The best things to do in Nevada City in November are simple. Walk the old streets for the last red leaves, tour Empire Mine on its winter hours, and catch the first holiday events in Grass Valley late in the month. Then end the day with a slow, warm dinner downtown.
This is the quiet month here. The summer crowds are gone. The big Christmas events have not started. The town feels like it belongs to the folks who live in it. The trails are calm. The streets are wet and gold. We think that is a fine time to come.
What things can you do in Nevada City in November?
Here is the short list, then the details.
- Catch the end of the fall color on the old home streets.
- Tour the grounds at Empire Mine in Grass Valley.
- Shop the small stores downtown before the Christmas rush.
- Hit the Grass Valley market and tree lighting.
- Run the Turkey Trot, or just watch it, on Thanksgiving morning.
- Start Cornish Christmas and the Country Christmas Faire on the last weekend.
- Eat something slow and hot when the rain comes in.
When do the leaves peak?
Often right at the start of the month. The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce says peak color has tended to land around the first of the month. You can find some color from the middle of last month to the middle of this one.
The best show is not in the woods. It is on the home streets just off downtown. The chamber says many of the red maples there were planted by settlers in the gold rush years. Some are well past 100 years old. They are worth the walk.
- Where: The old home streets around downtown.
- Map: The chamber has a fall color map and a tree tour on its page.
- Tip: Call the chamber to ask how the leaves look that week.
- Best light: Late in the day, when the sun is low.
For our own favorite streets and views, see the fall foliage guide.
What is open in Nevada City this month?
Most of the town keeps going. A few things shift.
- Empire Mine State Historic Park: State Parks lists winter hours of 10 am to 4 pm from the first of the month. The grounds close on Thanksgiving Day.
- Firehouse No. 1 Museum: Its walk in season is over. In winter it opens by request for groups of six or more.
- Shops: Most stay open all week. Some close on Monday or Tuesday. Check before you drive up.
Empire Mine is a good pick on a gray day. There is a lot to see. The trails stay open from sunrise to sunset. If the rain sets in for good, our rainy day guide has more ideas.
When do the Christmas events start?
Mid month, and mostly next door in Grass Valley. The Grass Valley Downtown Association lists most of these. Dates are from the event pages. Check before you go.
| Date | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sat the 14th | Downtown market, 10 am to 6 pm | Downtown Grass Valley |
| Sat the 21st | Tree lighting, 6:30 pm | Mill Street Plaza at Bank Street |
| Thu the 26th | Turkey Trot, early | Hooper Stadium, Grass Valley |
| Fri the 27th | Cornish Christmas, 6 to 9 pm | Downtown Grass Valley |
| 27th to 29th | Country Christmas Faire | The fairgrounds in Grass Valley |
The tree lighting brings the Cornish Carol Choir and a visit from Santa. Bring the kids. Bring a scarf. The Country Christmas Faire fills the fair halls with more than 100 craft sellers. Out on the grounds there are wagon rides and a big fire. There is a small gate fee. Kids 12 and under get in free.
In town, the big one is Victorian Christmas. It does not start until next month. Save it for a second trip.
What is the weather like this time of year?
Cool and often wet. The town has a long run of weather records, kept by the Western Regional Climate Center. They show highs near 59 and lows near 35 for the month. It brings about six inches of rain in a normal year. Snow this early is rare and light.
So pack like this:
- A rain shell with a hood.
- Shoes that can take wet leaves on a steep sidewalk.
- A warm layer for after dark.
- A hat and gloves for the late walk home.
Questions people ask
Is November a good time to visit Nevada City?
Yes, if you like it quiet. The leaves often peak near the start of the month. Holiday events begin late in the month. Bring a rain jacket.
When do the leaves peak in Nevada City?
The chamber says peak color has tended to come around the first of November. You can find some color for about a month around that. It changes each year, so call the chamber for the week you plan.
What is the weather like in Nevada City in November?
Long term records for the town show highs near 59 and lows near 35. The month brings about six inches of rain in a normal year. Snow is rare this early.
What holiday events are in November near Nevada City?
Grass Valley has a downtown market on the 14th and a tree lighting on the 21st. Cornish Christmas and the Country Christmas Faire both start on the 27th. Check each page before you go.
The slow month
This month asks less of you. Walk, look up, get a little damp, then come in from the cold. If that ends at Sherwood, the menu turns with the seasons and leans on farms in the Sierra foothills. Prime rib runs on Friday and Saturday nights only. See the menus, and check current hours on our visit page.
