Read the latest Rochester This Week on Substack
November is a month of transition and reflection. The last whispers of fall blend seamlessly with the early murmurs of the holiday season, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. As the month begins, enjoy the final moments of autumn’s beauty, then watch the world transform as homes and streets twinkle with festive lights and holiday decorations.
November Day Trips Ideas
Artful Escapes: Galleries, Studios & Museums
November is a wonderful time to explore Rochester’s vibrant arts scene, especially as the weather turns crisp and you’re seeking inspiration indoors. From the Memorial Art Gallery’s exhibitions and Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration Day to the intimate shows at Image City Photography Gallery and the hands-on creativity at Flower City Arts Center, there’s no shortage of thoughtful, beautiful spaces to explore. First Friday on November 7 offers open studios and evening gallery hopping across the city, while spots like RoCo keep things contemporary year-round. Pair your art outing with a cozy café or bookstore nearby for a day well spent.
Explore More
Rochester, delivered
A weekly Substack newsletter, with periodic essays exploring behind-the-scenes work and reflections on traveling close to home. While the content is free, paid subscriptions support my ongoing research and writing.
Sugar & Spice: Where to Find Rochester’s Sweetest Stops
November is the perfect time for a cozy pie and chocolate loop. Pick up a fresh-baked pie from local favorites like Leo’s Bakery & Deli, Goodman Bakes, Pastrymancer, Forno Tony, Butterjoy, Go Frost Yourself, or Savoia Pastry Shoppe, then treat yourself to handcrafted sweets from Rochester’s beloved chocolatiers. Whether you’re stocking up for Thanksgiving or just savoring the season, these stops make for a deliciously comforting day trip.
Explore More
Holidays at the George Eastman Museum
Nov 8, 2025–Jan 4, 2026. GEM is a gorgeous place to experience the joy of the holiday season. In addition to the delightful Sweet Creations Gingerbread Displays, Wreath Display, and Tabletop Tree Display, the Dryden Theatre offers a wide selection of festive films. Admission fee. 900 East Avenue, (585) 327-4800, eastman.org
Canandaigua Treaty Day
Nov 11. The Canandaigua Treaty, signed on November 11, 1794, established peace and friendship between the United States of America and the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the past and present converge, reminding us of the treaty’s significance and the bond it has forged between the two nations. Ontario County Courthouse, 27 N. Main Street, ganondagan.org
Nov 16: Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration Day, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester
Skaneateles Dickens Christmas
Nov 28, 29, 30, Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, and 24. The World’s Smallest Parade kicks off this month-long weekend festival on Bright Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). The festival continues every Saturday and Sunday, leading up to Christmas. Charles Dickens and other characters can be seen roaming the streets, shops, and restaurants, greeting guests and spreading holiday cheer. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the village, caroling and plays at the gazebo, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Multiple venues, Skaneateles, Onondaga County, (315) 685-0552, skaneateles.com
Shop Local This November
November 29, 2025, is Small Business Saturday, but you can shop these holiday markets and bazaars all month long!
- Nov 2: The Novel Affair Book Fair, ARTISANworks
- Nov 7: Night of Lights, Shops on the Ridge
- Nov 7–9: Winter Wonderland Shopping Fling, held throughout Wayne County
- Nov 8–9: Holiday Market, GCVM
- Nov 8–9: Weaver’s Guild of Rochester Holiday Sale, Perkins Mansion, East Ave
- Nov 8–9: Zonta Holiday Craft Festival, Batavia Downs
- Nov 13–15: Merrily We Roll Along, Nazareth University Arts Center Callahan Theater
- Nov 14: Christmas in the Country, Dome Arena, Henrietta
- Nov 14–16: Christkindl Market, Granger Homestead
- Nov 15: Holiday Market, Schutt’s Apple Mill
- Nov 21–23: Holiday Bazaar, RMSC
- Nov 21–23: Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical, Roberts Wesleyan
- Nov 22: Giving Thanks Holiday Market, East Ave
- Nov 23: Give Thanks Market, Perinton Rec Center
- Nov 26–Dec 7: OFC’s Broadway in Brighton Series™ Presents Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
- Nov 28: Record Store Day at the Record Archive
- Nov 28–29: Themata (The Market at the Armory)
- Nov 28–29: Holiday Wine & Craft Marketplace at Casa Larga
- Nov 28–30: The Market at Birdhouse Brewing Co., Honeoye
- Nov 29: Shop Small on Monroe
- Nov 29: Native Made Market, RMSC
- Nov 29–30: Nightmare Before Christmas Market, ARTISANworks
- Nov 30, Dec 7, 14: Holidays at the Public Market
Explore More
Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Explore things to do around Rochester in October or start planning ahead with things to do in December.
Explore More
What are your favorite November activities around Rochester?
🍂 Did this guide help you plan your November adventures? Sign up for weekly inspiration straight to your inbox!
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.
Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
