Things to Do in Connecticut in November

November in Connecticut may not get as much attention as the peak of fall foliage or glistening sparkle of December – but that is what makes it so special. The air is crisp, the weekends start to feel cozier and slower before the holiday rush. Whether you’re craving cozy indoor plans or one last outdoor adventure before winter, here are some of the best things to do in Connecticut in November.

Things to Do in Connecticut in November (before the holiday rush)

November in Connecticut is cozy, calm, and full of hidden gems. It’s the perfect month to savor the slower pace before the holidays arrive — to explore, taste, and make memories that feel simple and seasonal.

So grab your favorite sweater, pack the family in the car, and fall in love with Connecticut all over again this November.

Visit a Connecticut farm for cider, Thanksgiving pies, or last minute fall fun

Did you know you can still go apple picking in November? Many Connecticut orchards stay open throughout the month for apple cider, homemade pies, local produce, and even pumpkins. One of our favorite farms sells Christmas trees this time of year — once the last tree is gone, they close until spring!

Here are some great Connecticut farms to visit in November:

• Lyman Orchards (Middlefield) – You can still pick your own apples to bake a Thanksgiving pie or stop by the Apple Barrel for one of Lyman’s homemade pies. Don’t skip on their cider donuts or locally sourced cheeses.
• Blue Hills Orchard (Wallingford) – We may be biased but Blue Hills has the best cider (and sparkling cider) around! Their sugar and cinnamon cider donut holes are tasty – and don’t miss out on their local flavored honey sticks (family favorite).
• Bishop’s Orchards (Guilford) – Whether you stop by for fresh local produce or pop into the Little Red Bar(n) for a drink, there is a lot to enjoy at Bishop’s. I just learned you can pre-order a cider brined Turkey or a full Thanksgiving meal too. We are planning a visit to Bishop’s Orchard asap after the Dad of one of Arbor’s preschool classmates is a cider maker!
• Hickory Hill Orchard (Cheshire) – Even after the harvest, the farm market is full of Connecticut-made treats, goodies, and gifts. New owners brought Hickory Hill Orchard back to life this fall and they are doing wonderful things!

Shop at a Connecticut Holiday Market

It’s not too early to shop for the holidays – especially if you’re buying a gift for a Thanksgiving hostess. November is full of festive markets across Connecticut:

1. Hamden: Holly Berry Festival returns for its 47th year November 21-22, 2025 at Sacred Heart Academy.
2. Guilford: Holiday Expo – Nov. 14-Jan. 11, 2026
3. New Haven: Flights of Fancy – Nov. 20 – a premier shopping, wine and food crawl
4. Hartford: Glow Hartford – Nov. 21-Dec. 23 – we can’t wait to go for the first time opening weekend!
5. Wallingford: Indoor Winter Market – Nov 16 – Dec 21st – Yellow King Brews

More Things to Do Outdoors in Connecticut during November

Connecticut still has plenty of fresh-air activities before the true cold sets in:

1. Enjoy Local Art – Check out one of Connecticut’s many Instagram-worthy murals. They make for a fun weekday adventure or a quick after-school outing with kids.
2. Sign up for a turkey trot – Even if you don’t love running (same!), turkey trots can be a fun way to kick off Thanksgiving morning. Many towns host their own, like my town’s Kiwanis Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving. Look here for a turkey trot near you.
3. Stop by this West Simsbury Petting Zoo or buy tickets to cuddle Barn Babies in Southington. Bradley Mountain also has Goat Yoga and Goat Strolls.

November in Connecticut is a quiet kind of magic — cozy mornings, slower weekends, and small adventures that feel extra meaningful before the holiday rush. Whether you’re sampling fresh cider, wandering through a market, or taking the kids to cuddle baby goats, there’s something comforting about this in-between season.