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Hudson River tourism directors share their top picks for places to go, sights to see, and things to do throughout November.
By Julia Colombo and Matt Moment
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There are a ton of things to do in the Hudson Valley each month. Even though the leaves have already peaked and the weather grows colder by the day, there are plenty of sites to explore indoors and outside. The weather is perfect to enjoy a tall mug of cider or a crisp glass of local wine and, with Restaurant Week this month, it’s a perfect time for foodies to find their new favorite eatery.
To help scout out the best events in the Valley, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Westchester for their top picks for things to do. Check out their selections, then get planning!
Albany County
Albany Auto Show
MVP Arena, Albany
November 4, 3–7 p.m.; November 5-6 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Car fanatics from around the Hudson Valley won’t want to miss this new auto show at the MVP Arena. With models of all shapes and sizes spotlighting the latest features, options, and styling from over 30 manufacturers, this event promises to be one of the hottest car shows in the region. Adult admission is $10 and can be paid online or at the box office.
Festival of Nations
Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany
November 6, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Festival of Nations is back for its 51st year of celebrating countries from around the globe. For only $5, guests can enjoy the crowning of Miss Festival of Nations, dozens of raffles, and the Parade of Nations, all in appreciation of cultures from Ukraine to Ethiopia. Delicious ethnic food, music, dancing, and arts and crafts from almost 30 cultures will be on display on this jubilant Sunday in Albany.
The Scottish Roots in Albany County: A Chat & Whiskey Tasting
ScotlandShop Inc., Latham
November 17, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
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Whiskey connoisseurs and history buffs will flock to Latham for this unique evening. Jesse Sommer from New Scotland Spirits and Maeve McEneny-Johnson from Discover Albany co-host this event, guiding guests through a tasting of locally sourced whiskeys and bourbons while learning about Albany’s Scottish origins. At $35, tickets include a bottle of water and four whiskey samples, and must be purchased online prior to the event.
Related: 2 Hudson Valley Towns Named Among Most Beautiful in America
Columbia County
Concerts in the Village – Haydn: The Creation
Kinderhook Reformed Church, Kinderhook
November 13, 2:30 p.m.
Appreciators of classical music will flock to this event, which features 70 musicians from The Broad Street Orchestra and Broad Street Chorale as well as five lauded soloists. At this concert, the ensemble tackles The Creation, one of Hadyn’s foremost creations. The oratorio, written just before the advent of the 19th century, is a stunning transposition of the biblical story of creation, “colorfully depicted” by the master composer.
Beauty and the Beast: Ugly Is As Ugly Does
Ghent Playhouse, Ghent
November 25 – December 11
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You may think you know the story of a certain beauty and her unlikely beast, but you’ve never seen the tale told like this. The Ghent Playhouse stages an adaptation of the famous Disney musical wherein a “not-so-nice” prince is cursed to live a life alone—unless he can manage to find someone willing to put up with him. Best of all, the production is written and directed by the Hudson Valley’s own Cathy Lee-Visscher.
Holiday Flea Market
Basilica Hudson, Hudson
November 26-27
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It’s a flea market surrounded by a repurposed factory from the 1880s—what could possibly be more Hudson Valley? The event will feature a “diverse group of regional vendors” along with selections of local, fresh foods. Come see for yourself why this flea market draws tens of thousands of attendees year after year.
Dutchess County
Sugar Skull
Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie
November 7, 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
This touring musical is coming to Poughkeepsie for a bilingual performance that the entire family will love. Geared towards young audiences, the show depicts 12-year-old Vita Flores as she questions why her family is throwing a celebration for deceased loved ones. But when a candy skeleton springs to life, Vita finds herself on an adventure to discover the true meaning of Día de los Muertos. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time for both families and school groups.
John Mulaney
MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
November 10, 7 p.m.
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Emmy-winning actor, writer, and comedian John Mulaney is coming to Poughkeepsie to perform his newest show, John Mulaney: From Scratch. As former writer for Saturday Night Live, Mulaney has been making people laugh since 2008. Purchase your tickets prior to the event to enjoy this uproarious evening of comedy.
DCC Foundation Holiday Craft Fair
Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie
November 26–27
This craft fair is back for its 50th year! The weekend following Thanksgiving, patrons can count on unique, handmade, and locally sourced gifts for family and friends. Admission is $6 for the community and $4 for senior citizens and DCC students, staff, and alumni. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards providing deserving students with scholarships.
Orange County
Wreath Fineries at the Wineries
Various locations in Orange County
November 19-20
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Cider dominates as the seasonal drink of autumn, but honestly, we’ve been missing good Hudson Valley wine. This wine tour is ideal for die-hard oenophiles as it highlights the best of our region. Brotherhood Winery is an especially exciting stop on the tour, as it is the oldest winery in America—plus, the Washingtonville location is quaint and scenic, with structures dating back to the early 19th century. Additional stops on the Orange County itinerary are all in Warwick: Clearview Vineyard, Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, and Applewood Winery.
Thanksgiving Buffet
Thayer Hotel, West Point
November 24, 4-8:30 p.m.
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Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving? Save yourself the effort and enjoy a slew of entrée options comprised of “a bounty from land and sea” like herb-roasted Tom turkey, shrimp cocktail, and New York strip loin. There will also be options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners. After dinner, snack on the decadent assortment of cakes, pies, and pastries.
Love Local Holiday Market
Lewis Park, Warwick
November 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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This Black Friday, instead of heading to your nearest superstore, peruse this holiday market with vendors and artisans from the Hudson Valley. Not only will you feel great supporting local businesses, but you’ll have—without a doubt—the most original gifts to give during your holiday celebrations. Best of all, the market opens at 10 a.m., so you needn’t wake up at an ungodly hour to attend.
Related: These Are the Top Doctors in the Hudson Valley in 2022
Putnam County
Brewster Theater’s 2022 Playwright Festival
Drew United Methodist Church, Carmel
November 3-5, 7:30 p.m.; November 6, 2 p.m.
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Join drama lovers from around the Hudson Valley for this weekend of new theater. Get ready for nine original one-act plays from nine playwrights from around the country, nine stellar casts, and four days to see them all! Reserve your seats online to enjoy this annual festival.
SeaStreak Fall Foliage Cruises to Cold Spring
Highlands, NJ
Weekends in November through November 13, 8:10 a.m.
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New York’s striking autumn colors are beautiful from land, but nothing compares to the view from the Hudson River. The narrated trip begins in Highlands, New Jersey, and goes upriver to the town of Cold Spring, where ticketholders can explore the town for nearly four hours, perusing the local eateries and shops. The SeaStreak catamaran will then return to Highlands, providing guests with the idyllic view of the sunset and New York City as it lights up for the night.
Boscobel House & Gardens Twilight Tours
Boscobel House, Garrison
Fridays and Saturdays, November 18 – December 10
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The time has come again for Boscobel House and Gardens to don its 19th-century holiday best. Lit by candlelight and resonating with live-music, the Carriage House offers mulled cider, hot chocolate, and cookies. Beginning at 4 p.m., take your warm beverage on a stroll around the Apple Orchard, Formal Garden, and Winter Garden on a self-guided tour.
Rockland County
Rockland Fashion Week 2022
Palisades Center, West Nyack
November 5, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
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Rockland County’s Fashion Week is back for another year of forward-thinking, boundary-pushing designs from local, national, and international designers. As the event’s main producer, Hope Wade is very proud of the show’s diverse cast of models. From plus-size models to older models to child models to a blind model, all patrons are able to see themselves represented on the runway at Rockland Fashion Week. Choose from VIP, Preferred, and General Admission tickets when purchasing your ticket online.
Bear Mountain State Park Ice Rink
Bear Mountain State Park
November 5 through winter
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Usher in the cold weather with one of the joys of winter: ice skating! This timeless activity is perfect for family outings, birthday parties, date nights, and everything in between. The rink is available to rent for private events, and skating lessons are available. Admission is $5, though children 4 and under get in for free. Bear Mountain’s Ice Rink is outdoors and uncovered, so be sure to dress accordingly!
Fall Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Various Restaurants, Rockland County
November 7-20
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Restaurant Week is back again, and 10 Rockland establishments are participating in this biannual Hudson Valley tradition. Get a taste for the best the county has to offer at restaurants like Restaurant X & The Bully Boy Bar, a Congers eatery led by the accomplished Chef Peter X. Kelly, and Chef Denis Whitton’s Autumn in Sparkill.
Related: Feel Refreshed at These Spas in the Hudson Valley
Ulster County
Bad Seed Fall Back Festival
Wilklow Orchards, Highland
November 5–6, 12–6 p.m.
Join Bad Seed for this celebration—not only of the clocks turning back an hour—but of everything we love about fall in the Hudson Valley. Hard ciders made with apples from the on-site orchard and beers from local craft breweries will be up for grabs during this weekend festival. Brick-fired pizza, fresh cider donuts, a Reconnect Foods food truck, and live music will make this a perfect distillation of a Hudson Valley fall. Online registration is free and encouraged.
Hudson Valley Hullabaloo Holiday Market
Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center, Kingston
November 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; November 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Kingston’s Hullabaloo Holiday Market is back and better than ever. With over 70 vendors, artists, musicians, food, and a photobooth, this market is the perfect environment for a Christmas shopping extravaganza. From jewelry and clothing to candles and liquor, Hullabaloo promises to offer a little something for each of your loved ones. Hullabaloo’s mission is to create a fun, energetic, family-friendly environment for local artists, craftspeople, and designers to sell their goods.
5K Turkey Trot and Mashed Potato Fun Run
Water Street Market, New Paltz
November 24, 9:30 a.m.
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This 5K race is held annually to raise awareness and money for the Family of New Paltz’s food pantry and crisis services. The half-mile Mashed Potato Fun Run is free to kids 12 and under, and a USATF 5K course with chip-timed start and finish is available for the more serious runners. Both runs kick off at the same start line and continue down the Rail Trail. First-, second-, and third-place winners will be awarded medals in each age group. Make sure to visit the website to sign up before the event.
Westchester County
Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Red-Headed League
Lyndhurst Carriage House and Welcome Center, Tarrytown
Weekends from November 4 – December 4
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The theater, my dear Watson, has come to Lyndhurst. In this mystery, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson encounter the Red-Headed League in the Lyndhurst Mansion. From there, the pair’s strangest and most exciting exploit ensues, captivating the audience for the entirety of the 70-minute adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s adventure. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time to participate in this thrilling theatrical experience.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Capitol Theater, Port Chester
November 16, 7 p.m.
Christmas is around the corner! What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with this iconic Christmastime ballet? Come see Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Mouse King, and travel to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy with this performance for all ages. Purchase your tickets ahead of time to ensure your seats at this annual event.
Victorian Christmas Historic House Tour
Armour-Stiner’s Octagon House, Irving
November – December
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With the holiday season approaching, the Octagon House is prepared for the festivities. It is decked out in wreaths, garlands, and glittering antique ornaments on an original feather tree, transforming this restored landmark into a Christmas scene from 1872. During the one-hour guided tour, visitors will learn how the holidays were celebrated in back the 19th century.
Related: 16 Museums & Cultural Centers to Visit in the Hudson Valley