12 BEST November Festivals Around the World 2024-2025
Everyone enjoys celebrating, so here are 12 of the best November festivals around the world to add to your bucket list!
November is a great time to travel and there are many wonderful cultural festivals in November around the world held at this time of year. There is no better way to really experience and try to understand a culture than to participate in a local festival. The memories of the music, food, ceremonies and traditions will stay with you forever.
There are so many amazing to experience, so here is our bucket list pick of the 12 best November events worldwide that offer something for everyone.
N.B. We will updating this list of festivals in this month regularly, so if you have any festivals or events you think should make the list, please let us know.
Worlds Best Festivals November 2024 / 2025: Key Takeaways
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of the best events around the world in November:
- Cultural Events in November – Lewes Bonfire in England, Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival in Thailand, Melbourne Cup Day in Australia, Pushkar Camel Fair in India
- Religious Festivals – Day of the Dead in Mexico, Diwali / Dev Deepawali in India, Rann Utsav in India
- Music Festivals – Iceland Airways in Reykjavik
- Light Festivals – Chiang Mai Lantern Festival in Thailand, Lightopia Festival in London, Winter Festival of Lights in Canada
- National Days – All Soul’s Day and Cuenca Independence in Ecuador
November Festivals Around the World
As we start planning our next destination for travel as we travel fulltime, November offers many alternatives of vibrant and famous festivals around the world to explore. From the colourful celebrations of Day of the Dead in Mexico to the enchanting lantern spectacle of Chiang Mai Lantern Festival in Thailand, this month presents an array of cultural experiences. Join us in discovering the best festivals across various countries in November, promising unforgettable memories and cultural immersion.
1. All Soul’s Day and Cuenca Independence – Cuenca, Ecuador
- Where: Cuenca, Ecuador
- When: Annually on 2nd and 3rd of November: 2 – 3 November, 2024 and 2025
- Duration: 2 days
In Ecuador, All Soul’s Day on November 2nd is an important festival throughout the country. Paired with Cuenca’s Independence Day on November 3rd, the first week of November – and even the weeks before and after – are full of festivities in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Cuenca, a town in the southern Andes Mountains with a historic UNESCO World Heritage centro, recently celebrated 200 years of liberation from the Spanish. Dozens of food and craft fairs, parades, dance presentations, entertainers, sporting events, and nightly concerts often attract more than 100,000 visitors to the city throughout the week.
A highlight is the artisan fair by the Inter-American Folk Arts and Crafts Association. This brings in top artisans from across Ecuador and South America, selling beautiful and ingenious crafts.
All Souls Day, or El Dia de los Difuntos, is a day to remember the dead. Some Ecuadorians bring a favourite meal to the grave of passed loved ones, though many don’t celebrate in this way. While Dia de Los Muertos comes from pre-colonial Mexico, All Souls Day comes from the Spanish Catholics.
Typical foods eaten for the holiday in Ecuador are guagua del pan, dolls made of bread, and Colada Morada, a hot drink that’s thick and sweet made with purple berries. These foods are widely available in markets and cafes during the weeks surrounding the holiday.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Cuenca HERE!
2. Chiang Mai Lantern Festival – Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- When: Annually in November: 15 – 16 November, 2024 | 5 – 6 November, 2025
- Duration: 2 days
The Yee Peng Festival, also known as the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival, takes place annually in the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand. It stands as one of the country’s most significant celebrations (and one of Asia’s best festivals), following closely after Songkran festivals. This festival, held in November, offers a unique opportunity to partake in age-old traditions and witness the beauty of lanterns illuminating the night sky.
In reverence to the Goddess of Water, locals gather along the Ping River during this auspicious time when the moon shines brightest. Participants release intricately crafted floating baskets, known as krathongs, onto the river, symbolizing a release of past burdens and misfortunes. Additionally, lanterns are released into the sky, honouring a Relic of the Lord Buddha and ushering in blessings for the coming year.
Releasing the lantern and krathong represents shedding past misfortunes and welcoming good fortune for the upcoming year. The Thai believe if the lantern vanishes before the candle extinguishes, it promises a year of exceptional luck; conversely, if it falls while still lit, it foretells a year of ill fortune.
If you are planning a trip to the Chiang Mai to celebrate the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival, read our post on the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
BOOK EARLY AS ACCOMMODATION BOOKS FAST… Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Chiang Mai NOW!
3. Day of the Dead – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Where: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- When: Annually on the 1 – 2 November: 1 – 2 November, 2024 and 2025
- Duration: 2 days
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico’s most well-known holidays. Events take place all over the country, but Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places to experience it, with week long-festivities starting November 1st at midnight every year. The biggest celebrations are on November 1 and 2, two major Catholic holy days – All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
Although the festival has a mournful theme, it is actually a celebration of life through acknowledging the dead. On these days, family and friends get together to remember loved ones who have died. It has become one of Mexico’s most well-known cultural events due to this unique perspective on death. Every year, people from all over the world come to see the colourful costumes and beautiful shrines.
Some of the festivities in Puerto Vallarta include mariachi, folkloric ballets, and Catrinas (painted skeleton mask) contests. Families will gather to remember their friends and family who have passed away, placing shrines candles along the gorgeous Malecon boardwalk. Day of the Dead is one of the best Puerto Vallarta events, so be sure to time your trip to take part in it.
DON’T MISS OUT… Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Puerto Vallarta HERE!
5. Diwali / Dev Deepawali – Varanasi, India
- Where: Varanasi, India + Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka
- When: Annually in October / November / December: 15 November, 2024 | 5 November, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
Dev Deepawali is an esteemed Hindu festival observed during ‘Kartik Poornima’ in Varanasi, near Agra, India. Unlike Diwali, this celebration, also known as the ‘Diwali of the Gods‘, marks Lord Shiva’s triumph over the demon Tripurasura.
Varanasi illuminates with countless earthen oil lamps along its ghats (the bank of the holy river Ganga), complemented by cultural and dance performances. To behold the spectacle, embark on a boat tour along the Ganga, offering the finest vistas.
While you’re on the boat, do not miss out on witnessing the famous Ganga aarti that is held on the Dashashwamedh ghat – a prayer ritual performed simultaneously by 12 priests. While this aarti is held every day, it feels particularly pious and special on the occasion of Dev Diwali.
Indulge in Varanasi’s delectable street food, enhancing the festivities in October, November, or December.
Check availability on accommodation options in India
5. Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavik, Iceland
- Where: Reykjavik, Iceland
- When: Annually in November: 7 – 9 November, 2024 | 2025 dates TBC
- Duration: 3 – 4 days
Iceland Airwaves is a 3 to 4-day music festival in November that takes place in Reykjavik, Iceland every November. The festival was first created in 1999 and held in an airport hangar, but has since become the biggest music festival in Iceland.
Iceland Airwaves is unique because it is the only music festival in Iceland that focuses on both Icelandic and international artists. This allows for a more diverse and international line-up, which is something that is often missing from other Icelandic music festivals. Additionally, the festival has something for everyone with a wide variety of genres from indie rock to electronica.
In addition to the opportunity to listen to hundreds of bands, you will enjoy the art and fashion events. Make sure you check out the line-up of free off-venue shows where you can catch the same artists and party with the locals without purchasing a ticket or waiting in long lines.
If you love music, Iceland Airwaves is the festival for you. The line-up is always diverse and features artists from all over the world, making it a great place to discover new music. Additionally, the festival is located in one of the coolest cities in the world, Reykjavik, which means that there will be plenty of things to do while you’re there.
Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Reykjavik HERE!
6. Lewes Bonfire / Guy Fawkes Day – Lewes, England
- Where: Lewes, England
- When: Annually on 5 November: 5 November, 2024 and 2025
- Duration: 1 day
Guy Fawkes Day is a holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom on the 5th of November. It marks the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and other Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. One town that does “Remember, Remember, the Fifth of November” is the township of Lewes.
In the town of Lewes in Sussex, England, on Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th 1606, a bonfire was lit in commemoration of the Gunpowder Plot and honour the seventeen protestant men from the town burned for their faith during the Marian Persecutions. This tradition has been followed every year since. The night is also known as ‘Lewes Bonfire’.
There are many events held throughout the course of the day, however, the Lewes Bonfire Procession is one of the highlights of the celebrations. The local townspeople parade through the streets with burning torches dressed as Vikings, smugglers and other frightening characters.
It incorporates burning crosses being carried throughout the town and flaming tar barrel races along Cliffe High Street. Large wooden effigies are also carried through the town by a group of men before being burned at the bonfires.
The evening celebrations culminate in a large bonfire and fireworks display. The event starts at 7pm with a family fireworks display and ends with a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display.
The event is free to attend and takes place in the town centre. There are several places to watch the festivities including outside the town hall, on the seafront, and in Market Place.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION EARLY! Check prices and availability of accommodation options in Lewes HERE!
7. Lightopia Festival – London, England
- Where: London, England
- When: Annually from mid-November to early-January: 17 November, 2023 – 2 January, 2024 | 2024/2025 dates TBC
- Duration: approx. 7 weeks
There are many amazing things to do in London during winter. In November, not only are Christmas lights switched on but also the city is illuminated by amazing art installations. Lightopia Festival brings to London interactive exhibits, luminous animals or flowers.
Lightopia Festival starts in the middle of November and lasts until the beginning of January and is one of the must-experience England festivals. There is plenty of time to explore the amazing light installations during this time throughout the city. Alternatively, you can also visit Manchester or Alton Towers as both of those locations host Lightopia Festival as well.
Every year the light sculptures are getting even more creative. Illuminated butterflies, phoenix, fox and plenty of other animals impress Lightopia Festival visitors during winter. Also, street lasers and interactive floors provide an amazing experience.
Not to mention that Lightopia is an award-winning light festival. Among so many festivals around the world, this amazing festival in the UK has got many silver and gold rewards. It was chosen as one of the best Art Events, Celebration Events or Pop-up Events. Winner of the Interactive Outdoor Event and The Best Art Exhibition are just another few rewards. If you are looking for an unforgettable seasonal experience, make sure to buy your ticket for the Lightopia Festival.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in London HERE!
8. Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival – Lopburi, Thailand
- Where: Lopburi, Thailand
- When: Annually on the last Sunday of November: 30 November, 2024 | 30 November, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
The mischievous monkeys who roam the streets of Lopburi, located 150 km north-east to Bangkok, are honoured with their very own banquet on the last Sunday of November each year. More than 10,000 people, both locals and tourists, flock to San Phra Kan shrine and in Phra Prang Sam Yot shrine, the unofficial gathering point of the local macaque monkeys.
The festival begins with live performances and dances that draw the curious monkeys out. Long tables covered with red tablecloths are laid out with a great variety of fresh fruits, sticky rice, salads and Thai desserts. These are all designed in colourful shapes and patterns to please the monkeys.
Once the banquet begins, more than 3000 long-tailed macaque monkeys who live in the area gorge themselves in a feeding frenzy. Culturally, and according to the local faith, the non-spiritual feast of feeding the monkeys brings good luck to the local townspeople.
Throughout the day, there are also many musical performances featuring the ethnic culture of the region, along with many other fun-filled displays and contests. Expect lots of stalls featuring amazing Thai food and a real carnival atmosphere.
BOOK ACCOMMODATION EARLY SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT! Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Lopburi.
9. Melbourne Cup Day – Melbourne, Australia
- Where: Melbourne, Australia
- When: Annually on the first Tuesday in November: 5 November, 2024 | 4 November, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s biggest horse race and is billed as the ‘race that stops a nation’. Held at Flemington Racecourse, the day consists of 10 races in total. The Melbourne Cup is Race 7 held at 3pm, where 24 horses compete over 3,200 metres (2 miles).
Horse trainers from around the world set their sights on winning the Melbourne Cup, a race widely considered to be the best-staying handicap in the world. The reward for the winner? It offers the richest prize in Australian sport and an 18ct solid gold Hardy Brothers trophy valued at $175,000+ and a stake of the $8 million prize money, and most importantly, cement their names in history.
100,000 plus people head to Flemington Racecourse to experience the day. The focus of the day is about what they will wear, eat, bet on and drink. Fashion is extremely important on this day and women dress is their best outfits complete with hats or fascinators, and men with suits and ties.
The most famous area to enjoy the day is the bird-cage. The bird-cage consists of 50 sectioned off areas where groups spend the day with a BBQ, tent or grassed area with friends, eating, drinking and socializing.
On this one day of the year, most Australians stop and listen to the race or watch it on TV, even people who don’t usually gamble, have a bet on the race or a ticket in a sweep.
Check prices and availability of accommodation options in Melbourne HERE!
10. Pushkar Camel Fair – Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
- Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
- When: Annually in November: 9 – 15 November, 2024 | 30 October – 5 November, 2025
- Duration: 9 days
The Pushkar Camel Fair is the largest camel fair in the world and has been taking place every year since 1987. The fair is held in the city of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India, and is considered a major tourist attraction, and is also a major trade event for the camel industry. It is held every year in November and is seen as a religious event as pilgrims come to see the camels and purchase them.
The fair features a variety of stalls selling camel products, as well as traditional entertainment such as camel rides, camel races and camel wrestling. You will also be entertained by snake charmers, fortune tellers, dancers, musicians, magicians and holy men.
The fair is a popular tourist destination and attracts thousands of tourists each year. To get to the fair, visitors can fly into Jaipur or Delhi and then take a bus or train to Pushkar. The Pushkar Camel Fair is a must-see event for anyone interested in Indian culture and history.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION EARLY SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT! Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Pushkar.
11. Rann Utsav– Kutch, Gujarat, India
- Where: Kutch, Gujarat, India
- When: Annually during Winter: 10 November, 2023 to 27 February, 2024 | 1 November, 2024 to 28 February, 2025
- Duration: approx. 100 days
We have added Rann Utsav to our post on the ‘Best Festivals in January” as it is said the best time to visit this festival is in January. However, this festival can also be enjoyed from October through to February each year.
Read more about the Rann Utsav in Kutch, Gujarat, India in our post on the Best Festivals held in January Around the World
12. Winter Festival of Lights – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
- Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
- When: Annually from November to February (Winter): 11 November, 2023 – 19 February, 2024 | 16 November, 2024 – 5 January, 2025
- Duration: 101 Nights
The Winter Festival of Lights is, as the name says, a winter festival that takes place annually in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The festival celebrates the Christmas season and features a number of illuminated displays and attractions.
The festival features over 3 million lights on display and is one of the most popular events in the city. It consists of various light displays and events that are open to the public from November through to February. Best of all, admission is free, although it is suggested you leave a donation.
Some of the highlights of this family friendly festival include live entertainment, free hot chocolate, a Christmas parade, light shows at the Falls, fireworks, and a tree lighting ceremony. You can experience the displays up close by walking the Niagara Parkway and within Queen Victoria Park, Defferin Islands, an illuminated 8 kilometre route.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION EARLY… Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Ontario HERE!
FAQs: November Celebrations Around the World
Now that you have explored the best international festivals in November, you might still have a few questions. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions about world festivals in November.
Where are the best music festivals in November?
Some of the best November music festivals are the following:
* Iceland Airwaves in Iceland
* Electric Daisy Carnival in Florida
* Beyond Wonderland in Mexico
* Hard Rock Hell in UK
* Primavera Sound Chile in Chile
What are the best religious festivals in November?
Some of the best November religious festivals are the following:
* Diwali (in mid-October to mid-November)
* All Saints’ / Souls’ Day
* Day of the Dead in Mexico
* Guy Fawkes Night in UK
* Maaveerar Naal in Sri Lanka
List of US festival in November?
Some of the best festivals in USA in November are the following:
* Desert Daze in California
* Day of the Dead
* Day N Vegas in Las Vegas
* Electric Daisy Carnival in Florida
* New York Comedy Festival in New York City
What are the best Indian festivals in November?
Some of the best November Indian festivals are the following:
* Rann of Kutch in Gujarat
* Diwali (in mid-October to mid-November)
* Pushkar Camel Fair in Pushkar
* Kartik Purnima Festival
* Wangala Festival in Garo Region of Meghalaya and Assam
What are the best festivals in November Europe?
Some of the best November festivals Europe are the following:
* Iceland Airwaves in Iceland
* Lewes Bonfire in England
* JazzFest Berlin in Germany
* Contemporary Istanbul in Turkey
* Paris International Fantastic Film Festival in France
What events are celebrated in November?
November hosts various global events like Mexico’s Day of the Dead and Thailand’s Chiang Mai Lantern Festival.
What festival is in November in the US?
In November, the US celebrates Thanksgiving, a significant festival marked by feasting and gratitude.
What is the festival of November 1?
November 1st is celebrated as the Day of the Dead in Mexico, a vibrant festival honouring deceased loved ones with colourful altars and offerings.
What do Filipinos celebrate in November?
Filipinos celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in November, honouring deceased loved ones with prayers, visits to cemeteries, and offerings.
In Summary – The Best Celebrations in November Around the World
You can find many November events around the world which are held every year. You will be spoilt for choice if you choose to celebrate at one of the many November festivities as there are lots of both smaller and larger festivals out there for you to pick from and enjoy. Find the festival you love in the country you love, and dive on in to the celebrations.
What is your favourite November festival around the world and why? Have you been to any of our list of the November world events in 2024 / 2025 around the world listed above? Have we missed any famous events during November around the world you think we should add? Leave your tips, comments and questions through Messenger on our Facebook page.
Choosing Your Next Travel Destination: Related Blog Posts
Want more info to help you decide on your next travel destination? Check out all the articles we’ve written about the ‘Best of World Travel’ in all parts of the world and continue planning for your next vacation.
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