HOLIDAYS & OBSERVANCES
NOVEMBER
A Month of Gratitude, Gatherings, and the Last Calm Before December Madness
November rolls in like the cozy middle child of the holiday season — still wearing the glitter from Halloween, quietly prepping for Thanksgiving, and absolutely refusing to make eye contact with Christmas décor (which, let’s be real, has already taken over every store aisle).
It’s a funny month. Half restful, half chaotic. Part pumpkin spice, part “oh crap, the holidays are coming.” And sprinkled throughout? A whole bunch of official and unofficial days worth knowing — some heartfelt, some historic, and some so bizarre they’ll make you wonder who’s in charge of the calendar.
Here’s your complete guide to what’s happening in November, from the meaningful to the downright delightfully random.
Month-Long Observances
These celebrations stick around for all 30 days:
National Gratitude Month — The perfect excuse to start saying “thank you” more and “I’m fine” less.
Native American Heritage Month — A month of honoring Indigenous history, culture, and contributions.
Movember / Men’s Health Awareness Month — Mustaches everywhere. Some good. Some… experimental.
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) — 30 days, 50,000 words, 500 cups of coffee.
National Peanut Butter Lovers Month — Creamy, chunky, both welcome.
Banana Pudding Lovers Month — It matters. Respect it.
National Family Caregivers Month — Celebrating the unsung heroes holding families together.
Military Family Month — Honoring the sacrifice behind the service.
🎨 November 17 — National Homemade Bread Day
You can buy bread… but should you? Not today.📣 November 18 — Mickey Mouse Day
“Happy birthday, pal!”
🚶 November 19 — National Have a Bad Day Day
Yes, this is real. Yes, it was invented by a telemarketer.
🧁 November 20 — National Absurdity Day
Basically “embrace the chaos” day.
🦃 Fourth Thursday — Thanksgiving
The Super Bowl of food, gratitude, and family dynamics.
🛒 The Day After Thanksgiving — Black Friday
Honor the ancient tradition of waking up at 3 a.m. to save $40 on a blender.
🛍️ Saturday After Thanksgiving — Small Business Saturday
Support your local makers, bakers, and creators.
❤️🩹 Sunday After Thanksgiving — National Leftovers Day
Where creativity shines and casseroles multiply.
🖥️ Monday After Thanksgiving — Cyber Monday
What Black Friday becomes when you refuse to wear pants.
🧁 November 27 — National Bavarian Cream Pie Day
Say it three times fast. Then eat the pie.
💡 November 28 — National French Toast Day
A strong contender for the true breakfast of champions.
🎨 November 29 — Electronic Greeting Card Day
The perfect day to send a “Happy Almost December — We’re All Screwed” card.
🎧 November 30 — National Mason Jar Day & National Personal Space Day
Store soup in one, protect your bubble with the other.
Day-By-Day Holidays & Observances (The Good Stuff)
Week-Long Observances
They come and go quickly — like your self-control around leftover Halloween candy.
Week 1:
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
World Communication WeekWeek 2:
National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness WeekWeek 3:
National Family Week
Global Entrepreneurship WeekWeek 4:
National Game & Puzzle Week — A great excuse to dust off that 1,000-piece puzzle you gave up on.
🎉 November 1 — All Saints’ Day
A Christian celebration of those who lived lives of extraordinary faith.
🕯️ November 2 — All Souls’ Day / Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
A vibrant remembrance of loved ones who’ve passed.
📚 November 3 — National Sandwich Day
Blessed be the deli meats.
🦃 November 4 — National Chicken Lady Day
Not a chicken. A woman named Dr. Fry whose work changed education. Always worth clarifying.
🇺🇸 First Tuesday after the 1st Monday — Election Day
Vote. Just… vote.
🍸 November 7 — National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Oddly specific. Also delicious.
🎗️ November 10 — Marine Corps Birthday
Semper Fi.
🇺🇸 November 11 — Veterans Day
Honoring all who served.
📚 November 12 — National Happy Hour Day
Because even calendars need priorities.
📖 November 13 — World Kindness Day
Smile at strangers. Hold doors. Don’t honk unless absolutely necessary.
🧤 November 14 — National Family PJ Day
Finally, a day we’re all guaranteed to celebrate correctly.
📦 November 15 — America Recycles Day
Reduce, reuse, recycle, rejoice.
🧺 November 16 — National Button Day
Just go with it.
IN CONCLUSION
Whether you're planning your social media posts, organizing family fun, or just looking for an excuse to eat more ice cream and French fries (no judgment), July is packed with reasons to celebrate.
From heartfelt international observances to delightfully random food holidays, there's something to spark joy nearly every day. So mark your calendar, stock up on sunscreen, and let this list guide you through a month of meaning, mischief, and maybe a mojito or two.