70 November Bucket List Ideas That it the Coziest Month of All

November always sneaks up quietly, tucked between the rush of fall and the chaos of the holidays. It’s the month to slow down before everything speeds up again. I’ve come to love it for exactly that reason, and a bucket list helps me make the most of it instead of letting it slip by.

These November bucket list ideas celebrate the simple joys that make the month special, from easy seasonal rituals to small adventures that embrace sweater weather and shorter days. Think weekend road trips under fiery leaves, afternoons spent baking something warm, and little traditions that make this cozy stretch of the year feel like its own season.

Thanksgiving Traditions

November is the month of big tables and shared meals. Even if you don’t cook, there’s something about the way everyone slows down to sit together that makes the season memorable. These ideas center around gratitude and, of course, food.

1. Cook a full Thanksgiving meal from scratch.
2. Host a Friendsgiving dinner before the holiday rush.
3. Make a gratitude list and share it at dinner.
4. Volunteer at a food bank in your town.
5. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV.
6. Bake a pumpkin pie and eat it warm.
7. Try deep-frying a turkey safely outside.
8. Make homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned.
9. Break the wishbone and make a wish.
10. Write down 5 things you’re thankful for each week.
11. Decorate with gourds and mums before winter holidays.

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Outdoor Fall Adventures

November’s crisp air makes it the last call before true winter kicks in. The leaves are finishing their show, and hiking or walking feels especially refreshing this time of year. These ideas keep you outside just a little longer.

12. Take a fall hike before the snow arrives.
13. Go for a morning walk in the frost.
14. Take a scenic drive to see late foliage.
15. Rake leaves into a pile for the kids.
16. Have a bonfire night with blankets and snacks.
17. Take a bike ride bundled up in layers.
18. Visit a state park with fewer crowds.
19. Go fishing one last time before winter.

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November Foods Worth Cooking

If October is for candy, November belongs to slow food that warms you up. Kitchens come alive with pies, stews, and roasts, and everyone seems to eat just a little more.

20. Bake pecan pie with fresh whipped cream.
21. Make sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.
22. Simmer a pot of chili all afternoon.
23. Cook cornbread muffins for dinner.
24. Make roasted root vegetables until caramelized.
25. Bake cinnamon rolls on a cold morning.
26. Cook chicken pot pie for a weekday meal.
27. Make pumpkin bread with chocolate chips.
28. Try homemade mac and cheese with breadcrumbs.
29. Roast a chicken and use leftovers for soup.
30. Drink hot cocoa by the fireplace after work.
31. Bake homemade bread and eat it fresh.
32. Burn cinnamon or clove candles around the house.
33. Make mulled wine or cider with spices.

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Seasonal Creative Projects

The shorter days open up more time indoors, and November’s quiet mood makes it ideal for creative projects. From crafts to journaling, these activities give you something tangible to hold onto when the month is over.

34. DIY leaf garlands for decorations.
35. Wear flannel shirts on repeat.
36. Make homemade candles with autumn scents.
37. Press leaves in books for art projects.
38. Paint a fall scene even if you’re not an artist.
39. Bake decorated sugar cookies shaped like leaves.
40. Make homemade soap with seasonal scents.
41. Start learning calligraphy for holiday cards.
42. Try a new bread recipe like focaccia.
43. Collect acorns for decorations.
44. Try knitting or crocheting a scarf.

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Events and Gatherings

November is when people come together at games, dinners, and neighborhood events. Even if you’re not a sports fan or a party person, these outings keep the season lively.

45. Watch a football game in person.
46. Host a football Sunday party at home.
47. Go tailgating with friends.
48. Attend a local craft fair before the holidays.
49. Join a turkey trot run on Thanksgiving morning.
50. Check out local theater shows in November.
51. Visit a fall festival in your town.
52. Go to a chili cook-off event.

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Preparing for the Holidays

November is the bridge between autumn and the holidays. It’s the month to prep without rushing, to shop early, decorate slowly, and set the tone for December. These ideas help you enjoy the transition.

53. Put up outdoor holiday lights before it’s too cold.
54. Make your holiday shopping list early.
55. Start holiday gift wrapping with festive paper.
56. Bake a test batch of Christmas cookies.
57. Plan your holiday budget before December.
58. Order holiday cards in advance.
59. Decorate a small tree to ease into the season.
60. Try making homemade ornaments.

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Travel and Seasonal Destinations

November is an underrated travel month. Fewer crowds and off-season prices make it a good time for road trips or city weekends. These ideas make the most of that sweet spot before December gets hectic.

61. Take a road trip through New England before the last leaves fall.
62. Visit Washington, D.C. for crisp walks on the Mall.
63. Spend a weekend in Chicago before winter sets in.
64. Visit Napa Valley after grape harvest.
65. See New York City in November before holiday madness.
66. Stay in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains.
67. Travel to Germany for early Christmas markets.
68. Go to Quebec City for cozy cobblestones.
69. Spend a weekend in Portland, Oregon for food and beer.
70. Visit Santa Fe for its fall festivals.