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The Month of November 2023: Holidays, Full Moon, Recipes, and More | The Old Farmer's Almanac

The Month of November 2023: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore

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 Overlooking a peaceful New England Farm in the autumn at sunrise with frost on foreground, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Everything You Need to Know About November!

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What’s happening in November? Here at the Almanac, we think of November as the month of food, when the best of cooks can shine, and the best of eaters will surely get their fill ahead of winter. Here’s what November brings—from weather forecasts to folklore!

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither …
–Robert Frost (1874-1963)

The Month of November

November, the 11th month of the year, has 30 days and marks the beginning of the winter holiday season for most folks, even if the winter solstice doesn’t occur until late December.

We’ve made this month, named for the ninth (novem) month in the early Roman calendar, into a social time of community suppers, feasts of thanksgiving, and general elections. 

number 9, november is from the latin world Novem

November Calendar

“Just for Fun” Dates in November

November is Banana Pudding Lovers Month—who knew? Here are some more wacky celebrations to look forward to:

  • Nov. 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day
  • Nov. 6: Zero-Tasking Day
  • Nov. 9: National Scrapple Day
  • Nov. 16: National Button Day
  • Nov. 21: World Hello Day
  • Nov. 23: Fibonacci Day

autumn leaves falling at the base of a tree

November Moon & Astronomy

The Full Beaver Moon

November’s full Moon is traditionally called the Beaver Moon. Why this name? In the Colonial Era, this was the month to set one’s beaver traps before the swamps froze and beavers retired to their lodges, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.

In 2023, November’s full Moon occurs on Monday, November 27. Read our November Moon page for more information!

full beaver moon

November Weather

According to weather folklore, a heavy November snow will last until April.

See our predictions for November and check out our 2024 Winter Forecast!

November Weather Folklore

  • If there’s ice in November that will bear a duck, There’ll be nothing after but sludge and muck.
  • November take flail; let ships no more sail.
  • If trees show buds in November, the winter will last until May.
  • There is no better month in the year to cut wood than November.
  • Ice in November brings mud in December.

weather folklore, a heavy november snow will last until april

Recipes for the Season

It’s time to start thinking about holiday preparations—for Thanksgiving and beyond!

traditional thanksgiving feast with turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing
A delicious Thanksgiving feast!

Consult our collection of Thanksgiving recipes—from the big bird to stuffing to deserving side dishes to desserts!

You may also enjoy these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes; they can be prepared ahead of the big feast day to save you some valuable last-minute cooking time.

If you’re serving turkey, here are tips on how to roast the bird.

Got leftovers? Try this Day-After-Turkey-Dinner Hash!

Learn more about Thanksgiving’s foods with these fun facts pages:

November Gardening

Use small stakes or markers where you’ve planted bulbs or late-starting plants in the perennial garden to avoid disturbing them when you begin spring soil preparation.

Check trees around your house for weak branches that should be removed by you now, rather than by snow and ice later.

If you’re in the midst of raking leaves, see our advice on how to use them in the garden.

See more gardening jobs for the month of November.

Did You Know: Autumn is the best time to prepare your yard properly for a healthy spring growth. It’s much easier to handle these tasks now! See our “10 Fall Cleanup Tips for a Better Spring Garden.”

wheelbarrow and shovel in an autumn garden

November Birthstone

November’s traditional birthstone is the topaz, usually a yellow to amber color. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz could make a wearer invisible. A symbol of honor and strength, topaz was also believed to bring longevity and wisdom. Learn more about topaz—and November birthstones.

topaz, cut in a tear drop, november birthstone
Credit: Tinai Images Shutterstock

Birth Flowers

November’s birth flower is the chrysanthemum. Generally, chrysanthemums represent cheerfulness. A red one conveys “I love you.” White symbolizes truth or pure love. A yellow one indicates slighted love. Learn more about the birth flower of November.

chrysanthemum pink flowers

Everyday Advice

The holiday season is now upon us! Check out our Holiday Cooking and Cleaning Checklist

It’s also the start of cold and flu season. Here are natural cold remedies for your body and mind.

Stay warm with a cozy fire. See the best types of firewood for burning.

November Zodiac

November’s Zodiac Signs are:

  • Scorpio: October 23 to November 21
  • Sagittarius: November 22 to December 20

What do you love about the month of November? Tell us in the comments below!

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprise that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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