Vibrant fall alert! November events in South Eastern Ontario

The chill of fall has set in; it’s a time of remembrance, and then holiday cheer kicks into high gear! South Eastern Ontario has the best events in November, from lantern festivals to moonlit mingles, it’s all happening in SEO this November – read on for 37 events to fill your fall with food, friendship and the best community vibes.

1. Throughout November – Holiday Sparkles at Stone Manor Studios in Newboro Step into the warmth and magic of the season at Stone Manor Studios with the Holiday Sparkles Creative Series, running throughout November. This is the perfect opportunity to make something handmade for a loved one—or even for yourself. From stained glass ornaments to designing a silk scarf, and from creating unique cards to beading on the loom, this workshop series is all about turning peaceful moments into artistic memories.

2. November 1 – Witches Night Out Gananoque Gather round, witches! During the new moon take part in giveaways, sips, shopping and special treats in downtown Gananoque. Participating businesses will have a broomstick outside from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get ready to cackle with glee!

3. November 1 – Anne of Green Gables Ballet in Brockville Ballet Jorgen performs this vibrant ballet, telling a beloved Canadian story through dance. See it live and in-person on Nov. 1 at the Brockville Arts Centre! Plus, there's programming all month long!

4. November 2 and 3 – Artisans Christmas Tour in the Country L&A County Mark your calendar for this free, self-guided tour featuring the work of more than 60 local artisans in Stone Mills Township, L&A County. Take in a homemade meal and drive down the beautiful backroads enjoying art and unique local creations.

5. November 2 – Vankleek Hill Christmas Home Tour
Six houses will be decorated to the max both inside and out for this year’s Vankleek Hill Christmas Home Tour! Get your tickets while you can – each participant will receive a free canvas bag and get a peek at some homes that will put your into the holiday spirit. The stunning homes are mesmerizing and inspiring!

6. November 2 and 3 – Marlins Orchard Trunk Sale in South Glengarry Join in a weekend of shopping, family fun and community spirit during the 15th annual W3G & Co Trunk Sale to benefit Beyond 21. With more than 120 vendors, exciting activities and a picturesque venue it’s sure to be memorable!

7. November 3, 10 and 17 - Fall Colours Trolley Tours Kingston Take in the vibrant hues of autumn on this two-hour special trolley tour! Start the tour by departing for Fort Henry to take in the city views from atop the hill – then head over toe Kingston Mills to look at the historic locks before heading to Sunbury, Brewers Mills and a pit-stop at the apple orchard at Waddell Farms. Revel in the colours!

8. November 6 – Shop the Blocks in Downtown Cornwall Downtown Cornwall comes alive to celebrate the best in food, art, fashion, gifting, pampering, healthy living and more on Nov. 6! Enjoy an evening with friends and family exploring the businesses downtown as they stay open late with merchant giveaways, draws, demos and samples. The perfect way to discover downtown!

9. Until November 17 – Countylicious in Prince Edward County It’s a little slice of culinary heaven: three weeks of prix fixe dining, savouring the unparalleled rich flavours of Prince Edward County! Nosh on locally produced farm-to-table fare during Countylicious running until Nov. 17, 2024 and discover County eateries highlighting top local chefs for lunch and dinner at great prices.

10. November 7 – Moonlit Mingle Gananoque Enjoy an enchanted evening of snacks and sips, socializing, and shopping at the Moonlit Mingle. Grab your passport and explore all seven shops in Downtown Gananoque on November 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. where you'll enjoy deals, limited edition finds, and a chance to win a grand prize! Mingle and jingle, baby!

11. November 8 to 9 – The Firelight Lantern Festival Picton Get ready for two magical evenings of light at the Crystal Palace in PIcton! On Friday find fun for adults, with the 19+ show by Bad Tractor, art installations and a performance by North Fire Circus! Saturday, Nov. 9 features the cherished Lantern Parade for all ages with live music and more!

12. November 8 – Trivia Night in Maxville Show off your smarts! Grab some friends and get tickets to trivia night at Metcalfe Centre in Maxville from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Maxville on Nov. 8 supporting the Maxville Manor Redevelopment project and the Glengarry Pioneer Museum.  We hear there may be chili and snacks available, too!

13. November 8 – @canada.gov.ca at Hotel Wolfe Island Educational, hilarious, strange and special, the admin at the rapidly growing @canada.gov.ca instagram account is delivering a presentation that will be memorable.  Look for topics specific to the Kingston/Wolfe Island area, and groove at the afterparty hosted by a famous Canadian DJ. Look for fun live music events at the Hotel throughout November, as well!

14. November 9 – Rhapsody in Blue Cornwall Concert Series Cornwall Concert Series is pleased to present Rhapsody Blue at the Aultsville Theatre on Saturday, November 9 featuring Polish-Canadian pianist Daniel Vnukowski. He is known as the finest exponent of the solo piano version of Gershwin’s classic, Rhapsody in Blue, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Vnukowski has performed in prestigious concert halls throughout Europe, North America, South America and Asia. This should be one for the books!

15. November 14 – Decanter PEC Dive into sparkling wines! This casual, educational sit-down tasting of sparkling wines is just in time for the holidays at 260 Main St. in Wellington. Learn, discover and sample – then take home your favourites for the holidays!

16. November 15 – Hockey Helps the Homeless Kingston Play for a cause at the Invista Centre! Hockey Helps the Homeless is hosting its first charity hockey tournament in Kingston. Net proceeds from HHTH tournaments stay local to fund homelessness support agencies where played – in Kingston event will support Lionhearts and Youth Diversion.

17. November 15 – Kick off to Belleville Festival of Lights What better way to start the season than at the waterfront Festival of Lights in Downtown Belleville? This massive lights display is sure to lighten the spirits with sounds, movements, and sparkling lights from mid-November into the New Year. Taking place in Jane Forrester Park, the Belleville Festival of Lights is a must-do for all ages. The night will feature live music, food, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a drone light show and more!

18. November 16 - Miracle on King Street Downtown Brockville Experience the joy of the season with live music, festive activities, hot chocolate, petting zoo, meet Elsa, firepits and s’mores, a special screening of Hot Frosty, holiday centrepieces, Santa’s Village and Workshop, strolling the enchanting open streets in a winter wonderland of shopping! Be a part of the Miracle on King Street on November 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and see what holiday magic is all about in Downtown Brockville. We hear there will be the Brockville Santa Clause Parade that evening, as well!

19. November 16 – Hometown Christmas House Tour in Williamstown This will be an impressive day! Five Williamstown Homes will be beautifully decorated and open for viewing on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Another highlight is the Christmas Vendor Market at the Glengarry, Nor'Wester's and Loyalist Museum which begins Friday and continues Saturday so there will be even more to see for ticket holders!

20. November 16 - 47th Annual Arts and Crafts Show Prescott Find out why this show is always on everyone’s calendar! Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at South Grenville District High School, the sale is supporting Connect Youth programming. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students but children are free entry. Meet talented local artisans and vendors!

21. November 16 to December 1  – Wassail in Prince Edward County Toast to the vines! Wassail in Prince Edward County celebrates the grape harvest and putting the vines to bed for winter. Print off a Wassail passport and join the participating festive wineries for special offerings over three weekends: November 16 to 17, November 23 to 24, and November 30 to December 1. Look for mulled wines, comfort foods, carolling and the perfect vintages for the holidays.

22. November 16 - Viano String Quartet with MILOŠ Witness one of the most sought-after performing young ensembles today – joined on stage by internationally-celebrated classical guitarists, MILOŠ, at the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts in Kingston. The program explores themes of migration and immigration, with works by Vivaldi, Piazzolla, The Beatles, and more. Not to be missed!

23. November 16 – November Vintner’s Dinner at Karlo Estates
Indulge in a five-course meal paired to the wines at Karlo Estates. The Vintner’s Dinner will be featuring locally-sourced, plant-based, whole food, cooked from scratch and made with love, served in the patio “Great Room” to encourage the holiday spirit. Five rounds of wine await!

24. November 16 to December 7 – Holiday Photos in the Barn at ANDARA Gallery It’s baaaaack! The Annual Holiday Photo in the Barn Weekends start snapping  on Saturday and Sundays from Nov. 16 to Dec. 8, running from noon until 4 p.m. at ANDARA Gallery in PEC. Reservations are a great idea and can be made by calling 613-393-1572. Here’s the scoop: you bring a charged photos, family and friends and the good folks at ANDARA Gallery will take your photo in exchange for a donation to local hospital's Back the Build campaign! 

25. November 22 – Wine and Paint Night – County Creative Join in the festive fun during the Christmas ornament edition of wine and paint night! It’s hosted by Lori Meeboer on November 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.! Get into the holiday spirit as you create a beautiful 14" x 14" Christmas ornament-themed painting that makes a perfect holiday gift or a special decoration for your home.

26. November 22 to 24 – Westport Holiday Shop and Hop Get into the holiday spirit in beautiful downtown Westport, Ontario with Christmas markets, gingerbread competitions, Lion’s Santa Claus Parade while shopping the village’s unique stores! Foster your festive spirit in this small village that looks like a holiday card.

27. November 23 – Kids Holiday Painting Workshop in PEC Heads up, creative kids! On November 23, give your kids the chance to create a special Christmas gift at our Kids Holiday Painting Workshop hosted by Lori Meeboer. Youth aged 7 to 13 years old can enjoy a fun and creative morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., while painting a 12” x 12” artwork that makes the perfect Christmas present for someone special.

28. November 23 - Light up the Season in Loyalist Township This cherished community event is celebrating more than two decades on Saturday, November 23 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. by returning to its roots. The afternoon will include hayrides, carolling, ornament making, holiday helper visits - and cookies and hot chocolate, of course! Trees will be lit for the first time at the event and then nightly until the beginning of February.

29. November 23 – Yoga and Tea Party at Turqouise Compass Wellness Find your calm in SDG Counties! This mini-retreat encourages all things cozy and restorative with yoga, meditation, a tea party with light refreshments, drinks and a connection circle. Running from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., this unique community event invites participants to relax while connecting with themselves and others.

30.  November 28 - Baby, Please Come Home in Alexandria The fourth annual Christmas shopping event in Alexandria! Taking place Thursday, Nov. 28 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. it’s the perfect chance for a night out with friends, dinner and shopping. Tackle your shop local list with unique finds in time for the holidays while experiencing good, old-fashioned Christmas shopping.

31. November 29, 30 and Dec. 1 – Shop and Hop Leeds and Rideau Lakes Discover new gems and support local merchants! Collect stamps at participating shops in Lansdowne, Lyndhurst, Seeley’s Bay, Delta and Elgin and enter your ballot to win while discovering the joy of a small-town Christmas. Jump in the car with family and friends and enjoy a picturesque drive to the country!

32. November 29 – Gananoque Festival of Lights The much-anticipated Gananoque Festival of Lights is back, promising a holiday season filled with enchanting celebration! The opening of Candy Cane Lane and tree lighting takes place on Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Look for magical events and activities throughout November and December.

33. November 29 to December 1 – Festival de Noel/Christmas Festival in Casselman With a concert in the church, street hockey and party, Christmas parade bingo and even a choir, Christmas Market, illumination of  “Cube Lumineux” , letters to Santa, face painting, a graffiti workshop, and so much more, the Christmas Festival is going to be fun for all ages.

34. November 30 – The Kingdom Choir in Kingston London’s The Kingdom Choir is performing on Nov. 30 at the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts – yes, the same choir that drew international attention with their show-stopping performance of Stand By Me at the Royal Wedding if Price Harry and Meghan Markle. Drawing from various Christian traditions, the group is dedicated to creating a sound that reflects the community they share through their warm energy and enthusiastic performances.

35. November 30 – Holiday Wreath Workshop at Revolve Farms Create a stunning wreath this holiday season with Claire from Revolve Farms in Rideau Lakes! Using foraged evergreens, dried flowers and natural adornments, Claire will welcome you to the stunning event space at Revolve Farms and guide your wreath making. No previous experience needed and all materials are provided. Taking from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. it’s sure to mix fun and creativity! Look for mini-retreats here throughout the fall and winter including forest bathing and grounding, restorative yoga, community circle and nourishing meals.

36. Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season. Bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting. Over one million lights illuminate Upper Canada Village, creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop – a true winter wonderland! Open select nights from Nov 29 – Jan 4 from 5pm-9pm.

37. November 30 - River of Lights in Brockville Magic abounds on Blockhouse Island! Witness thousands of twinkling lights and floodlights paired to festive music. Stroll through the displays or stay in your car and tune the radio to the station noted and enjoy the show from the warmth of the vehicle. River of Lights kicks off Nov. 30 and runs until Jan. 6, 2024 each night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pure joy and a great family event!

Santa Claus is visiting communities across SE Ontario this season. Be sure to check out events by destination here for schedules. You can also see Santa and his elves when the CPKC holiday express train comes rolling into SE Ontario towns. Plan your visit.

Gear up for a fantastic holiday season – stay and play in South Eastern Ontario.