November Calendar 2024: November has arrived, bringing with it cooler weather, festive gatherings, and some of the year’s most anticipated holidays and events. Whether you’re planning family time, looking forward to holiday shopping, or just want to stay on top of important dates, here’s a quick guide to November’s key moments for those in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.

November 2024 Calendar Highlights

1. November 3 – Diwali (Festival of Lights)

• Diwali is celebrated by millions worldwide, including large communities in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. Known as the “festival of lights,” Diwali features candle-lit celebrations, vibrant decorations, and family gatherings that mark the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

2. November 5 – Guy Fawkes Day (UK)

• Also called Bonfire Night, this holiday commemorates the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Across the UK, people light up the night with fireworks and bonfires, creating a festive atmosphere as they remember history with a bit of flare.

3. November 11 – Remembrance Day and Veterans Day

• In Canada and Commonwealth nations, November 11 is Remembrance Day, honoring military members who sacrificed their lives in service. In the U.S., Veterans Day celebrates all veterans, past and present. Ceremonies and parades will take place in many communities, marking a shared moment of gratitude and remembrance.

4. November 28 – Thanksgiving (U.S.)

• This much-loved American holiday falls on the fourth Thursday of November and is all about gathering around the table with family and friends. Thanksgiving meals typically feature turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, and it’s also when many Americans begin decorating for the holidays.

5. November 29 – Black Friday

• The day after Thanksgiving is dedicated to shopping deals as Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season. Retailers in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia offer discounts and sales both online and in-store, making it the ideal time to snag holiday gifts.

6. November 30 – St. Andrew’s Day (Scotland)

• Scotland’s national holiday, St. Andrew’s Day, honors the country’s patron saint. Expect traditional festivities like music, food, and dance, with many in Scotland also enjoying a public holiday on this day.

Notable Month-Long Observances

• Movember: This health campaign encourages men to grow mustaches to raise awareness for prostate cancer, mental health, and men’s wellness overall.
• National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo): Aspiring writers worldwide set a goal to complete a 50,000-word novel in November, making it a month dedicated to creativity and personal goals.

Seasonal Changes and Daylight Saving Time

• November marks the approach of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, while Australia and other Southern Hemisphere regions welcome the warmth of spring and summer. Many countries will end daylight saving time, turning clocks back for an extra hour of rest and a slight shift in daylight hours.

Planning for November 2024

Whether you’re celebrating Diwali, looking forward to Thanksgiving, or gearing up for Black Friday shopping, November has something special for everyone. Mark your calendar with these important dates to stay organized, get a jump on holiday shopping, and fully embrace the spirit of the season