. 29). In the Bay Area, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo has its own Holiday in the Park event (Nov. 29–Jan.. 5), while California’s Great America in Santa Clara does Winterfest (Nov. 29–Dec. 31). In Gilroy, North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens celebrates the season with ice skating, meet-and-greets with Santa, and a tunnel of lights.
The three theme parks in San Diego County throw their own parties: SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (Nov. 15–Jan. 5), A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place San Diego (Nov. 15–Jan. 5), and Holidays at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad (Nov. 23–Jan. 5).
Begins Nov. 15: Opening days at California ski resorts
Many of the Golden State’s ski resorts open this month, often accompanied by first-day live music and other festivities. Mammoth Mountain opens on Nov. 15, followed by Heavenly (Nov. 22), Northstar (Nov. 22), Palisades Tahoe (Nov. 27), and Kirkwood (Dec. 6). Big Bear Mountain Resort’s opening day is TBD as of press time.
Begins Nov. 15: Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
Take an evening walk through Encinitas’ 37-acre garden, adorned with more than 1 million lights for the holiday season. The 1-mile path winds through different twinkling areas, including brand-new installations from international artists and returning favorites such as the Winter Cathedral and California Poppies. The trail includes stops to roast marshmallows and drink hot cocoa. Runs through Jan. 5.
Nov. 15–16: Goat Hill Fair, Watsonville
Kick off your holiday shopping at this unique fair in the Santa Cruz area featuring more than 100 juried vendors offering antiques, vintage pieces, and “clever, upcycled junk.” The secondhand specialties are all paired with artisan food at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds. Only 20 percent of any vendor’s merchandise can be new or non-upcycled crafts, making this gathering a treasure trove for artfully repurposed pieces.
Nov. 16: 152nd Anniversary Celebration of the Pigeon Point Light Station, Pescadero
Explore this 1872 gem—which doesn’t look a day over 150—that happens to be one of the biggest lighthouses in the state: It stands 115 feet tall on a cliff about 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Take tours of the tower base, enjoy live music and native plant sales, and watch the illumination of the lighthouse’s original first-order Fresnel lens.
Nov. 16: Anniversary Party at The Hive, Woodland
Sample honey and mead the way you would wine or olive oil at this Yolo County tasting room by the folks from Z Specialty Food. The longtime family business in Woodland makes its own honey but also distributes honey and mead from all over the nation. The party features live music, tours of the honey-making operation, holiday shopping opportunities, and lots of honey and mead tastings. You can hear from The Hive’s very own Queen Bee, Amina Harris, on the California Now Podcast.
Begins Nov. 16: Holidays at Filoli, Woodside
Take a holiday stroll at this 1917 country estate in San Mateo County: The 54,000-square-foot house is decked out with 14 Christmas trees and thousands of ornaments while the 16-acre garden twinkles with 28 miles’ worth of lights. Check the events page to plan your trip around teas or piano concerts—and consider booking a firepit table for a full evening of holiday cheer. Runs through Jan. 12.
Begins Nov. 22: Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy, Laguna Beach
When this Laguna Beach arts festival started in the 1960s, organizers scattered sawdust at its location along the Pacific Coast Highway to keep dust from kicking up on the art. Today, the twice-yearly festival has moved off the PCH but the name and plucky spirit remains. The winter session is a great time to pick up cool holiday pieces, see marionette shows, take free art and pottery classes, and greet Santa. Runs through Dec. 22.
Begins Nov. 22: Redding Garden of Lights, Redding
At Redding’s famed Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 10 acres of the McConnell Botanical Gardens are lined with illuminated pathways and dotted with wildlife- and nature-themed displays. Stop along the route for the hot cocoa stands and firepits for s’mores. Open select days, typically Wednesdays through Sundays, through Jan. 5.
Begins Nov. 22: Après Village and Skating at Four Seasons Silicon Valley, East Palo Alto
Stay at this Four Seasons on the San Francisco Peninsula for a luxe winter experience without the snow drifts. Skate on the outdoor skating rink on weekend evenings, take selfies on the winter sleigh with a snow globe backdrop, and sample the offerings of a food truck with a menu inspired by après-ski cuisine from Italy. Runs on select dates through Jan. 7.
Nov. 22–24: Mountain Mandarin Festival, Roseville
Kick off citrus season in Placer County, an area rich with Satsuma Mountain mandarin trees. Besides buying bags of the oranges at the festival, you can enjoy plenty of mandarin-infused cuisine and see who wins the recipe contests.
November is also a good time to explore local art during the Annual Placer Artists Tour (select dates from Nov. 8–17). The open house–style festival is spread over a variety of Gold Country towns, including Colfax and Auburn, with plenty of easy stops at wineries and cheese shops along the way.
Begins Nov. 23: Mission Inn Festival of Lights, Riverside
Riverside’s grand dame Mission Inn Hotel & Spa will flip the switch for its annual holiday extravaganza a little early this year (it usually happens the day after Thanksgiving). Enjoy the extra time to stroll the grounds to see 5 million lights, along with 200 animated figures, decorated trees, and the world’s largest mistletoe. Runs through Jan. 6.
Begins Nov. 23: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Daly City
Turn your holiday shopping into a party at this annual event in the San Francisco Peninsula town of Daly City. During five weekends, the Cow Palace venue is filled with music and strolling costumed performers as well as pubs, dance floors, and shops offering handmade gifts. Runs through Dec. 22.
Begins Nov. 24: Illuminate SF Festival of Light, San Francisco
For holiday-lights superfans, it’s hard to beat this collection of 40-plus light installations across San Francisco, stretching from the Castro to Yerba Buena. Some of the installations are just for the holiday season (running through Jan. 31), but most run year-round.
Nov. 28: 2024 Dana Point Turkey Trot, Dana Point
Do a preemptive strike on holiday calories at this classic turkey trot in Dana Point—now in its 47th year—with views of the harbor and the ocean along the route. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or Kids' 1-Mile Gobble Wobble.
Having your Thanksgiving feast in another part of state? Just a few of the Golden State turkey trot options include Oceanside, Napa Valley, Santa Rosa, Torrance, Davis, and Big Bear Lake. Tehachapi does their Turkey Trot a little early (Nov. 16) and awards every finisher with a cup of hot cocoa.