When November arrives in San Jose, the city feels like it’s exhaling. The summer heat fades, the hills turn golden, and downtown comes alive with art walks, holiday lights, and food festivals. It’s that beautiful time of year when locals trade pool days for outdoor concerts, vineyard weekends, and warm evenings under twinkling lights.

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Whether you’re here for tech, culture, or a little California sunshine before winter sets in, San Jose in November has a little something for everyone : from indie art markets to holiday parades.

Food, Wine, and Local Flavor

San Jose’s food scene doesn’t slow down in fall : it just gets cozier. Start your month at the San Jose Harvest Festival, where local makers, food trucks, and wineries gather for a weekend of shopping and sipping.

The Downtown San Jose Food Tour is a must for newcomers, with tastings from some of the city’s best restaurants and coffee spots. For something a little different, head to Japantown, one of the last of its kind in the U.S., for authentic ramen, mochi, and cultural charm.

Wine lovers should take a short drive to Los Gatos or Saratoga : the vineyards are stunning this time of year, and the tastings come with sweeping views of the valley.

Music, Art, and Cultural Highlights

November is one of San Jose’s most creative months. The San Jose Jazz Fall Fest brings live performances to venues across downtown, while the First Friday Art Walk fills the SoFA District with local art, music, and food vendors.

At the Hammer Theatre Center, you’ll find everything from indie films to dance performances, and the San Jose Museum of Art is showcasing bold new exhibits perfect for a rainy afternoon.

If you love immersive art, check out Illuminate San Jose, a series of light installations that brighten the city as days grow shorter : it’s visual poetry after dark.

Sports, Cheers, and City Energy

November in San Jose means sports season is in full swing. The San Jose Sharks hit the ice at the SAP Center, while San Jose State Spartans football brings college pride to the weekends.

If you’re more of a participant than a spectator, sign up for the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, one of the country’s largest Thanksgiving runs. It’s high-energy, full of local spirit, and all for a good cause.

Family Fun and Seasonal Traditions

Families will find plenty to love this month. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is hosting fall activities for kids, while The Tech Interactive downtown continues to inspire curious minds with hands-on science exhibits.

Later in the month, the beloved Downtown Ice Rink at Circle of Palms opens for the season : a San Jose tradition where skaters glide under palm trees and twinkle lights. It’s the perfect mix of California and Christmas.

Holiday Magic and City Glow

By mid-November, San Jose starts to sparkle. The Downtown Lights Parade marks the start of the holiday season with floats, dancers, and festive music. A few days later, the Christmas in the Park celebration begins : an iconic city tradition that transforms Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a winter wonderland of decorated trees, light displays, and local food stalls.

Walk through the park with hot cocoa in hand, then hop on the Winter Wonderland rides nearby for a night that feels straight out of a holiday movie : just with palm trees instead of pine.

Markets, Makers, and Local Life

November is also market month in the South Bay. The SJMade Holiday Craft Fair turns the convention center into a creative wonderland with hundreds of local artists and vendors. In nearby Los Altos, the Holiday Stroll offers boutique shopping and live music under strings of lights.

For a more relaxed afternoon, wander through the Willow Glen Farmers Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, handmade candles, and pastries that smell like heaven.

Outdoors and Weekend Escapes

The weather stays mild in November, perfect for exploring the outdoors. Hike through Alum Rock Park for fall colors and canyon views, or head to Castle Rock State Park for stunning overlooks of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

If you want ocean air, Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz are both under an hour away : ideal for a day trip filled with sea breeze, surfers, and seafood by the shore.

Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

San Jose’s diversity shines this month with vibrant community events. The Diwali Festival of Lights at Santana Row celebrates Indian culture with music, dance, and incredible food, while the Day of the Dead Festival in downtown San Jose honors tradition with colorful altars and performances.

As Thanksgiving nears, the city’s many cultural organizations : from the Mexican Heritage Plaza to Japanese American Museum of San Jose : host events that celebrate gratitude, heritage, and connection.

Experience San Jose Like a Local With HomeExchange

The best way to feel San Jose’s warmth isn’t just through its weather : it’s through its people. With HomeExchange in San Jose, you can swap homes with local families and experience the city from the inside out.

Stay in a family home near Willow Glen with tree-lined streets and porch lights, a downtown loft steps from cafes and markets, or a peaceful house in the foothills overlooking the valley.

Discover how HomeExchange works

You’ll sip coffee in real kitchens, chat with friendly neighbors, and come home to a place that feels authentically yours. In San Jose, home is more than a destination : it’s a feeling you take with you. 🌴✨

San Jose in November at a Glance

Category Events & Highlights Why Go
Food & Drink Harvest Festival, Japantown eats, South Bay wineries Cozy flavors and local flair
Arts & Culture Jazz Fest, Art Walk, Illuminate San Jose Creative energy and community spirit
Family Fun Tech Interactive, Zoo, Ice Rink Interactive fun for all ages
Holiday Cheer Christmas in the Park, Lights Parade Early sparkle and California magic
Outdoors & Escapes Alum Rock, Castle Rock, Half Moon Bay Mild weather and scenic trails