November

America’s Hometown Thanksgiving in Plymouth

November is a transition month. Early in the month, you may still find pockets of autumn color. By the end, holiday lights begin to appear in parks and shopping districts. Temperatures fall, but many clear, crisp days remain that are perfect for walking.

Plymouth, roughly an hour south of Boston, hosts America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration, which combines a parade, historical reenactments, concerts and markets over the course of a weekend. The event embraces Plymouth’s role in the story of early English settlement and the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday. Visitors can watch costumed participants, heritage groups and floats progress along the waterfront, then explore harbor sites such as Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower replica before or after the main events.

In Boston, Thanksgiving weekend usually marks the beginning of Boston Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at the Citizens Bank Opera House. The combination of Tchaikovsky’s music, detailed sets and a historic theater creates a strong sense of occasion for families and visitors of all ages. Many Bostonians treat seeing The Nutcracker as an annual ritual, and performances often sell out, especially on weekends and during matinees.

As evenings grow darker earlier, you can take advantage of tree lighting ceremonies in Boston Common and Copley Square, as well as early holiday displays around downtown. Restaurants and bars feel festive before the peak of December, and hotel rates are often lower between early November and Thanksgiving than during summer and October foliage periods.

ExploreBoston.com tips for November

• Check our Plymouth and South Shore section for advice on reaching America’s Hometown Thanksgiving events by car or public transit, and on pairing the celebration with visits to Plimoth Patuxet Museums or nearby coastal walks.
• Use the ExploreBoston.com Theater District and Downtown dining guide to plan a meal around The Nutcracker, and review our family friendly restaurant suggestions within a short walk of the Opera House.
• Follow our early holiday lights walking route, which links Boston Common, the Public Garden and Copley Square so you can enjoy seasonal decor without December level crowds.