It’s stick season here on the North Shore, but there’s still no shortage of ways to spend your time (even though they’re mostly indoors). And believe it or not, it’s almost time to welcome in the holiday season, which is why you’ll find plenty of holiday markets and festivals kicking off in November. Also on the docket for this November: concerts, art sales, and Veteran’s Day events. Read on for a few of our favorite things to do north of Boston this November, and don’t get stuck inside as the weather cools down.
Appleton Farms Harvest Market
Nov. 1
An event that’s free and open to the public: Appleton Farms’ Harvest Market on Saturday, Nov. 1. The market, running from noon to 4 p.m., features a bunch of Appleton Farms’ own organic produce, along with specialty food items and gifts from other local artisans, makers, and food producers. Expect plenty of ready-to-eat sweet and savory treats to keep you fueled while shopping.
thetrustees.org/place/appleton-farms
Crane Estate Art Sale
Nov. 7–9
The 22nd Annual Crane Estate Art Show & Sale returns this November, kicking off on Nov. 7 with a preview soiree at Castle Hill – this years’ theme is Passion. Featuring live music, passed hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and two floors of artwork plus the artists, the night gives guests a chance to see the art show’s works before the general public does—and they’ll even refund your ticket price if you purchase art totaling $1,000 that night. The art show continues Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is free.
thetrustees.org/place/castle-hill-on-the-crane-estate
Renaissance Faire Day at the Hammond Castle Museum
Nov. 8
This November, Gloucester’s Hammond Castle Museum hosts a family-friendly Renaissance Faire Day, bringing all things medieval to the museum and grounds on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can expect live music, food trucks, and cultural performances like armored combat demonstrations. Parking is free at Stage Fort Park, which will have shuttles running continuously throughout the day, and while a full price ticket is $35, children 5 to 12 are $10, and children 4 and under attend for free but do require a reserved ticket.
Honoring Heroes: A Veteran’s Day Celebration
Nov. 11
Join the Wenham Museum this Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, as they open their doors for a special day of remembrance and appreciation. Though the museum is usually closed on Tuesdays, this Veterans Day we’ll be open to honor those who have served with meaningful, family-friendly programming throughout the day. Explore exhibits highlighting military history, take part in family-friendly activities for all ages, and reflect on stories of service and sacrifice. Free admisson for veterans and active military families.
wenhammuseum.org/event/honoring-heroes-a-veterans-day-celebration
ZooLights at the Stone Zoo
Nov. 14–Jan. 4
ZooLights returns to the Stone Zoo in Stoneham this holiday season, kicking off on Friday, Nov. 14. The event, which runs through Jan. 4, turns the zoo into a winter wonderland every evening after sundown. The zoo’s Yukon Creek gets all dressed up for the holidays, highlighting the festive black bears and reindeer. You’ll find twinkling light displays and paths lined with lit-up trees throughout the zoo’s 26 acres. Find ticket and timing information on the Stone Zoo’s site as the event approaches.
North Shore’s Health & Wellness Expo
Nov. 15
Held at the Topsfield Fairgrounds the Health and Wellness Expo is not just an expo, but a full-sensory experience for mind, body, and spirit. Explore a dynamic variety of health and wellness exhibitors, engage with interactive workshops, and enjoy live demonstrations designed to empower and educate. Relax and recharge in the calming Zen Zone, unleash your creativity in the Art Experience, and connect with intuitive guidance from gifted psychic readers offering insight and inspiration. Sample and shop from a delicious selection of health-conscious food options, perfect for nourishing your body as you explore.
Joshua Redman at Shalin Liu Performance Center
Nov. 15
Saxophonist Joshua Redman brings his latest project, Words Fall Short, to the stage with a powerhouse quartet featuring Paul Cornish, Philip Norris, and Nazir Ebo. Blending lyrical originals with dynamic improvisation, the ensemble delivers music full of nuance, spontaneity, and emotional depth—showcasing Redman’s hallmark blend of virtuosity and humanity. For tickets.
Indoor Thanksgiving Market
Nov. 23
The outdoor markets may be done for the season but the Swampscott Farmers Market will have one last indoor Thanksgiving Market on November 23 at Swampscott High School Cafe from 10am-1pm. Stock up with fresh produce for your Thanksgiving table and get your holiday shopping started early with their crafters.
SeaFestival of Trees at Salisbury Beach
Nov. 22–Dec. 7
The SeaFestival of Trees fundraiser returns to Salisbury Beach for the holiday season. Held at Blue Ocean Event Center, the event features dozens of beautifully decorated trees donated by local businesses, indoor ice skating, visits from Santa and other characters, and a toy testing station. Open to the public on weekends from Nov. 22 through Dec. 7, the yearly festival raises fund to support the Salisbury Beach Partnership and the Salisbury Beach Historic Carousel.
Feaster Five Road Race
Nov. 27
The 38th Annual Feaster Five Road Race – the largest Thanksgiving Day Road Race in Massachusetts – will be held in Andover on Turkey Day. This is a family friendly event with a 5 mile race, 5K run/walk and a kids fun run. Will you run for pie? Feaster Five finishers take home a Table Talk Apple Pie, while supplies last.
Holiday Artists’ Market
Nov. 29
The Salem Arts Association will hold their Holiday Artists’ Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, at Salem Old Town Hall. The event features 50 local artisan vendors, live music, holiday wreaths sold by Salem Boy Scouts Troop 24, and gift wrapping and a bake sale by the Horace Mann Lab School PTO.
salemarts.org/Holiday-Artists-Market-2025
Newburyport’s Santa Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 30
For more than three decades, Newburyport has rung in the start of the holiday season by welcoming Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive by U.S. Coast Guard boat. Traditionally held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Santa’s arrival is followed by a parade through Newburyport that ends at Market Square, where Santa and community leaders host a tree-lighting ceremony. The day is filled with Christmas carols, hot cocoa, and plenty of family fun.