November is the perfect time to visit Europe because it is not as crowded and all your travel expenses cost less during this month. The weather varies depending on which region and country you are visiting in Europe. If you are planning a ski trip, northern areas like Germany, Scandinavia, and Poland are ideal for their freezing temperatures. If you prefer milder weather, then take a trip to Southern Europe. Greece, Croatia, Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal have temperatures that range from 56 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (around 13-20 degrees Celsius). Art aficionados will also enjoy the art season that starts in most of the regions during November. The weather is perfect for seeing outdoor art exhibits and concerts. Still, deciding on which country to go to and what to do in Europe? Read our list of the 10 places to visit in Europe in November and remember to include them in your travel plans.
1. England (Guy Fawkes Night/Guy Fawkes Day)
Guy Fawkes Night, celebrated every 5th of November in England, is also called Guy Fawkes Day, Firework Night, and Bonfire Night. It was originally celebrated as Gunpowder Treason Day to commemorate the day Guy Fawkes was arrested and his failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. He is part of a group of anti-Catholics. The yearly celebration involved burning effigies of the Pope and Fawkes. Thanksgiving events held across the country are centered around a giant bonfire with impressive fireworks displays. Masks made with the image of Guy Fawkes face is commonly seen during the festivities. His mask was used by the protagonist in the famous 2005 movie “V for Vendetta”
2. Italy (Italian Opera Season) (from USD 27.0)
Enjoy watching an opera in its hometown Italy and add a musical flavor to your European getaway. Opera is both a form of art and language in Italy and it plays a dominant role in the country’s history. There are three major opera houses found in Italy and they are located in Milan, Rome, and Venice. Book a ticket to one of these musical performances that were composed by foreign and local musicians from the 1600s. Dress up in your finest and mingle with the highly cultured crowd watching an opera in a grandiose theater. Keep a pair of opera glasses handy for you might chance upon arias being performed in theaters, palazzos, and lovely historic churches.
The Three Tenors in Rome Ticket
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands (Sinterklaas Parade)
The Sinterklass Parade marks the beginning of the festivities in the Netherlands that honors their legendary patron saint of children. Sinterklass or Saint Nicholas, represented as an elderly man with a flowing white beard wearing a red cape, and red miter, is said to be the original Santa Claus.
The festival begins in mid-November when Sinterklass arrives in a chosen town in the Netherlands on a huge steamboat that is believed to come from Spain. Then, he rides through town on his white horse, Amerigo. His entourage throws treats and candies to the children welcoming him. The parade is broadcast live in Belgian and Dutch TV networks. The children then leave their shoes beside the chimney and back door to receive treats and little gifts from a magical Sinterklass visit. The feast day culminates on December 5 every year, and it is celebrated with family gatherings, indulging in traditional dishes, and exchanging gifts.
4. Budapest, Hungary (New Wine and Cheese Festival) (from USD 50.0)
Cheese and wine lovers should book a trip to Budapest, Hungary, on the last weekend of November and join the New Wine and Cheese Festival. The two-day festival is held at the Vajdahunyad Castle, one of the finest ancient historical buildings of Hungary. The festival is open to the public and they are given the opportunity to meet the makers of the finest wine and artisanal cheese. A new wine competition precedes the event, with free samples of the wines distributed to the attendees. Aside from sampling the beverages and produce, visitors are also educated on the fine craft of wine and cheese making.
Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
5. Truro, United Kingdom (City of Lights/Lantern Parade)
Truro’s Lantern Parade is held in mid-November. It is one of the greatest Cornish holiday events that has around 30,000 people in attendance. 600 enormous lanterns with intricate designs created by local artists, school children, and community groups using paper and withy are on display in this huge parade. Kids and volunteers add a festive vibe by carrying smaller handmade lamps. The lanterns are paraded all over the city, passing every street. Christmas decorations and lights lit up on cue as they pass. Over 100 street performers, bands, samba dancers, and others accompany the parade as it circles the city.
6. Cheltenham, United Kingdom (The November Meeting)
During the winter months, horse racing is a national pastime in Cheltenham, United Kingdom. The November Meeting (also known as the Cheltenham Festival) is a four-day festival, wherein large crowds gather to watch 28 prestigious horse races and jump racing events held on a huge race track on Cheltenham Hill. Due to the unpredictable chilly weather, spectators are advised to dress accordingly and with smart fashion in mind. In addition to the races, the Park, which is near the Tattersalls enclosure and club, has many exclusive restaurants and street food kiosks where you can enjoy a meal. There’s also live music by DJs played in the background. Alternatively, you ride a Ferris Wheel while watching the races.
7. Barcelona, Spain ( La Castanyada Festival)
Every November 1, in Catalan, the La Castanyada Festival is celebrated together with All Saints’ Day. The origins of the festival are from their ancient funeral rites. Funeral meals served during the 18th century include nuts, vegetables, and panallets (small bread rolls). This symbolic meal represented the spiritual union of the living and the dead. During the meal, chestnuts are roasted while the Rosary was prayed in memory of the dead family members. Today, the main meal consists of panallets made from marzipan, roasted chestnuts, candied fruit, sweet potatoes, and Catalan’s sweet wine, Moscatel. Before the festival day, the streets are filled with chestnut vendors called ‘castanyeras’ selling the hot chestnuts wrapped in newspaper. Improvised performances of the traditional play “Don Juan Tenorio” is part of the festivities.
8. Iceland (Iceland Airwaves music festival)
Attend one of the world’s coolest music festivals – the Iceland Airwaves! This is a four-day event held in Reykjavik, Iceland. It is sponsored by the city and Icelandair, and is usually held in the first week of November. The very first show happened inside Reykjavik Airport’s airplane hangar in 1999. The show was produced and promoted by Iceland Music Export and featured well-known and up-and-coming international and Icelandic musical bands. Today, it is revered as the biggest musical event in Iceland. Concerts are held in an art museum, tiny record store, beautiful churches, cool bars, and other unique venues all over the city. Purchase a concert pass or a Festiket for access to all these events. Some passes may include hotel stays. People aged 18 and below are not allowed.
9. Derry/Londonderry, Ireland (Derry Halloween)
In Londonderry, Ireland, the Halloween celebration is one of the fanciest in the world. Derry Halloween started in 1986 as a small party with a live musical performance on a tiny stage in Guildhall Square hosted by the Derry City Council. In the following years, more events were added to this four-day festival and it extended to the rural and Strabane hubs. Today, it is one of the world-famous and best Halloween destinations in the world. Hundreds of community organization and local kids put a lot of effort in making costumes, props, and choreography of the main Carnival parade. It draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. This event has also led Londonderry earn the Northern Ireland Tourism Award in 2019.
10. The Hague, Netherlands (Crossing Border festival)
The Crossing Border Festival is a yearly four-day festival celebrated in The Hague. It is among Europe’s largest festivals that blends music and literary works. The first festival happened in 1993 as a follow up to 1991 and 1992’s Zuiderstrand Festival. There was a larger following when the festival was held in The Hague. It was temporarily held in Amsterdam and later relocated to The Hague. The city government participates in the festival to show their patronage for the arts.
In 2013, the associated international technology festival called ‘Border Sessions’ was introduced along with the workshops, meet-and-greets, speaking engagements, interviewing science fiction writers and technologists, and more. Border Sessions festival occurs right after the main festival and goes on for two days.
Celebrate November holidays in Europe
Whether you are about to celebrate an early Christmas or Halloween, Europe is one of the best places to spend your winter holidays. There’s so much to explore and experience here. Each location has a unique way of celebrating their festivals, which reflect the richness of their culture. Check out our above list of the best places to visit in Europe in November and have the merriest holidays in Europe.
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23 Popular Festivals In EuropeFranchesca Judine
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