California will host a variety of events in November 2025, marking the transition from autumn to winter. The month features culinary festivals, ski resort openings, public art displays, music festivals, and holiday-themed attractions across Northern, Central, and Southern California.
Holiday celebrations at major theme parks begin on November 14. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim will offer seasonal treats and festivities through January 7. Knott’s Merry Farm in Buena Park plans evening snowfalls and themed activities from November 22 to January 5. Universal Studios Hollywood will present Grinchmas and other events tentatively scheduled for late November through early January. Six Flags Magic Mountain near Santa Clarita and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo are also holding holiday events.
San Diego County’s theme parks—SeaWorld, Sesame Place San Diego, and LEGOLAND California—will each host their own seasonal celebrations starting mid-November.
Ski resorts across the state plan to open throughout the month. Mammoth Mountain is scheduled for a November 14 opening, with Northstar, Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, and Kirkwood following later in the month.
In Northern California, several unique events are planned. Watsonville’s Goat Hill Fair on October 31–November 1 offers antiques and upcycled crafts paired with artisan food. San Francisco’s Eat Drink SF runs November 1–9 with prix fixe menus at various restaurants. Santa Cruz hosts Hot Rods at the Beach and a Sea Glass Festival on November 8–9.
Filoli estate in Woodside extends Halloween observances through November 10 with illuminated trails and haunted decor; its Holidays at Filoli event is set to begin by mid-month. The Pigeon Point Light Station celebrates its anniversary on November 15 with tours and live music.
Other regional highlights include Mendocino’s Harvest Festival running through November 16 with mushroom-themed activities; Redding Garden of Lights beginning November 21; Roseville’s Mountain Mandarin Festival from November 21–23; Daly City’s Great Dickens Christmas Fair starting November 22; Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights launching on November 28; and San Francisco’s Illuminate SF Festival of Light featuring more than forty installations citywide.
Central California events include Madera Pomegranate, Fruit & Nut Festival (November 1), Fresno’s Whole Vine Festival (November 1), Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Oxnard (through November 2), Big Sur Food & Wine Festival (November 6–8), Ventura County Farm Day (November 8), Spartan Trifecta Weekend in San Luis Obispo (November 8–9), among others.
Southern California offers the Breeders’ Cup horse race in Del Mar (October 31–November 1) and Ridgecrest Petroglyph Festival highlighting ancient rock art during Native American Heritage Month (November 1–2). Los Angeles hosts Dia de los Muertos festivities along Olvera Street through early November. Temecula Valley presents its De Portola Wine Trail Harvest Festival on November 2.
Palm Springs Pride takes place from November 6–9 as part of the region’s high season. Santa Monica holds the Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival from November 7–9 while San Diego Bay Food+Wine Festival runs concurrently along the waterfront.
Other notable events include Palm Desert Choreography Festival (November 8–9), Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden beginning mid-month, Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy starting on November 21, Riverside Mission Inn Festival of Lights commencing on November 22, and Dana Point Turkey Trot scheduled for Thanksgiving Day on November 27.
“Autumn and winter shake hands every November in California, and 2025 is no exception,” according to event organizers. “Culinary festivals are still celebrating the season’s harvest, while several California ski resorts hold their opening days this time of year.”
The calendar also notes that holiday lights displays will be prominent at gardens such as Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding and Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden. Many communities will feature turkey trot races across cities including Oceanside, Napa Valley, Santa Rosa, Torrance, Davis, and Big Bear Lake.
These activities provide options for residents and visitors seeking entertainment or holiday experiences throughout California during the month of November.
