Fun Things to Do in Boston in November

Top 10 Boston activities for November

Looking for fun things to do in Boston in November? 

Winter fun begins this month as the weather grows colder, the days become shorter, and holiday lights start to sparkle all over the city.  

So if you're wondering what to do in Boston in November, here are my recommendations for 10 fun activities that take advantage of all crisp fall days, cozy evenings, and perhaps even the first real snowfall.

10 fun things to do in Boston in November

1. Enjoy the last bits of gorgeous fall foliage

Outside of the city, fall foliage is way beyond peak.  But fortunately for foliage lovers, Boston's slightly warmer microclimate means that you'll usually still find color within the city during the first week or 2 of the month. 

So stroll through some of Boston's parks and enjoy the last sight of crimson, gold, and even russet brown while leaves still linger on the trees.  My recommendations: 

• Boston Public Garden - bring your camera and take spectacular photos of colorful leaves reflecting in the Lagoon; if your children are with you, bring a frisbee.
• Back Bay Fens between the Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods - you'll still find autumn blooms in the Rose Garden and the Victory Gardens, and this is also a top spot for Boston fall foliage.

2.  Be the first on the ice

One of the coolest - literally - things to do in Boston in November is to go ice skating as the city's rinks reopen for the season.  Right in Boston Common, Frog Pond opens for skating mid-month and other rinks soon follow.  If you're visiting Boston, don't worry about packing your skates - you can rent them at the rinks.    Details for ice skating in Boston

3.  Watch some fast action on the ice

Get tickets for a Boston Bruins game at TD Garden and watch the real pros spin around the ice for an exciting evening.  The Bruins usually have a couple of home games each week - and on nights when they're not playing in the Garden, the Boston Celtics may be.  The most convenient place to find tickets and schedules is at Ticketmaster.

4.  Explore the Freedom Trail

Crisp fall days of November are an ideal time to explore the red brick Freedom Trail, Boston's walk through history.  Pick a spot along the way to linger for a meal, such as historic Union Oyster House or the tempting Food Hall at Quincy Market. 

5.  Tour Boston by bike - or just go for a ride

A fun thing to do in Boston in November before snow and ice cover the ground is to tour the city by bike.  Or, get a good bike map, rent a bike, and go on a DIY (do it yourself) tour of Boston.  Details about where to find bike tours and rentals.

6.  Make Thanksgiving dinner reservations

Celebrate this favorite American holiday the easy way - let someone else do the cooking!  Boston restaurants put on gala feasts of traditional classics and contemporary favorites.  Make reservations early in the month for a special Boston Thanksgiving meal.

7.  Get a head start on your holiday shopping

If you enjoy shopping, one of the best things to do in Boston in November is to get a head start on finding just the right items for your holiday gift list.  Head to one of the convenient in-town Boston shopping malls, or check out my favorite spots for accomplishing 1-stop holiday shopping in Boston.

8.  Get theater or comedy show tickets

Boston theater productions and comedy clubs are in full swing by November.   A popular Boston activity is having dinner in a Theatre District restaurant and then going to a show.  To get access to half-price theater and comedy club tickets, sign up for Goldstar membership (it's free) to see what's available - plus usually even more half-price tickets get released a week or 2 before showtime.  This is the perfect way to spend a chilly Boston November evening!

9. Go for a campus tour at Harvard

Students are back in class, and with over 60 universities and colleges in Boston and nearby areas, campus tours are in full swing.   One interesting choice is Harvard, which offers free student-led historical walking tours of the Cambridge campus.  You'll see key campus buildings, hear stories about Colonial history and architecture, and get a glimpse of student life behind the ivy-covered walls.  Call 617-495-1573 for the tour schedule. 

Take the Red Line of the Boston subway to Harvard Square in Cambridge, and join your tour.  Afterwards, enjoy lunch in a Harvard Square restaurant.  Try Casablanca (40 Brattle Street) for sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine, student favorite Border Cafe (32 Church Street) for inexpensive Mexican and Cajun fare, or relaxed Grafton Street Pub (1230 Mass Ave) for a beer and burger.

10.  Think ahead to colder days . . . and book a cruise

November's cool days and chilly nights are a not-so-subtle reminder of the colder months ahead.  One of the most cheering things to do in Boston in November is to book a cruise from Boston to warmer climes.  Imagine island-hopping in the sunny Caribbean . . . floating down the Yangtze river amid spectacular scenery . . . lying on the famed pink sand beaches in Bermuda. 

A little pre-planning in November can lead to a very pleasant experience later in the winter!

And if you want to plan ahead, check out:

• Things to do in Boston in December
• Things to do in Boston in January