Happy November and happy start of the holiday season! November in these parts is special in so many ways The colorful leaves peak, it’s the season of thankfulness, and there is a plethora of seasonal activities in the Charlottesville area.
This season of thanks also welcomes our Doing Good Marketing Grant. We are excited to recognize local nonprofits that are making a difference in the lives of children in the Charlottesville area. All finalists will be highlighted in our upcoming issue of CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine.
So, as we usher in November, here are some things to do, Thanksgiving events and recipes, local news info, and more for Charlottesville.
Drop us a line if you think of any other fall or holiday content you think we should cover as we head deeper into the season!
Top November Events in the Charlottesville Area
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Charlottesville this November? Here are the events we’re most excited about — from harvest festivals and turkey trots to other Thanksgiving happenings and holiday parades.
WINTER BOOK DRIVE – November 1–30 at All JMRL Branches
Give the gift of reading! Donate new, unwrapped children’s books at your local library branch. Books will go to local preschools, Head Start programs, and UVA’s chapter of Remote Area Medical so they can provide free books to the children they serve.
FREE FISHING WEDNESDAY – November 4 at Montfair Resort Farm
Fish for large bass, crappie, and sunfish on Montfair’s peaceful lake-no fishing license required, as the lake is located on private property.
MOVIE UNDER THE STARS – November 6 at ReadyKids
Grab your blankets, family, and friends for movie night. ReadyKids is hosting free movie under the stars on their new playground.
MONTPELIER HUNT RACES – November 7 at Montpelier
Head to James Madison’s home for a fun-filled fall day of horse races, family-friendly events, the Montpelier Market and more.
FALL FESTIVAL – November 7 at Botanical Garden of the Piedmont
This free event is where nature meets adventure! Enjoy a day of hands-on activities and outdoor exploration, including arts and crafts, tree walks, a tree planting, and a tree care workshop and demonstration with Bartlett Tree Experts. Take part in outdoor finger labyrinth guided meditation among the trees and explore tabling activities from local organizations.
CRAFTERNOON – November 12 at Dairy Market
November Crafternoon: Construction Paper Portraits Get creative with Charlotte from Scrappy Elephant. This drop-in event is free, with all supplies included. Stop by anytime during the event to craft while you enjoy food and drinks from your favorite Dairy Market merchants.
ARTISANS STUDIO FESTIVAL – November 14–15 at Various Locations
On the second weekend in November, artisans in Central Virginia open their doors for you to explore their working spaces. Many visitors make the Tour a two-day experience so they can enjoy other offerings while in the area.
MOMS LIT SOCIETY: SUN SEEKERS BY RACHEL MCRADY – November 17 at Starr Hill at Dairy Market
Meet the author! Join CharlottesvilleFamily for a book club featuring Rachel McRady’s Sun Seekers. Rachel McRady is a local Virginia author, Emmy Award0winning journalist, and mom of two. Rachel will be there to discuss and sign her debut novel.
THE NUTCRACKER: STORYTIME WITH CHARLOTTESVILLE BALLET – November 18 at JMRL Central
Enjoy a special story and performance by the Charlottesville Ballet ballerinas at this interactive library event.
HOLIDAY PARADE – November 28 at Barrack’s Road Shopping Center
This popular tradition features a parade through the shopping center, concluding with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Don’t miss a thing — check our full Family Events Calendar → updated daily.
News Fresh From CharlottesvilleFamily.com
This month, we’re covering everything from Halloween to corn mazes, pumpkin pickin’, and the best family events happening around Charlottesville. Plus, local school info and cute crafts to enjoy.
CHARLOTTESVILLE THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS – The best round-up of Charlottesville area Thanksgiving happenings this year.
TOP NOVEMBER EVENTS – A round-up of the best family-friendly events this month.
TURKEY TROTS AND HOLIDAY RUNS – Start the holiday season right with a trot, fun run, or holiday run this fall.
GIDDY UP FOR THE MONTPELIER RACES – Parent tested tips for taking kids to the steeplechase.
EASY ROAST TURKEY RECIPE – The best turkey recipe and other ideas for making Thanksgiving extra special.
SWEET POTATO SOUFFLÉ RECIPE – Try this midwestern favorite featuring Virginia flavor the whole family will love.
CENTRAL VA CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS – Family-friendly activities at tree farms in Charlottesville and beyond.
A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO COFFEE SHOPS – Insider tips to enjoying the best coffee spots in Charlottesville.
BUMBLE’S FREE LITTLE LIBRARY – Exclusive resources for CharlottesvilleFamily readers, including printable scavenger hunts, activity pages and more.
Charlottesville/Albemarle News
FOSTER ART EXPANSION – Foster Art, a creative art studio offering children’s classes and afterschool art programs, is expanding. The new studio is located in the Forest Lakes shopping center.
NEW INDOOR GOLF FACILITY – Kandi Comer Golf is opening an indoor golf learning studio in Ivy Square, next to Foods of All Nations. The facility will feature state-of-the-art simulator hitting bays, a large real-feel green for chipping and putting, a full club fitting suite, and a golf-specific fitness space.
CITY SCHOOLS NAMED A TOP DISTRICT – Charlottesville City Schools was ranked among the best school divisions in Virginia, earning the No. 18 spot in Niche’s newly released Best School District Rankings.
UVA HEALTH EXPANDING – UVA Health has acquired the former State Farm operations center building in Pantops and will use the space to expand outpatient care.
NEW PARENTING BOOK BY LOCAL AUTHOR – Local mother, author, and child psychologist Cara Goodwin (AKA @theparentingtranslator) has released her newest book, What to Do When There’s a New Baby in the Family.
NEW NP IN CROZET – Elizabeth J. Harris-Jones, CNP recently joined Sentara Crozet Family Medicine, and she is now accepting new patients. Learn more here.
More From the CharlottesvilleFamily Fam
ROANOKEFAMILY – Check out the new and improved RoanokeFamily, and send the link to a Roanoke Valley family you know. Then, follow along on Instagram.
Ready to Read
Our Relocation Guide flipbook is a trusted resource is designed to help families, professionals, and newcomers make a smooth transition to life in the area. Whether you’re moving across the country or just across the Blue Ridge, this guide offers info about neighborhoods, schools, and family life in one easy-to-browse digital publication.
The Ultimate Relocation Guide: Where to live, learn & play in Charlottesville
Read our Fall Edition of Bloom Magazine. This special issue is just what you need for the fall season with your family and friends. Here’s why:
SCHOOL INFO & STORIES
40 years of Covenant School, UVA programs for working adults & more.
DARE TO PLAY
How risky play helps kids thrive and grow.
APPLE PICKING + RECIPE
Best local orchards for picking, and a fritter recipe you have to try.
100+ FALL FESTIVALS, EVENTS & DAYTRIPS
All season long, all curated, all local. Your calendar just got a whole lot more fun.
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE
Everything you need to know in your school search for preschool–12th grade.
On Our Minds
From the editors:
Here’s something we’ve been thinking about as we settle into November: the leaves are falling, the mornings are frosty, and the holidays are no longer just peeking around the corner. They’re practically at the door. That means we’re savoring the last colorful days of autumn while feeling the cozy, busy rhythm of the holiday season begin to build.
So this month, we’re enjoying it all. Warm dinners, early sunsets, and plenty of time spent gathering around the table as Thanksgiving approaches. It’s a month made for gratitude, and we’re soaking up every moment with the people who matter most.
Visit RoanokeFamily and VirginiaSummerCamp.com for even more great regional resources.
Coming Up for Parents
Next, be on the lookout for even more holiday happenings. Lights, Santa, recipes and activities – we will have it all. Plus, our Ultimate Go-To Guide will feature Family Favorites winners, day trip ideas and more.
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