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 an ideal 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
2024 Shaker Holiday Markey
Shaker Heritage Society, Albany
All November long
Shop handcrafted holiday cheer at this year’s Shaker Holiday Market in Albany. Located at the historic 1848 meeting house at Shaker Heritage Society, the market showcases handmade ornaments, pottery, jams, soaps, jewelry, foods, and more from local artisans.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s The Greatest Show on Earth
MVP Arena, Albany
November 8–11
Experience the circus in all its glory at Albany’s MVP Arena this November when the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey bring their show, The Greatest Show on Earth, to town. With acrobatics, stunts, and plenty of extreme performances that push the boundaries of human capability, the show is sure to excite adults and children of all ages this season.
Small Business Saturday
Downtown Albany
November 30
Bring your wallets to downtown Albany on the Saturday after Black Friday to shop small and local businesses for all of your holiday needs. With special deals, events, and discounts from local restaurants and retailers, the shopping holiday not only supports local, but also supports your budgets!
Columbia County
2nd Annual Honky-Tonk Market
Return Brewing, Hudson
November 8–10
Returning to Return Brewing for its second year, the annual Honky-Tonk Market is an all-weekend-long country event. With live music, Texas two-step lessons, over 10 vintage sellers, tarot card readings, food trucks, tintype portraits, and a western-themed burlesque, the market is a must-visit affair. Did we mention entry is free?
Classical Sunday
Spencertown Academy Arts Center, Spencertown
November 17, 3 p.m.
During this Classical Sunday performance in Spencertown, pianist Derin Oge and cellist Anneke Schaul-Yoder will present an unusual and virtuosic program. Included in the performance is the spiritual and intricate music of Bach, Beethoven, and Lera Auerbach. The duo has been making music together since 2008, so this show is many years in the making.
Basilica Farm & Flea Holiday Market
Basilica Hudson, Hudson
November 29-30
To combat the commercialism of Black Friday, the Basilica Farm & Flea Market was created in 2013 to support shopping local for the holiday season. Part timeless flea and farmer’s market and part modern craft and design fair, the holiday market features everything from artisan-made wares to locally sourced foods.
Dutchess County
Blow Your Own Ornament
Hudson Beach Glass, Beacon
All November long, by appointment
A unique holiday experience that’s fun for the whole family, Hudson Beach Glass offers ornament blowing classes this holiday season. In Beacon, you can create your own beautiful and one-of-a-kind ornament in just 15 minutes to bring home some holiday cheer that can be cherished for years to come.
Hudson Valley Beer, Whiskey & Wine Festival
Barton Orchards, Poughquag
November 2, 2–6 p.m.
Head to Barton Orchards this November to sample dozens of different beers from breweries in the region and around the world and whiskeys and spirits from distilleries in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Also, sip on delicious wine from New York State wineries as you do your rounds throughout the festival.
Veterans Day at The Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park
November 12
This Veterans Day, all veterans will receive a complimentary lunch or dinner at one of The Culinary Institute of America’s restaurants, including American Bounty Restaurant, The Bocuse Restaurant, Apple Pie Bakery Café, and The Egg. Founded with the intention of preparing returning World War II veterans for careers in the culinary arts, the CIA gives back to our vets every chance it gets.
Greene County
Hester Street Fair
Wylder Windham, Windham
November 9-10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Back at Wylder Windham with over 30 vendors, the Hester Street Fair returns for the holiday season. A space for people and businesses to gather, celebrate, and discover what unites the Greene County community, the market goes beyond a typical street fair in Windham.
Festival of Trees
Anthony’s Banquet Hall, Leeds
November 8–11
A weekend event in the Catskills, the Greene County Festival of Trees is a magical affair this November. The event features stunningly decorated Christmas trees, live music, and holiday treats to enjoy as you celebrate the holiday season and local community.
Gray Willow Ribbon Cutting
Gray Willow, Earlton
November 15
In Earlton, celebrate the opening of new brewery and taproom Gray Willow this November. Enjoy delicious craft beers that are brewed onsite, along with a full bar and cocktail menu at the new spot that has been brilliantly transformed from the former Brennan’s School House.
Orange County
Holiday Fineries at the Wineries
Shawangunk Wine Trail
November 23 – December 15
Sip your way through Orange County’s many wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail this November during the Holiday Fineries at the Wineries event. Pick a winery lineup and travel to four or more beautifully decorated wineries to savor tasting flights as you collect special holiday ornaments at each location and take home a souvenir glass.
Thanksgiving Feast
Blu Pointe, Newburgh
November 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Head to Blu Pointe on the Hudson River in Newburgh for your Thanksgiving dinner this year. Featuring the bounty of the Hudson Valley, the feast includes a delicious buffet of seafood, prime cuts, and traditional eats like roasted turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, and cranberry-orange compote. Don’t forget to stop by the dessert display to treat your sweet tooth.
Black Friday Super-Bash
Tin Barn Brewing, Chester
November 29, 6–9 p.m.
Party with The Georgia 5 at Tin Barn Brewing this Black Friday for an ’80s dance party you’ll never forget. Enjoy cold beers and tasty brick-oven pizzas before hitting the dance floor and jamming out to live hits from the golden era of MTV with Rockland County’s original ’80s party band.
Putnam County
Uncle Cheef
Brewster
All November long
Hudson Valley’s newest live music lounge, Uncle Cheef is a jazz haven. Owned and operated by six-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and Tonight Show musician Ian Hendrickson-Smith (also known as Uncle Cheef), the club is all about live music, creative cocktails, and small plates in Brewster.
Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market
Brewster
All November long, Sundays
On Mount Ebo Road South in Brewster, the Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market is your place for sourcing everything local, sustainable, and fresh. Featuring produce, pickles, olives, meat, dairy, baked goods, bread, pasta, and more, the market is open for business every Sunday all year long.
West Point Foundry Preserve
Cold Spring
All November long
A National Historic Landmark, the West Point Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring is one of America’s most important industrial sites. The outdoor museum is the perfect place for a fall walk, during which time you can explore the 19th-century ironworks that manufactured some of the nation’s first steam engines, locomotives, pipes for the New York City water system, and cannons from the Civil War.
Rockland County
Fall Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Throughout Rockland County
Through November 10
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week returns this fall to Rockland County, with two full weeks of discounted meals. Stop by one of the county’s participating restaurants now through November 10 to enjoy a multi-course breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a prix-fixe price.
Pizza Oven Celebration
IlFornino, Valley Cottage
November 16, 1 p.m.
This pizza celebration is a free and family-friendly event in Valley Cottage at IlFornino this November. The culinary event features live demonstrations of pizza-making in IlFornino’s famous wood-fired pizza ovens, which are manufactured nearby in Rockland County. Along with demonstrations, enjoy wine, gelato, music, and more all day long.
Tony Shaloub & Brooke Adams in Conversation With Elliott Forrest
The Angel Nyack at First Reformed Church, Nyack
November 16, 2 p.m.
Award-winning power couple Tony Shaloub and Brooke Adams are coming to Nyack to talk about their lives, careers, and marriage in a conversation with Elliott Forrest. At the event, Emmy Award-winning Shaloub will discuss his well-known roles in shows like Monk and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, while Adams talks about Days of Heaven and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Ulster County
Hudson Valley Hullabaloo
Andy Murphy Recreation Center, Kingston
November 23-24
Kick off the holiday season at Hudson Valley Hullabaloo while you get in some early Christmas present shopping. The two-day event showcases local and handmade gifts, along with music, delicious food, portraits, and so much more.
The Polar Express
Catskill Mountain Railroad, Kingston
November 15–30
All aboard The Polar Express! Relive the sights and sounds of the film on the Catskill Mountain Railroad this November as you embark on a magical trip to the North Pole. Once on board, the conductor will punch your golden ticket and dancing chefs will serve you hot chocolate with cookies before you meet Santa and his elves.
Holiday Fineries at the Wineries
Shawangunk Wine Trail
November 23 – December 15
Hit the Shawangunk Wine Trail in Ulster County this November to soak in the holiday spirit during the Holiday Fineries at the Wineries event. Stop by destinations like the Brooklyn Cider House, Robibero Winery, and Whitecliff Vineyard for flights and festive decorations, and don’t forget to take home a wine glass.
Westchester County
Westchester Craft Beverage Trail
Throughout Westchester
All November long
Try something new this November and embark on a tasty journey using the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail’s free mobile passport. The curated collection leads beer lovers to local breweries, distilleries, taprooms, and more to enjoy Westchester-made beverages.
Victorian Christmas
The Octagon House, Irvington
November 14–30
Step into the 19th century at Irvington’s The Octagon House this November. Decorated for a Victorian Christmas, the historic building offers a celebration of the holiday season with guided tours that take you through the sights and sounds of the holiday in 1870. While on tour, explore the eight-sided home and its antique ornaments and grand Christmas trees.
The Terra String Quartet
Caramoor, Katonah
November 17, 3 p.m.
Starting on November 17, The Terra String Quartet launches its year-long residency at Caramoor with a performance of three well-loved chamber music masterpieces. Prize-winner at the 2023 Melbourne and Osaka International Chamber Music Competitions, the group is a vibrant young ensemble that’s equal parts passion, vitality, and humor.
