November in Central Mass isn't always the most talked about month. The leaves are down, the apple picking is over, and it's easy to just hunker down until the holidays.
But some of my favorite family outings happen this month. The trails are quiet, the crowds are gone, and there's a surprising amount going on for kids before winter really sets in.
As a mom of two little ones who grew up right here, I put together this list so you don't have to dig through a dozen websites. Every event below is family friendly, listed in date order, with a link so you can double check details before you head out.
A few quick tips before you go 🍂
Double check before you drive. Times and prices can change, so click the link for each event the day before.
Dress in layers. November mornings can be in the 30s and afternoons can feel like fall again.
Watch for sunset. It gets dark before 4:30 PM after the clocks change on November 1, so plan outdoor stops for the morning.
Look for free days. Several spots below are free or have kids under a certain age in free.
Book holiday shows early. Things like The Nutcracker and the light shows tend to sell out on weekends.
November 2026 family events:
All month long
Gnomevember at New England Botanic Garden (Boylston)
November 1 to 30, daily, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Hunt for 40 hidden gnomes made by local artists. Included with garden admission.
Sunday, November 1
Free Day: Diwali Celebration at Worcester Art Museum (Worcester)
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, free
Indian dance, music, food, and art for the Festival of Lights.
Autumn Adventures Weekend at the EcoTarium (Worcester)
October 31 and November 1, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ghostly bubbles, a Glow Zone, and pumpkin science. Costumes welcome.
BooFest at Wachusett Mountain (Princeton)
October 31 and November 1, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Great Jack O'Lantern Journey at Southwick's Zoo (Mendon)
Final night, evening hours
Kids 2 and under free.
Jack O'Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, RI)
Final night, evening hours
Weekly Fall Festival at Stowe Farm (Millbury)
Saturdays and Sundays through November 8, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday, November 4
Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour at the DCU Center (Worcester)
7:00 PM
Live music from Descendants, ZOMBIES, and Camp Rock.
Saturday, November 7
Harvest Fair and Flea Market at First Congregational Church (Shrewsbury)
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, free
Museums on Us at the EcoTarium (Worcester)
November 7 and 8, during museum hours
Free admission for Bank of America cardholders.
Fall Food Truck Fest at Wachusett Mountain (Princeton)
November 7 and 8, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Kids 5 and under free. Live music at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Fiber Festival of New England at the Big E (West Springfield)
November 7 and 8. Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Kids 12 and under free. Confirm hours on their site.
Sunday, November 8
Cinderella at The Center at Eagle Hill (Hardwick)
2:00 PM
A silly, kid friendly panto show. Students $15.
Run4Veterans 5K Road Race and Walk at Polar Park (Worcester)
Starts at 10:00 AM
Kids $25, veterans free.
Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience at Franklin Park Zoo (Boston)
Final night, 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, November 14
Family Fun Day at Animal Adventures (Hubbardston)
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, $16
Live animal shows, face painting, crafts, and photos with a kangaroo.
Enchanted Forest Winter Faire at Wildwood Acres (West Brookfield)
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, free
A wintery Renaissance faire where kids are the stars.
Journey to Space Exhibit Opening at the EcoTarium (Worcester)
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Holy Cross Football vs. Villanova (Worcester)
12:00 PM
Holiday Artisan Fair and Market at Bolton Spring Farm (Bolton)
November 14 and 15. Hours not posted yet. Cash only, ATM on site.
Sunday, November 15
Cookies and Tea with Clara from The Nutcracker at The Hanover Theatre (Worcester)
Seatings at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:30 PM
Tuesday, November 17
Rainbow Family Fun at Worcester Public Library, Salem Square (Worcester)
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Crafts and snacks for LGBTQIA+ families and allies with kids 12 and under.
Wednesday, November 18
Family Making: Vintage Coin Jewelry at Worcester Center for Crafts (Worcester)
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
$200 for one adult and one child. Best for older kids.
Saturday, November 21
Night Lights: Fantastical Forest at New England Botanic Garden (Boylston)
Opens tonight and runs through January 3, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
$12 to $29.
Holy Cross Football vs. Fordham (Worcester)
12:00 PM, last regular season game
Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner at Charlton City United Methodist Church (Charlton)
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Adults $15, kids under 6 free, $50 max per family.
Thanksgiving Harvest Festival at Red Apple Farm (Phillipston)
November 21 and 22. Check their site for hours.
Eastham Turnip Festival (Eastham, worth the drive)
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Greylock Holiday Market at Greylock Works (North Adams, worth the drive)
2026 hours not posted yet. Check Greylock Works closer to the date.
Friday, November 27
The Nutcracker at The Hanover Theatre (Worcester)
November 27 and 28 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, November 29 at 1:00 PM
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge)
Opens November 27 to 29, then select weekends in December. Evening hours.
Meet Santa, carryall rides, music, and cocoa.
Island of Misfit Animals at Animal Adventures (Bolton)
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 27, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Live animal programs at 6:30 PM. Some nights sell out.
Holiday Festival of Crafts at Worcester Center for Crafts (Worcester)
November 27 to 29, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, $5
Saturday, November 28
Sprouts Kids Club at American Flatbread (Worcester)
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, free
A monthly kids club with food, crafts, and play.
2nd Annual Artisan and Craft Fair at the Barn at Blackstone National (Sutton)
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, free
Weekly standbys for little ones
No big event on your free day? These run every week in November.
Story Hour at Animal Adventures (Hubbardston)
Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, $10
Toddler Time at Launch (Leominster)
Fridays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, for kids 5 and under with a grown up
Thinking about putting down roots here?
One of my favorite parts of this job is helping families find a town that fits the way they actually live. Close to the trails, near a good library, an easy drive to the farm stands.
If you're curious which Central Mass towns make sense for your budget, or you want to know about first time buyer programs, I'm always happy to talk it through. No pressure, just answers.
Annie Oakman
📞 508-365-7036
Event details come from Discover Central Massachusetts and each event's own website. Please confirm times before heading out.
