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November in the Bay Area doesn’t mean the end of fall festivities—it’s actually when things get really interesting. While pumpkin patches may be winding down after Halloween, the best November events near San Jose come alive with holiday lights, craft fairs, and farmers markets overflowing with the season’s best produce. For residents of Plum Orchard Apartments, this month offers the perfect blend of harvest celebrations and early holiday magic, all within easy reach of our Willow Glen location. Read on for a selection of November activities in our neighborhoods.
Farmers Markets: Where Fall Flavors Shine
November is prime time for root vegetables, winter squash, citrus, and hearty greens—the ingredients that make comfort food actually comforting. Several excellent farmers markets near Plum Orchard continue year-round, giving you access to the freshest seasonal produce without the summer crowds.
Campbell Farmers’ Market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along E. Campbell Avenue (between Central Avenue and Third Street). Just minutes from Plum Orchard, this market is known for its friendly vendors and excellent variety of fresh produce, artisan baked goods, and prepared foods. The cooler November mornings make it the perfect time for a leisurely stroll through the stalls with a hot coffee in hand. https://ag.santaclaracounty.gov/farmers-market/list-farmers-markets
Willow Glen Farmers’ Market operates year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Willow Glen Elementary School (1425 Lincoln Ave). This community favorite features local growers, live music, and everything from fresh flowers to artisan cheeses. The convenient location means you can walk from the market to one of Willow Glen’s charming cafes or boutiques afterward. https://uvfm.org/willow-glen-saturday
For those looking to stock up before Thanksgiving, the Berryessa Farmers’ Market continues through November 15th, operating Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 945 Piedmont Road. https://www.pcfma.org/market/berryessa-farmers-market
Early November: Harvest Celebrations
The first weekend of November brings several harvest-themed events perfect for getting into the autumn spirit.
Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show (November 7-9) returns to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds with hundreds of artists and artisans showcasing handmade treasures—from wall art and jewelry to specialty foods and holiday decorations. It’s an ideal spot to find unique gifts while supporting local creators. Admission is $9. Get more details and tickets at Harvest Festival’s event page.
On Saturday, November 8th, Fall Fest at the Nursery takes place at Our City Forest Nursery and Training Center from 9 a.m. onwards. This free community event celebrates urban forestry and sustainable living with activities for all ages.
Also on November 8th, Slow Money Farm Fest 2025 happens at Veggielution Community Farm starting at 10:30 a.m. This event celebrates local food systems and community agriculture—a perfect outing for residents interested in where their food comes from and how to support sustainable farming practices in Silicon Valley.
The Holiday Lights Begin
Mid-November marks the magical transition from fall harvest to holiday season, and San Jose doesn’t hold back.
San Jose Holiday Lights opens Friday, November 14 and runs through January 4, 2026 at Discovery Meadow in Guadalupe River Park. This brand-new festival features 5+ glowing acres, six magical themed zones (including Candy Wonderland, Celestial Garden, and White Christmas Wonderland), and over 40 dazzling light sculptures. Open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., tickets start at $23 for adults. The festival is designed to complement San Jose’s other holiday traditions and is just a short drive from Plum Orchard. Purchase tickets and view the full schedule at DOCA Festival’s official site.
Later in the month, Blinky’s Drive Thru Light Show opens November 21-23 and then runs continuously from November 28 through December 31 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. This immersive drive-through experience features dazzling light tunnels, festive buildings, and giant candy canes all synced to holiday music. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. https://christmasinthepark.com/events/drive-thru-light-show/
Thanksgiving Weekend: Shopping and Traditions
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend offers fantastic opportunities for both relaxation and holiday prep.
Christmas in the Park officially opens Friday, November 29 (the day after Thanksgiving) at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose. This beloved 43-year tradition transforms the two-acre park into a festive wonderland with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights, and the iconic 50-foot Community Giving Tree. Best of all? Admission is completely free. The park opens with a Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and operates daily from noon to 10 p.m. through January 1, 2026. https://christmasinthepark.com/
For your holiday shopping needs, the SJMADE Holiday Fair returns November 28-29 (Black Friday and Small Business Saturday) at the Santa Clara Convention Center. This is the largest winter holiday craft fair in the Bay Area, featuring 350+ local makers, artists, designers, and creative small businesses. Free admission and parking make this an unbeatable alternative to crowded big-box stores. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. https://www.sanjosemade.com/pages/sjmade-holiday-fair-2025
Making the Most of November
Living at Plum Orchard Apartments puts you at the center of all this autumn and early winter activity. Here’s how to maximize your November:
For the Fresh Food Enthusiasts: Hit the farmers markets early in the month to stock up on winter squash, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables—they store well and are perfect for Thanksgiving meal prep. Many vendors offer cooking tips and recipe ideas.
For the Craft Lovers: Mark your calendar for both the Harvest Festival (early November) and SJMADE Holiday Fair (late November). Between these two events, you’ll find everything from handmade soap to custom artwork to one-of-a-kind holiday decorations.
For Families: The transition from harvest activities to holiday lights offers something new every weekend. Start with daytime harvest events, then transition to evening light displays as November progresses. The free admission to Christmas in the Park makes it easy to visit multiple times without breaking the budget.
For Thanksgiving Hosts: Take advantage of the year-round farmers markets—the freshest ingredients make all the difference in your holiday meal. Many local growers offer specialty items like heritage turkey, organic vegetables, and artisan breads perfect for the Thanksgiving table.
For Holiday Planners: Get a head start on your shopping at the SJMADE Holiday Fair. Finding unique, locally made gifts while supporting Bay Area artists and makers beats the stress of traditional Black Friday shopping any day.
Storing Your Harvest Haul
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t take full advantage of farmers market finds. Here are some tips for storing November produce in your Plum Orchard kitchen:
Winter Squash: Butternut, acorn, and delicata squash can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark spot (like under the sink or in a pantry) for weeks or even months.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, and turnips keep best in the crisper drawer of your fridge, preferably in perforated plastic bags.
Citrus: The first of the season’s mandarins and oranges should be stored in the fridge to maintain freshness, but keep a few at room temperature if you plan to use them within a week.
Leafy Greens: Kale, chard, and other hardy greens last longer when stored unwashed in breathable produce bags in the coldest part of your fridge.
The Plum Orchard Advantage
Our location near the Willow Glen neighborhood means you’re never far from the action. Most of these November activities are within a 10-15 minute drive, and the year-round farmers markets are practically in your backyard. The tree-lined streets and walkable neighborhoods around Plum Orchard make it easy to embrace the season—whether that means a Saturday morning farmers market run or an evening drive to see holiday lights with family.
November in San Jose offers the perfect balance: harvest bounty still at its peak, holiday celebrations just beginning, and the mild Bay Area weather that makes outdoor activities a joy rather than an endurance test. From fresh produce to glowing light displays, from handmade crafts to beloved traditions, this month has something for everyone.
So grab your reusable shopping bags for the farmers markets, charge your camera for those light displays, and get ready to experience everything that makes November special in Silicon Valley. The harvest season may be winding down, but the real fun is just getting started.
Experience November from Your Plum Orchard Home
Ready to be at the center of all these amazing November events? Plum Orchard Apartments offers the perfect home base for exploring everything San Jose has to offer. Our location near Willow Glen puts you minutes from farmers markets, craft fairs, and holiday celebrations, while our spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments give you the comfort and convenience you need to fully enjoy the season.
Whether you’re looking for Original Charm apartments with updated modern features or our premium Signature Design units with high-end finishes, Plum Orchard combines the best of apartment living with easy access to everything that makes this area special. Plus, our lush, tree-lined community provides your own peaceful retreat after a day of exploring.
Ready to make Plum Orchard your home? Visit us today to tour our community and discover why residents love living here. Contact us at (408) 298-2386 or stop by 1505 De Rose Way, San Jose, CA 95126 to schedule your personal tour. Your November adventures are waiting—and they start right here at Plum Orchard Apartments.