All the November Holidays to Look Forward To in 2024
As summer fades to fall, the holidays are around the corner, but you might not know there are quite a few November holidays worth celebrating if you’re in the mood for a party. Take a break from planning all your Thanksgiving food ideas and party décor and enjoy some casual gatherings with friends or maybe even some free or discounted food items on one of the oddly specific November holidays like National Donut Day… Looking at you, Krispy Kreme.
From silly food-focused November holidays to historic days of remembrance and thanks, there’s a whole lot to celebrate in the days between Halloween and Christmas. Some of these holidays are a little wacky to say the least, which might leave you wondering where they came from in the first place. Donut Day is always popular, marked by social media hashtags and chains like Dunkin’ Donuts giving away free breakfast pastries, but the history of the day started in 1938 as a Salvation Army fundraiser, according to Observer.
There isn’t enough time or space to go into the backstory of each and every funny November holiday, but a brief introduction to some of the more exciting ones is a good way to get you in the celebratory mood with holiday party ideas on your mind. Whether you want to know how many federal holidays there are in November so you can mark your calendars and plan for vacations, or just looking to celebrate the little things, these November holidays and festivals range from little, silly things to causes worth remembering.
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- National Holidays in November in the US
- Other Significant Days in November
- International Holidays in November
- November Festivals and Observances
National Holidays in November in the US
Veteran’s Day, November 11
This November holiday is all about honoring and remembering the soldiers who have served their country in war so that their fellow Americans can enjoy freedom, safety and security.
Thanksgiving, the Third Thursday in November
While the date might change each year, Thanksgiving is one of the most obvious and well-known November holidays, at least in the United States. A day of celebration and thanks, turkey and other goodies are served, often with a side of American Football in the background.
Wondering how many federal holidays there are in November? Two! Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day.
Other Significant Days in November
National Sushi Day, November 1
Spend the day after Halloween enjoying some fresh sushi for National Sushi Day. This is one of those silly November holidays that you don’t mind celebrating.
National Deviled Eggs Day, November 2
One of (too) many food-related November holidays, how about an entire day dedicated to deviled eggs? Hey, they make one heck of a Thanksgiving side dish or appetizer.
National Sandwich Day, November 3
This November holiday might be entirely made up by the sandwich industry, but it’s a great excuse to visit your local Jimmy John’s, Jersey Mike’s or Subway and see if they’re offering any deals.
National Donut Day, November 5
Somehow there ends up being more than one national donut day each year, but it’s specifically a November holiday. Celebrate big or small, and check your local bakery for free donuts.
Election Day, November 5
Though not technically an official November holiday, election day is widely recognized by Americans and sometimes celebrated. Some voting takes place earlier or via mail, but wearing or posting your “I Voted!” sticker around town gives a sense of accomplishment. Some people throw small parties, too.
Black Friday
Even for those who don’t do much for Thanksgiving, millions of people celebrate or at least take advantage of this November holiday. Black Friday, along with Cyber Monday, is supposed to be about huge sales and low prices for holiday shopping.
World Pickle Day, November 14
Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, this November holiday is here to stay. Enjoy a crunchy, briney pickle with friends.
International Holidays in November
All Saint’s Day, November 1
This November holiday is observed by many Christians all over the world as a day of celebration and remembrance for all the saints who are deemed to have attained heaven by the Catholic church. Other saints have their own day, but this day is about all those who don’t that still are worthy of remembering.
World Vegan Day, November 1
A November holiday fully dedicated to plant-based eating! It remains to be seen how much attention this one really gets, but take the opportunity to enjoy some seasonal roasted root veggies or a big salad.
Samhain, November 1
Right on the tail of All Saint’s Day is another religious November holiday for the Pagan church.
International Merlot Day, November 7
Not exactly sure what the purpose of this November holiday is, but if you’re not a fan of merlot, there are also holidays in November for zinfandel, (17th), soda (19th), espresso (23) and stouts (7th).
World Kindness Day, November 13
Finally, a November holiday we can all get behind – World Kindness Day. This one is pretty obvious to figure out and maybe deserves more than just one day a year.
November Festivals and Observances
End of Dia de Los Muertos, November 2
The Mexican celebration of the dead culminates in a finale, a November holiday of sorts, where people dress up with face paint and parade through the streets in remembrance of their loved ones.
End of Day Light Savings, November 3
Again, this November holiday is not necessarily a cause for celebration, but regions that observe daylight savings will notice the falling back of the clock around the beginning of the month.
National Adoption Month
The entire month is like a November holiday dedicated to families that have utilized adoption in some capacity.
Movember
Maybe not a real November holiday, but many people, especially American men, participate in “Movember” or mustache-november. Typically it’s done as a sign of solidarity and awareness for men’s health issues.
American Diabetes Month
November is also dedicated to awareness and fundraising for Americans living with diabetes, type one and type two. There is also a world diabetes day in November as well.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Coming off the tail of breast cancer awareness month, the entire month is like a November holiday dedicated to awareness around lung cancer, fundraising and recognizing the signs and symptoms.
National Animal Shelter Appreciation
The entire first week of the month is a November holiday dedicated to all the fur babies living in shelters, waiting for their forever homes.
The list could go on forever with November holidays you may or may not have heard of and may or may not have any desire to celebrate. Choosing to celebrate something silly like National Bundt Cake Day or Catfish Day is just a fun way to look for the positive each and every day. While you might be stressing about your Thanksgiving decoration ideas or anything else that comes with hosting Thanksgiving, these days or weeks are a good way to break up what can be a dreary or stressful month.
For fun ways to make the most of your holidays, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
