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November 2025: Your Complete Guide to Holidays, Events & Planning

November 2025 is a month filled with tradition, gratitude, and transition as autumn reaches its peak across the United States. From honoring our veterans to gathering around the Thanksgiving table, this eleventh month of the year marks the true beginning of the holiday season. Whether you're planning family celebrations, tracking celestial events, or simply organizing your calendar, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to make the most of November 2025.

Table of Contents

• Federal Holidays in November 2025
• Important Dates and Observances
• Celestial Events and Sky Watching
• Cultural and Religious Holidays
• November Planning Tips
• Fun Facts About November
• Frequently Asked Questions

Federal Holidays in November 2025

November 2025 features two significant federal holidays that allow Americans to pause, reflect, and celebrate important aspects of our national identity.

Veterans Day – Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Veterans Day is a solemn federal holiday dedicated to honoring all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, this day has evolved into a tribute to all American veterans, past and present. Communities across the nation hold ceremonies, parades, and special events to express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our military members. Many businesses offer special discounts and free meals to veterans as a token of appreciation.

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27, 2025

Thanksgiving Day falls on the fourth Thursday of November and represents one of America's most cherished holidays. This day of gratitude brings families and friends together for elaborate feasts traditionally featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The holiday has deep historical roots connecting to harvest celebrations and early interactions between European settlers and Native Americans. For many Americans, Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of the extended holiday season, setting the stage for December festivities to come.

Important Dates and Observances in November 2025

Beyond federal holidays, November is packed with significant dates worth marking on your calendar:

Daylight Saving Time Ends – Sunday, November 2, 2025

Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour at 2:00 AM local time. This annual time change returns most of the United States to standard time, gifting you an extra hour of sleep. Remember the phrase "fall back" to help you remember which direction to adjust your clocks.

Election Day – Tuesday, November 4, 2025

While not a federal holiday, Election Day is crucial for American democracy. Many state and local elections take place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, including races for governors, state legislators, mayors, and other local officials. Check your local election board website to find out what's on your ballot and make your voice heard.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade – Thursday, November 27, 2025

The 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place in New York City, beginning at 8:30 AM ET and concluding at noon. This beloved American tradition features giant character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and performances from Broadway shows. The parade will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock for those watching from home.

Monthly Observances

• Native American Heritage Month – The entire month of November celebrates and honors the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of Native American peoples
• National Gratitude Month – A month dedicated to practicing and expressing thankfulness in daily life
• Movember – An annual campaign where participants grow mustaches during November to raise awareness about men's health issues, including prostate cancer and mental health
• National Diabetes Month – Raising awareness about diabetes prevention and management
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Promoting education and early detection of lung cancer

Celestial Events and Sky Watching in November 2025

November offers excellent opportunities for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness spectacular celestial phenomena.

Beaver Moon – Wednesday, November 5, 2025

November's full moon, traditionally called the "Beaver Moon," will reach peak illumination on Wednesday, November 5. This name comes from Native American tribes who noted this as the time when beavers were most active preparing their winter dams. This full moon is also sometimes called the "Frost Moon" as November brings increasingly frosty nights across much of North America.

Leonid Meteor Shower – November 16-17, 2025

The Leonid meteor shower, known for producing fast and bright meteors, will peak around the night of November 16-17, 2025. Active from early to late November, this shower originates from debris left by comet Tempel-Tuttle. For the best viewing experience, find a dark location away from city lights and look up after midnight. The Leonids occasionally produce spectacular meteor storms, though regular years typically show 10-15 meteors per hour.

Other November Sky Events

• Southern Taurids Meteor Shower Peak – November 4-5, 2025
• Northern Taurids Meteor Shower Peak – November 11-12, 2025
• New Moon – Thursday, November 20, 2025

Cultural and Religious Holidays in November 2025

November hosts diverse religious and cultural observances that reflect America's multicultural landscape:

• All Saints Day – Saturday, November 1
• All Souls Day – Sunday, November 2
• Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – November 1-2
• World Kindness Day – Thursday, November 13
• The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple – Friday, November 21
• Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib – Monday, November 24
• National Day of Mourning – Thursday, November 27
• Advent Begins – Sunday, November 30

November 2025 Planning Tips

Successfully navigating November requires advance planning, especially with major holidays and year-end approaching. Here are essential tips to stay organized:

• Book Thanksgiving travel early – Airlines and hotels fill up quickly around the holiday weekend
• Create your Thanksgiving menu now – Planning ahead reduces stress and allows for specialty ingredient shopping
• Order your turkey by mid-November – Popular sizes sell out fast at local butchers and grocery stores
• Start holiday shopping – Beat the December rush by beginning gift purchases in November
• Schedule time off work – Request vacation days for extended Thanksgiving weekends before schedules fill
• Prepare your home for holiday guests – Clean, declutter, and set up guest rooms early
• Check your heating system – November temperatures drop significantly; ensure your heating works properly

Fascinating Facts About November

Etymology and Calendar History

The name "November" derives from the Latin word "novem," meaning "nine." In the original Roman calendar, November was indeed the ninth month before January and February were added, shifting it to the eleventh position we know today.

November Birthstones

November babies are fortunate to have two beautiful birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz, found in various colors though commonly yellow, symbolizes strength and healing. Citrine, with its warm golden to orange hues, is believed to bring joy, success, and abundance to its wearer.

November Birth Flower

The chrysanthemum serves as November's official birth flower. These vibrant blooms come in numerous colors and varieties, symbolizing loyalty, love, and longevity. In many cultures, chrysanthemums are closely associated with autumn and feature prominently in fall decorations.

November Zodiac Signs

If you're born in November, you're either a passionate Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) or an adventurous Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21). Scorpios are known for their intensity, determination, and mysterious nature, while Sagittarians are celebrated for their optimism, honesty, and love of freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions About November 2025

When is Thanksgiving in 2025?

Thanksgiving Day 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27. It's always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.

What day does daylight saving time end in November 2025?

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 AM local time. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

How many federal holidays are in November 2025?

There are two federal holidays in November 2025: Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, and Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 27.

When is the Leonid meteor shower in November 2025?

The Leonid meteor shower will peak on the night of November 16-17, 2025. The shower is active throughout November, but these dates offer the best viewing opportunities.

What is the November 2025 full moon called?

November's full moon on November 5, 2025, is called the "Beaver Moon" or sometimes the "Frost Moon." The name comes from Native American traditions marking the time when beavers prepare for winter.

What day of the week is Veterans Day 2025?

Veterans Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, November 11. Since it's a federal holiday, government offices, banks, and many businesses will be closed.

Conclusion: Make November 2025 Memorable

November 2025 offers Americans a wonderful blend of patriotic observance, family tradition, and natural beauty. From honoring our veterans to sharing gratitude around the Thanksgiving table, from watching meteor showers streak across autumn skies to witnessing the season's final burst of colorful foliage, this month provides countless opportunities to create lasting memories.

Download a printable November 2025 calendar, mark these important dates, and start planning your celebrations today. With proper preparation and awareness of key events, you'll navigate this transitional month smoothly and make the most of everything it has to offer.