Fall dishes

November Bucket List for Families

As the crisp air settles in and the leaves fall, November invites us to embrace warmth, gratitude, and the quiet beauty of the season.

November is a month that feels like a warm hug. It’s a season of gratitude, comfort, and simple pleasures, marked by crisp air and the promise of cozy gatherings. While we’re beginning to prepare for the holidays, November also invites us to slow down, reflect, and soak up the beauty of fall.

November is one of my favorite months. It’s my birthday month too! But that’s not my favorite thing about November. What I really love is the chilly air, the slowing down, and the warmth of home.

To help you make the most of this special time, I’ve put together a November bucket list that celebrates the month’s warm and welcoming spirit. Whether you’re looking to create memories with family, find moments of quiet reflection, or simply savor the season, these ideas will help you enjoy November!

20 Cozy Ways to Embrace November: Bucket List

1. Take a Nature Walk to Enjoy Fall Foliage

November often offers one last chance to enjoy autumn’s vibrant colors. Head outside, take a deep breath, and admire the landscape. Bring a bag to collect leaves, acorns, or pinecones to use in seasonal decor at home.

2. Host a Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving Dinner

Nothing says November like a warm gathering of family and friends. Whether it’s a big Thanksgiving dinner or an intimate Friendsgiving, sharing a meal is a beautiful way to celebrate the month and express gratitude.

3. Bake a Homemade Pie

There’s something about baking from scratch that feels extra cozy. Choose a seasonal pie, like pumpkin, apple, or pecan, and enjoy the warmth and aroma that fills your kitchen.

4. Start a Gratitude Journal

November is all about thankfulness. Start a simple habit of writing down one thing you’re grateful for each day. It’s a powerful way to keep a grateful heart and a positive mindset.

5. Have a Hot Cocoa Night

On a chilly evening, gather your family or friends for a hot cocoa bar. Experiment with flavors like peppermint, salted caramel, or pumpkin spice, and enjoy the warmth and sweetness of a homemade cup.

6. Decorate for Fall or Thanksgiving

Make your home feel like a cozy retreat with some seasonal decor. Think pumpkins, dried flowers, candles, and warm-toned blankets that add a welcoming touch to any room.

7. Read a New Book by the Fire

Find a novel or memoir that feels as comforting as the season. Settle into your favorite reading spot, grab a blanket, and lose yourself in a good story.

8. Visit a Local Farmers Market

Farmers markets in November often have an abundance of seasonal produce. Stock up on squash, apples, sweet potatoes, and all the ingredients you need for comforting, from-scratch meals.

9. Try a New Soup Recipe

Nothing says cozy like a big pot of soup on the stove. Try a hearty recipe with seasonal ingredients, like butternut squash, sweet potato, or lentils. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

10. Do a Thanksgiving Craft with Kids

November is a great time to get creative with family. Crafts like handprint turkeys, gratitude trees, or leaf collages are fun activities for little ones and create memories you’ll treasure.

11. Set Up a Fall Family Photoshoot

The colors of November make for beautiful family photos. Pick a scenic spot, get everyone in cozy sweaters, and capture the season’s beauty.

12. Volunteer or Donate to a Local Food Bank

Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of giving. Look for opportunities to volunteer or donate to local food banks, shelters, or charitable organizations to help those in need.

13. Plan a Movie Night with Thanksgiving Classics

Snuggle up with blankets, popcorn, and classic Thanksgiving movies like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or Planes, Trains & Automobiles. It’s the perfect way to unwind as a family.

14. Go on a Scenic Drive

November landscapes are stunning, especially if there are still fall leaves on the trees. Take a scenic drive to soak in the last colors of autumn and enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature.

15. Plan Winter Prep for Your Home

Take some time to prepare your home for winter. Seal up drafty windows, add extra blankets to beds, and stock up on any essentials. Getting your home ready now makes for a cozy, stress-free winter.

16. Make a Wreath or Table Centerpiece

Using natural materials like pinecones, acorns, and dried flowers, create a seasonal wreath or centerpiece that brings nature into your home and celebrates the beauty of fall.

17. Try a Fall DIY Project

November is a great time for a creative DIY. Try something seasonal, like making candles, knitting a scarf, or painting pumpkins. These projects add a personal, homemade touch to your home.

18. Write a Letter of Gratitude to Someone Special

A handwritten letter is a meaningful way to show someone you care. Think about people who have made a difference in your life, and let them know how grateful you are.

19. Have a Bonfire or Fire Pit Night

Enjoy the crisp November air by gathering around a bonfire. Roast marshmallows, share stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire with your loved ones.

20. Start Planning for Christmas

November is the perfect time to begin thinking about the holidays. Start gift lists, think about your holiday menu, and maybe even get a jump on decorating so December feels more relaxed.


Embrace the Simple Joys of November

November is a season of gratitude, warmth, and connection. It’s a time to slow down, enjoy the beauty around you, and prepare for the busy holiday season ahead. By working your way through this bucket list, you’ll create a month filled with beautiful memories, cozy moments, and simple pleasures.

I hope you find much joy this season!

Free Printable Bucket List for November

How to Download

Just click on the button below to download your free printable Bucket List for November. Enjoy!

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