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LongIsland.com’s November 2017 Family Fun Guide: Fall Festvals, Turkey Trots, Thanksgiving Dinners & More!

Written by Brian Re  |  01. November 2017

The trees have begun their beautiful color transition as November arrives with a full slate of entertainment that cover both the warm and chilly fall days. With October behind us and the spookiness of Halloween finished for another year, it’s time to turn to all of the great activities in store for the next month!

The fun kicks off with an enormous list of Fall Festivals & Fairs that will keep parents busy shopping for holiday items while the kids are thrilled by games and attractions. If the energy of the festivals has you craving more, there are plenty of Concerts and Performances to enjoy this month that cover everything from hard rock to classical. Without a moment to spare, we jump right into the Outdoor Fun, which features plenty of hikes and educational activities that will have you enjoying every moment of the fall foliage.

In terms of holidays this month, things start off on Friday, November 11th with Veterans Day, and Long Islanders will be honoring our brave service men and women with ceremonies and tribute events. Less than two weeks later, restaurants across the Island will be whipping up traditional favorites that all will enjoy for Thanksgiving! If you need to make a little room in your stomach for the meal, don’t worry, as there are plenty of Turkey Trots that will have you grabbing your running shoes for a memorable road race.

Ready for a month of non-stop fall fun? Grab your planner and start making your way through the list below to see what’s in store for you this month here on Long Island!


Fall Festivals & Fairs
Weekends throughout the month of November will be packed with a plethora of fall festvials and fairs! Perfect for family outings and shopping for unique holiday gifts, these events provide entertainment for the young anf young at heart!

Westbury Market Fair & Flea Market at NYCB Theatre - FREE!
960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590
516-669-7541
Saturdays & Sundays, November 3rd through November 26th, 8 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

Head to NYCB Theatre's parking lot for the highest quality merchandise, original crafts, and vendors selling a variety of wares perfect for all ages and interests! Whether you're searching for a watch or a painting, the Westbury Market Fair has the one-of-a-kind items that you have been searching far and wide for!


6th Annual Craft & Gift Fair at Hauppauge High School - FREE!
500 Lincoln Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-846-1459
Saturday, November 11th through Sunday, November 12th, 10 AM - 5 PM
Free Event

Returning for its sixth year, this craft and gift fair at Hauppauge High School gives shoppers the ability to check out the selections from over one hundred exhibitors.


Sayville's 11th Annual Miracle on Main Street - FREE!
Town of Sayville, Sayville, NY 11782
631-567-5257
Saturday, November 25th

The Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce, Inc. will mark the beginning of the holiday season with a parade, Winter Wonderland (Small Business Saturday), tree lighting, and live reindeer and a visit from Santa.


Greenport Gallery Walk at Village of Greenport - FREE!
Main Street and Front Street, Greenport, NY 11944
631-477-1021
Friday, November 3rd, 6 PM - 9 PM
Free Event

The Greenport Gallery Walk continues this November with an evening of art exhibits, salon talks, and demonstrations within the beautiful Village of Greenport.

5th Annual rUNDEAD 5k Zombie Run & Fall Family Festival
510 Parkside Boulevard, Massapequa, NY 11758
631-254-1465 ext. 4205
Saturday, November 4th, 8:30 AM - 4 PM
$30 Per Person

Benefitting the Special Olympics - Long Island, rUNDEAD tasks runners with making it to the finish line of a course that is crawling with zombies.

St. John's Fair at St. John's Lutheran Church - FREE!
47 Winthrop Street, Williston Park, NY 11596
516-741-5571
Saturday, November 4th, 10 AM - 3 PM
Free Event

Hosted by the Ladies' Aid Society, this annual fair provides a diverse selection of baked goods, crafts, used toys, and unique holiday gifts.

119th Christmas Fair at First Congregational Church of Bay Shore - FREE!
1860 Union Boulevard, Bay Shore, NY 11706
631-665-0091
Saturday, November 4th, 10 AM - 7 PM
Free Event

Whether you're looking to shop for Christmas novelties or enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner, the 119th Christmas Fair is the place to be.

Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair at St Anthony's High School - FREE!
275 Wolf Hill Road, South Huntington, NY 11746
Saturday, November 4th, 10 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

There will be something for everyone at this annual event that packs more than one hundred vendors into Saint Anthony's High School.

I Love Chocolate Fest at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
516-572-8401
Saturday, November 4th through Sunday, November 5th, 10 AM - 5 PM
See Event Listing For Pricing

The I Love Chocolate Fest will take place over two days and will turn Old Bethpage Village Restoration into paradise for Long Island chocolate lovers.

Artisan Fine Craft Boutique at Holiday Inn - FREE!
215 Sunnyside Boulevard, Plainview, NY 11803
641-563-8551
Sunday, November 5th, 10 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

The Artisan Fine Craft Boutique will feature juried artists and craftsmen selling unique gifts and wearable art at the Holiday Inn in Plainview.

21st Autumn Art & Craft Festival at Stony Brook University
Campus Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794
631-563-8551
Saturday, November 11th through Sunday, November 12th, 10 AM - 5 PM
$5 Per Person

Shop for hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, photography, stained glass, and plenty of other original pieces at the shopping event that has been a Stony Brook staple for over two decades.

Lynbrook Craft & Gift Show at Elks Lodge #1 - FREE!
57 Hempstead Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563
516-209-7386
Sunday, November 12th, 10 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

More than 40 local vendors will be at Elks Lodge #1 in Lynbrook for a memorable day of shopping.

Holy Trinity Diocesan High School Fall Craft Fair - FREE!
98 Cherry Lane, Hicksville, NY 11801
516-433-2900
Saturday, November 18th, 10 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

Food, raffles, and over one hundred vendors make Holy Trinity Diocesan High School's fair a compelling choice for craft lovers.

28th Annual Holiday Craft Fair at Ascension Lutheran Church - FREE!
33 Bay Shore Road, Deer Park, NY 11729
631-277-1168
Saturday, November 18th, 10 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

Shop for homemade holiday gifts and crafts while you enjoy delicious baked treats at this annual Deer Park event.

Fifth Annual Fine Craft Fair at Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island - FREE!
38 Old Country Road, Garden City, NY 11530
516-350-8984
Saturday, November 18th, 10 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

Original work in clay, fiber, metal, glass and paper on display and available for purchase at Long Island Craft Guild’s Fifth Annual Fine Craft Fair.

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair at Merrick Library - FREE!
2279 Merrrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566
516-377-6112
Saturday, November 18th, 10:30 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

Crafted and non-crafted items will both be on display during this seasonal event that is perfect for holiday shopping.

10th Annual Pet Education & Information Fair at Middle Country Public Library - FREE!
101 Eastwood Boulevard, Centereach, NY 11720
631-585-9393
Saturday, November 18th, 11 AM - 2 PM
Free Event

Local and regional organizations will gather at Middle Country Public Library for an informative afternoon regarding pet health and adoptions.

Native American Feast at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove, NY 11542
516-571-8010
Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, November 19th, 10 AM - 4 PM
See Event Listing For Pricing

Participants will sample native foods, learn how to craft tools, and help in creating a dug-out canoe during this popular seasonal event.

Craft & Gift Fair at East Islip High School - FREE!
1 Redmen Street, Islip Terrace, NY 11752
631-846-1459
Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, November 19th, 10 AM - 5 PM
Free Event

East Islip's 31st Annual Craft & Gift Fair will be overflowing with more than one hundred vendors selling original creations and eye-catching gifts.

Holiday Craft/Gift Fair at Plainview American Legion Hall - FREE!
117 Southern Parkway, Plainview, NY 11803
516-270-5565
Sunday, November 19th, 11 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

Visit the Plainview VFW Hall for a special holiday shopping event that is supported by local businesses.

Holiday Shopping Day at Temple Beth-El Of Bellmore - FREE!
1373 Bellmore Road, North Bellmore, NY 11710
516-902-4903
Sunday, November 19th, 10 AM - 4 PM
Free Event

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, there will be more than fifty vendors selling the perfect gifts for your holiday season.

28th Annual Long Island Festival of Trees at Cradle of Aviation Museum
Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530
Friday, November 24th through Sunday, November 26th
$6 - $15 Per Person

Hundreds of trees will be decorated for the holidays, creating an awe-inspiring display that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Live entertainment and crafting activities can also be enjoyed by visitors.

Bay Shore's Winter Festival & Small Business Saturday - FREE!
Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706
631-665-7003
Saturday, November 25th at 3:30 PM
Free Event

The Winter Festival is a holiday tradition on Main Street with a tree and menorah lighting, music, treats, and visits from Santa and Frosty.

Black Friday Shopping
The prevalence of online shopping has only widened Black Friday, ensuring that it remains the most significant shopping day of the holiday season. Since finding the best deals can take a bit of skill to find, here are not only some tips for finding those sometimes elusive deals, but also for making it through the craziness that can often consume the day.

Turkey Trots
There certainly isn't a reason to have to squeeze in those extra pieces of turkey this year! With an assortment of road races on the days leading up to Thanksgiving, as well as the morning of the holiday, you'll be able to earn those extra calories at your Thanksgiving meal!

Smithtown Kickers Turkey Trot at Smithtown Elementary School
51 Lawrence Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787
Thursday, November 23rd at 8:30 AM
$10 - $25 Per Person

Whether competing in the 5K race or enjoying the 1-mile fun run, Smithtown Kickers Turkey Trot participants will help raise money for Angela's House, Smithtown Children's Foundation, and other local charities.


10th Annual Smiles Turkey Trot at Corey Beach Park
Corey Avenue, Blue Point, NY 11715
Thursday, November 23rd at 8:45 AM
$10 - $25 Per Person

Featuring a 5K run, kids' fun run, and 1.5 mile walk, this special event helps to raise critical funds for Smiles Change Lives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing orthodontic treatment to children from low income families.


10th Annual Matthew's Turkey Trot 5K at West Harbor Memorial Park
West Harbor Drive, Bayville, NY 11709
516-695-5137
Saturday, November 4th at 9 AM
$25 - $35 Per Person

The 10th anniversary of Matthew's Turkey Trot will feature a 5K run, 1K Chicken Run, and bone marrow drive. Proceeds from the event will be used to help children fight cancer.

13th Annual Long Beach City Council Turkey Trot
New York Avenue & Boardwalk, Long Beach, NY 11561
Sunday, November 19th at 8:30 AM
See Event Listing For Pricing

Join the City of Long Beach Department of Parks & Recreation for their 13th Annual Long Beach City Council Turkey Trot.

42nd Annual Port Washington Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile Run at Manorhaven Beach Park
Manorhaven Boulevard, Port Washington, NY 11050
Thursday, November 23rd at 8:30 AM
$25 - $35 Per Person

The Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run, a 5-mile loop through Port Washington villages, is co-presented by the Community Chest of Port Washington and the Town of North Hempstead.

Townwide Fund of Huntington Thanksgiving Day Run at American Legion Hall
New York Ave and Mill Dam Road, Huntington, NY 11743
Thursday, November 23rd at 8:30 AM
$10 - $40 Per Person

Townwide Fund of Huntington will be hosting a 4-mile race and fun runs to benefit local charities. Make some room for Thanksgiving dinner and raise money for local organizations.

Massapequa's Turkey Trot at John J. Burns Park
4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park, NY 11762
Thursday, November 23rd at 8:30 AM
$10 - $35 Per Person

The Massapequa Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is a community run that raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day on Friday, November 11th, local groups and organizations will be hosting tribute ceremonies and educational events to recognize those that have served to keep Long Islanders and all Americans safe.

Islandia's Veterans Day Ceremony - FREE!
Old Nichols Road and Johnson Avenue, Islandia, NY 11749
631-348-1133
Saturday, November 4th at 10 AM
Free Event

The Village of Islandia will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Triangle in honor of all of our brave men and women who have served.


Fire Island Lighthouse Tours for US Veterans - FREE!
4640 Captree Island, Captree Island, NY 11702
631-661-4876
Saturday, November 11th, 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Free Event

The Fire Island Lighthouse will be providing free tower tours for all US Veterans during regular operating hours on Veterans Day.


Thank a Vet with Green Earth Craft - FREE!
700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003-2366
516-354-5280
Thursday, November 9th, 7 PM - 8 PM
Free Event

Kids in grades kindergarten through sixth will celebrate Veterans Day by creating presents for those that have served.

Veterans Day at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium- FREE!
1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
516-692-6768
Saturday, November 11th, 10 AM - 5 PM
Free Event

Veterans will be admitted into the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium for free when they show a military ID on Veterans Day.

A Letter to My Hero at Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
516-224-5800
Saturday, November 11th, 2 PM - 4 PM
Free With Museum Admission

Children will be able to write special thank you letters to the brave men and women that serve our country.

3rd Annual Veterans Day Concert with the Freeport Community Band at Elmont Public Library - FREE!
700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003-2366
516-354-5280
Sunday, November 19th at 2 PM
Free Event

Freeport Community's 30-piece band and the Elmont American Legion Post 1033 Color Guard will be marches and period love songs in tribute to our country's military.

Thanksgiving Dinners
This Thanksgiving, restaurants and venues across Long Island will be offering a variety of traditional and modern meals that families can enjoy without any of the hassles that cooking entails!

Thanksgiving Day Dinner at VIEW
3 Consuelo Place, Oakdale, NY 11769
631-589-2694
Thursday, November 23rd, 1 PM - 7 PM
$44.95 Adults / $19.95 Children / Free for under 3

Enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal with family and friends while taking in views of the Great South Bay at VIEW in Oakdale.


Thanksgiving Dinner at Ocean
333 Bayville Avenue, Bayville, NY 11709
516-628-3330
Thursday, November 23rd
$55 Adults / $20 Children

Celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner with your friends and family at Ocean and enjoy a diverse selection of soups, appetizers, entrees, and desserts.


Thanksgiving Day Buffet at East Wind Long Island
5720 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792
631-929-6585
Thursday, November 23rd, 12 PM - 4 PM
$54.95 Per Person

A full Thanksgiving buffet with all of the fixings will be offered at East Wind in Wading River this Thanksgiving Day.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Mirabelle Restaurant and Tavern
150 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY 11790
631-751-0555
Thursday, November 23rd
$50 Adults / $25 Children (12 and under)

Chef Guy Reuge will be overseeing a grand buffet complete with a cold display, salads and soup, carving station, bistro selections, traditional sides, and desserts.

Thanksgiving at Sandbar
55 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
631-498-6188
Thursday, November 23rd
See Event Listing For Pricing

From shaved brussels sprouts to pan-seared scallops, Sandbar will be serving delectable dishes in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Watermill
711 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown, NY 11787
516-224-8184
Thursday, November 23rd, 1 PM - 5 PM
$59.95 Adults / $29.95 Children

A Thanksgiving dinner buffet overflowing with mouthwatering dishes will be served at Watermill by an award-winning culinary team.

Outdoor Fun
Featuring opportunities to learn about the world we live in, as well as hikes to burn a few calories for Thanksgiving feasts, this month has plenty of events to get everybody enjoying the great outdoors!

Dream Catchers Family Program at Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Sunrise Highway, Bohemia, NY 11716
631-581-1072
Saturday, November 11th, 10 AM - 11:30 AM
$4 Per Person + $1 Materials Fee ($8 Parking)

Children will learn all about the history of dream catchers before sitting down to craft their own.


Blazing Trails 4 Mile Run/Walk For Autism at Great Neck South High School
341 Lakeville Road, Lake Success, NY 11020
516-937-1397
Saturday, November 18th, 9 AM - 2 PM
$25 Per Person

The Eden II & Genesis Foundation will host a 4-mile run and 1.5-mile walk to support the organization's programs for children and adults with autism.


Moonlight Stroll Family Program at Sunken Meadow State Park
Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park, NY 11754
631-581-1072
Saturday, November 4th, 7 PM - 9 PM
$4 Per Person ($8 Parking)

Families will be able to enjoy the stunning beauty of Sunken Meadow State Park when the stars illuminate the darkness.

Winter Art & Nature Walk at Nassau County Museum of Art - FREE!
One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor, NY 11576
516-484-9338
Sunday, November 5th at 11 AM
Free Event

Nassau County Museum of Art's Jean Henning and the North Shore Land Alliance's Rich Kelly will host this special outdoor event that blends nature and art.

Caumsett Caper at Caumsett State Park
25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743
516-906-2733
Wednesday, November 8th at 9 AM
See Event Listing For Pricing

A 7-mile hike through Caumsett State Park in Llyod Harbor, this trip is perfect for fast hikes that want to see one of the mpst gorgeous parks on Long Island.

The Dog Tag Run 2.2 mile at Gardiner County Park
Montauk Highway, West Bay Shore, NY 11706
Saturday, November 11th, 9 AM - 12 PM
$10 - $30 Per Person

Runners will help raise funds and awarenewss for Mission 22, which is dedicated to providing necessary mental health treatment for veterans.

LINPI 4th Native Plant Symposium "Flora for Fauna" at Farmingdale State College
2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735
631-260-1513
Friday, November 17th, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
$75 Per Person

Plant, restoration, and wildlife professionals will gather at Farmingdale State College for an educational event focusing on increasing the usage of ecotypic flora.

Guided Autumn Bird Walk at Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-298-5292
Saturday, November 18th, 9 AM - 12 PM
$5 - $7 Per Person

Led by local naturalist and birding expert, Mary Laura Lamont, this enjoyable walk will take participants throughout Hallock State Park Preserve.

Muttontown North & South Hike at Muttontown Preserves
Muttontown Lane, East Norwich, NY 11732
516-906-2733
Tuesday, November 21st at 9 AM
See Event Listing For Pricing

Hikers will make some early room for Thanksgiving while enjoying six miles of the beautiful Nassau County preserve.

Southaven Saunter at Southaven County Park
Victory Avenue, Brookhaven, NY 11719
631-929-6590
Wednesday, November 29th at 1:30 PM
See Event Listing For Pricing

Southaven County Park in Brookhaven will be explored by hikers during this flat and easy 3-mile walk.

More Fall Fun
Though there are certainly more than enough events to enjoy this November, there are also plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy throughout the month. Here are a few suggestions to help you take full advantage of Long Island this month:

Experience Fall While Cycling
Enjoying the beautiful fall foliage is as easy as grabbing some sneakers and heading to a local park, but biking provides a fun alternative! See all of the best sights that Long Island has to offer while you zip along these great bike paths lined with the beloved colors of autumn.

Explore A Local Trail
Regardless of whether you're looking for a true hiking adventure or a scenic spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll, Long Island has hundreds of miles of trails to satisfy nature enthusiasts of all kinds.

Enjoy An Afternoon Of Bowling
Since the temperatures can certainly get a bit chilly during November, head to a local bowling alley to stay warm and active. Dozens of locations on Long Island mean that everyone can test their skills and aim for some strikes this month!

What Activities Are You Most Looking Forward To This November?
Let Us Know in the Comments Below!

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