November starts with fire pits and fall festivals and ends with Santa checking his calendar. Around Ocean County, there’s wine tasting, food-truck fare and a farm full of holiday lights to enjoy before the month is through.

We’re starting close to home, then heading around New Jersey for craft fairs, concerts, festive train rides and a few good reasons to take the scenic route.

November 7–8, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Sampling tickets: $20 advance, $25 at the gate

Give outdoor festival season a proper send-off at Sip in Autumn in Veterans Park. New Jersey wines, food, live music and local vendors make a pleasant recipe for a fall afternoon. Nonsampling admission is free; check the organizer’s tasting and age requirements.

November 7–8 | $15 advance, $20 at the door; ages 20 and younger: free

Pull up near a fire pit and let someone else handle the cooking. Laurita Winery’s fall weekend brings together food trucks, live music, wine and seasonal treats. Advertised extras include vineyard wagon rides and Saturday fireworks. Check the daily schedule before choosing your outing.

Listed season: November 13–January 10, 2027 | Check for confirmed dates and ticket prices

The tulips are glowing, and your garden can take the night off. Holland Ridge Farms’ Winter Wonderland transforms the farm with illuminated flowers, holiday displays and a windmill music-and-light show.

Hot chocolate, food trucks, Santa experiences and fresh-cut tulips add to the festivities. Bring the grandchildren or make it an evening with friends; special attractions and heated cabin rentals may cost extra.

November 21–22 | $15 advance, $20 at the door; ages 20 and younger: free

Ease into Thanksgiving week with food trucks, live music, local vendors and a glass of something Jersey-grown. Laurita’s Give Thanks Festival also advertises seasonal activities and Saturday fireworks.

The weekend supports Lunch Break, which provides food and other essential services to people facing hardship. An afternoon out with a little community spirit on the side.

You don’t have to travel far to fill another weekend. Head into Monmouth County for Beatles memories, restaurant specials, local shopping and the first round of holiday lights.

November 5–8 | Tickets: $50–$300

If you still remember buying Revolver, this weekend has your name on it. Everything Fab Four Fest celebrates the album’s 60th anniversary with concerts, conversations and fresh perspectives on the Beatles. Come ready to reminisce—and perhaps defend your favorite song.

November 6–15 | Three-course menus: $32.26 or $42.26

Your next dinner reservation could come with dessert already accounted for. Jersey Shore Restaurant Week offers special three-course menus at participating restaurants. Browse the lineup, try somewhere new and give your usual dinner routine a night off.

November 6–December 30 | Adults: $24–$28; children: $14–$18

A hayride through Christmas tree fields begins the journey into The Village at Anne Ellen. From there, follow wooded pathways through twinkling displays and holiday scenes. It’s an early opportunity to gather the family before December’s calendar develops a mind of its own.

November 7, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Free admission

Get a head start on gifts at the Monmouth County Park System’s Fall Craft Show at Fort Monmouth Recreation Center. More than 40 artists and crafters offer work ranging from painted glassware and greeting cards to salvaged wood art and doll clothes.

November 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | $3 suggested donation

Calgo Gardens’ Fall Art in the Garden pairs local artwork with a lovely place to wander. Browse paintings, pottery, jewelry and photography, enjoy live music and stop at The Tulip Tree Café. Gift shopping feels considerably less like a chore with a garden and lunch involved.

November 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Free admission

Rest Day No. 1 mixes a local market with a wellness-minded afternoon. Presented by FRESH Markets and The Fort Athletic Club, the event features food, drinks, makers, movement classes, recovery activities and family fun. Browse a little, snack a little and see what appeals.

November 7, noon–5 p.m. | $39–$54; designated drivers: $10

Discover what’s growing—and pouring—around the Garden State at the NJ Wine Expo. The Bell Works Ballroom hosts wineries from across New Jersey, with more than 130 wines to sample and opportunities to meet local winemakers.

November 7, 4–7 p.m.; early face painting begins at 2 p.m. | Free

Asbury Park’s Día de los Muertos celebration honors loved ones through music, art and a colorful oceanfront gathering. The walk travels from Convention Hall along the boardwalk to the historic Casino, with mariachi and singing along the way. Families and pets are welcome.

November 14, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Free admission

Farmers, bakers, makers and artisans fill the Bell Works Fresh Saturday Market with specialty foods, produce, flowers and handmade finds. Allow time to browse and grab a bite. There’s always room for one more loaf of good bread.

November 14–15 | Listed admission: $19.99

Your morning cup gets an entire festival at the NJ Coffee Festival at Warehouse 100. Tastings, demonstrations, conversations and treats offer plenty for both devoted coffee enthusiasts and those who simply appreciate a good brew.

November 20–January 3, 2027 | Listed admission: $22; check vehicle and date options

Holiday sightseeing comes with your own comfortable seat at Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center. Drive through sparkling tunnels, animated displays and seasonal scenes. Admission is by vehicle, so gather your favorite passengers and settle in.

November 21, 1:30–6 p.m. | $20 entry

Three local bands provide the soundtrack for Rock to Fight Alzheimer’s at The Proving Ground. The afternoon benefits Alzheimer’s New Jersey, pairing live music with support for people affected by the disease.

November 27–December 23; advertised Friday–Sunday hours, 4–8 p.m. | Adults: $12; children 18 and younger: $6; younger than 1: free

Allaire Community Farm welcomes the season with a life-size Christmas village, petting zoos, Santa photos, model trains and classic holiday movies. Wagon and Polar Express rides require additional tickets. Check the calendar for operating dates and available extras.

Ready to venture farther? November’s statewide calendar has plenty worth the drive, from Princeton’s art market to Cape May’s Victorian holiday charm.

November 5–8 | Prices vary

A little sea air, a downtown stroll and dinner someone else prepares: Cape May Restaurant Weekend makes a persuasive case for a day trip. Participating restaurants offer fixed-price appetizer, entrée and dessert menus. Reserve ahead at your favorites.

November 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | $2 admission

Add some shopping to your visit at the Fall Crafts & Collectibles Show in Convention Hall. Dozens of vendors offer handmade goods and gift possibilities, all conveniently indoors.

November 7, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Free admission

Princeton’s Sauce for the Goose brings more than 100 artisans downtown with ceramics, textiles, jewelry, paintings, prints and home décor. Browse for gifts, discover a new artist and leave time for lunch.

November 14–15 | Check ticket options

Bring an appetite for discovery to the Great Food Expo. Cooking demonstrations, specialty-food vendors, samples and presentations offer a chance to explore new flavors and pick up ideas for your own kitchen.

November 14–15 | Check ticket options

Shopping, speakers and sessions on wellness, business, lifestyle and personal growth come together at the New Jersey Women’s Expo. Gather a friend or two and explore the offerings at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.

Select dates beginning November 14 through December 23 | Tickets listed from $22.95

DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express combines a train ride through holiday lights with Santa, cookies, a holiday movie and a walk through the Holiday Village. A strong contender for a special outing with the grandchildren; reserve your date ahead.

November 18–January 10, 2027 | Adults: $12; seniors 60+: $10

For holiday sparkle at a leisurely pace, visit Morven Museum & Garden’s Festival of Trees. Community organizations, schools, garden clubs and artists decorate trees and mantels throughout the historic mansion’s galleries.

November 20–January 3, 2027 | Listed price: $37.99; check vehicle ticket details

Diggerland’s holiday light show transforms the construction-themed park with illuminated tunnels, animated scenes and seasonal displays. Follow the mile-long route while holiday music plays through your car radio.

Holiday season; confirm 2026 opening dates | Listed price: $40–$50 per car

Keep Winter WonderLights on your holiday watch list. The drive-through attraction at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds combines animated displays, glowing tunnels and synchronized music. Check the booking calendar for confirmed season dates.

November 21–22 | $10; children younger than 10: free

The Pacific Southern Railway Holiday Train Show opens a miniature world of detailed landscapes and working HO-scale trains. It’s an outing for longtime rail enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. Reserve a timed entry and arrive 15 minutes early.

November 21, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; November 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Tickets from $35; ages 7 and younger: free

Trading cards, vintage toys, anime merchandise and celebrity appearances fill Collect-A-Con. Bring a grandchild and let them explain the latest collectibles. You may recognize more of the vintage toys than they expect.

Begins November 21; seasonal events continue into January | Prices vary

Christmas in Cape May brings decorated Victorian buildings, seasonal tours and festive events to the seaside town. Choose an activity or two, then allow time to enjoy the streets dressed for the holidays.

November 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | $2 admission

Explore a different holiday tradition at the Swedish Christmas Fair. Shop handicrafts and decorations, browse Swedish foods and baked goods, and catch the Lucia pageant and choir at 1:30 p.m.

Once the turkey has had its moment, head out for small-town celebrations, train rides and seasonal markets. The leftovers will be waiting when you get home.

Dickens Days: November 27–29 | Winter Village: November 27–29 and December 5–6

Clinton’s Dickens Days fills the town with Victorian atmosphere, carolers and seasonal activities.

Nearby, the Winter Village at the Red Mill adds artisan shopping, food trucks and the museum’s Festival of Trees. Dickens Days is free to attend; check admission details for the Red Mill market.

November 27–29 | Prices vary by event

The Jacobus Vanderveer House celebrates with decorated rooms, period music and a look at holiday customs from America’s colonial past. The weekend includes a Friday tree lighting, a Saturday cocktail party and Sunday activities. Check reservation requirements for individual events.

November 27–29 | Prices vary by winery

Follow the Holiday Wine Trail for tastings, seasonal treats and festive experiences at participating New Jersey wineries. Pick a region, check the individual schedules and arrange your transportation.

November 27–29 dates listed | Listed fares: children $38; adults $48

Pajamas are welcome aboard The Polar Express, where hot chocolate, cookies, entertainment and Santa bring the story to life. The approximately 90-minute trip includes a keepsake sleigh bell. Check availability before making promises to your smallest traveling companions.

November 27–January 6 | Free

Trees appear to float on Lake Meone during Historic Smithville’s Holiday Light Show, with lights moving in time to music. Browse the shops or enjoy dinner before dark, then stay for the seasonal spectacle.

November 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; hayrides 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. | Free

Howell Living History Farm offers an old-fashioned outing with a giving-back element. Bring a nonperishable food donation for the wagon and enjoy a hayride; tickets are distributed first come, first served. New, unopened toys are also collected for Toys for Tots.

November 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Free

Santa shares the spotlight with historic aircraft at Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum’s Christmas at the Hangar. Enjoy live music, artisan vendors, children’s activities and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. Dress warmly for the WWII-era hangar; leashed dogs are welcome.

November 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | $2 admission

Find handmade gifts at the Holiday Crafts & Collectibles Show in Convention Hall. Dozens of craftspeople bring their work indoors for an easy browsing afternoon. Check ahead for registration details for the ornament-making workshop.

November 28 at 1 and 7 p.m.; November 29 at 1 p.m. | Free

Scrooge returns for his annual attitude adjustment at Historic Smithville’s Dickens Festival. Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company presents an outdoor musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Bundle up for the performance and make time for the village’s holiday lights.

Whether your ideal November outing involves a winery, a craft fair or a train full of excited grandchildren, there’s plenty to choose from. Start with something close to home—and see where the month takes you.

Before you go: Dates, hours, prices and activities can change. Follow the event links for current details, reservations and weather updates. Free admission may not include food, tastings, rides or other extras.