
November Party Themes
November is when there are still Fall colorful leaves, but Winter is starting to knock on the door. It’s a perfect time to gather your favorite people for a party, just because!
Whether you’re planning something for friends, family, kids, or your neighborhood, I’ve got a bunch of fun and unique November party themes to keep the good times rolling. And to make it even more exciting, I’ve added some fun holidays and national days that happen in November (yep, there are more than just Thanksgiving and Black Friday!).
Let’s make November extra fun!
Party Theme Ideas for Month of November
1. Friendsgiving Feast
When to Host: Any weekend before Thanksgiving
Why It’s Fun: It’s like Thanksgiving… but way more chill.
Set up a potluck-style dinner where everyone brings their favorite comfort food. Think stretchy pants, cozy socks, and pumpkin pie on repeat. Decorate with fall leaves, fairy lights, and maybe even have a gratitude jar where everyone writes something they’re thankful for.
Extra Fun: Add a “Stuffing-Off” where friends compete with their own homemade stuffing recipes!
2. National Cake Day Party
Date: November 26
Theme Vibe: A sweet tooth’s dream come true
You don’t need a birthday to throw a cake party! Invite your friends to bring different types of cake, chocolate, lemon, red velvet, you name it. Set up a cake-tasting table and even have a vote for “Best in Show.”
💡 Decor Tip: Use mini cake toppers, pastel balloons, and tiered cake stands to set the scene.
3. Sweater Weather Party
When to Host: Any chilly November evening
Theme Vibe: Think fuzzy socks, cozy blankets, and hot drinks
Ask guests to wear their coziest sweaters and bring their favorite mugs. Set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and flavored syrups. Add mulled cider or warm tea for the adults!
💡 Fun Twist: Give out awards for “coziest sweater,” “funniest sweater,” or “vintage vibes.”
4. Book Lovers Party – National Author’s Day Party
Date: November 1
Theme Vibe: For the bookworms in your life
Celebrate stories and storytelling! Have a book exchange where everyone brings a favorite book wrapped up to trade. Decorate the space like a little reading nook with pillows, string lights, and stacks of books.
💡 Kid-Friendly Option: Set up a mini storytime corner with picture books and hot cocoa!
5. Taco ‘Bout It Night – National Nachos Day
Date: November 6
Theme Vibe: Tacos, nachos, and good conversation
Why wait for Tuesday? Celebrate National Nachos Day with a Mexican-themed party. Make a build-your-own nacho and taco bar and blast some fun fiesta music. Add sombreros and a piñata for fun photo ops!
💡 Yum Tip: Offer a variety of toppings, from spicy to sweet, even dessert nachos with cinnamon sugar chips and fruit!
6. World Kindness Day Party
Date: November 13
Theme Vibe: Feel-good fun with a meaningful twist
Host a party where the main theme is spreading kindness. Set up a kindness craft station where kids can make cards for nursing home residents or pack care bags for shelters. For adults, do a little DIY spa night or kindness journaling.
💡 Decor Tip: Soft colors, heart shapes, and lots of positive quotes around the room.
7. Pie & Pajamas Party
When to Host: Anytime after dinner
Theme Vibe: Dessert + lazy comfort = heaven
Everyone comes in their PJs and brings a pie. That’s it. That’s the whole party , and it’s brilliant. Think apple, pecan, cherry, pumpkin, or even ice cream pies. It’s like a sleepover, but grown-up and with better snacks.
💡 Fun Bonus: Set up a movie night with fall favorites or lighthearted classics.
8. Turkey Trot & Brunch
When to Host: Thanksgiving morning or weekend
Theme Vibe: A little fitness, a lot of fun
Host a DIY Turkey Trot around your neighborhood, nothing serious, just a walk/run in silly turkey hats. Follow it up with a pancake and waffle bar. It’s a great way to get the family moving before the big dinner.
💡 Kid-Friendly Tip: Give out tiny medals or stickers for everyone who participates!
9. Harvest Festival at Home
When to Host: Early November
Theme Vibe: Old-fashioned fall fun
Turn your backyard into a mini fall festival. Think hay bales, apple bobbing, sack races, pumpkin painting, and caramel apples. Set up a cozy fire pit for s’mores in the evening.
💡 Game Idea: Pin the Feather on the Turkey or a DIY ring toss using mini pumpkins!
10. Game Night – National Game & Puzzle Week
Date: Last full week of November
Theme Vibe: Competitive, silly, and perfect for family or friends
Break out the board games and puzzles! Host a game night where each guest brings a favorite game. You could even set up stations, a puzzle table, card game table, and a giant Jenga corner. Or how about printing off some fun Fall games for a quick and easy game night.
💡 Snack Tip: Serve finger foods like popcorn, trail mix, or slider sandwiches.
11. Fall Movie Marathon
When to Host: Rainy November weekend
Theme Vibe: Couch time with your faves
Pick your theme, romantic comedies, feel-good movies, or early Christmas classics. Set up a movie schedule and a popcorn bar with fun mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&Ms, pretzels, and caramel drizzle.
💡 Decor Tip: Turn your living room into a mini cinema with signs, comfy cushions, and ticket stubs.
12. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Party
Date: November 7
Theme Vibe: Furry friends & good deeds
If you're an animal lover, this one’s for you! Ask guests to bring donations like pet food, blankets, or toys for your local shelter. Set up a photo booth with pet props and invite some furry guests if allowed.
💡 Kid-Friendly Add-On: Have kids make dog or cat toys with simple craft supplies.
13. Gratitude Gathering
When to Host: Mid to late November
Theme Vibe: Celebrating the good stuff
This is a low-key party with a big heart. Everyone comes and shares one thing they’re grateful for. Serve warm drinks, comfort food, and offer blank cards for people to write gratitude notes to each other.
💡 Lovely Touch: Frame a “Thankful Tree” where guests can hang paper leaves with what they’re thankful for.
14. Cozy Candlelight Party – National Candle Month
Month-Long Celebration
Theme Vibe: Glowy, calm, and oh-so-pretty
Celebrate National Candle Month with a candle-themed party. Let guests create their own DIY candles, or just set up a warm, glowy vibe with lanterns and scented candles everywhere.
💡 Activity Idea: Make beeswax candles or scented wax melts as take-home favors.
15. Black Friday Bash
Date: Day after Thanksgiving
Theme Vibe: Deals, fun, and stretchy pants
Turn shopping into a party! Have a group sleepover the night before, wake up early, fuel up with breakfast, and hit the stores together. Or skip the chaos and have an online shopping pajama party with cozy drinks and matching mugs.
💡 Budget Fun: Set a $5 or $10 gift challenge and exchange small gifts from the haul.
16. Craft & Sip Night
When to Host: Any quiet November night
Theme Vibe: Get those hands busy!
Whether you’re making Thanksgiving place cards, DIY wreaths, or holiday decorations, a craft party is always a hit. Pair it with wine, cider, or tea and just enjoy chatting and creating together.
💡 Kid Version: Do a “Fall Crafts & Cocoa” afternoon with simple projects like leaf stamping or pinecone turkeys.
November might be famous for Thanksgiving, but there are so many more ways to bring people together and make memories. Whether you’re sipping cocoa in pajamas, making crafts, or celebrating kindness with your kiddos, these November party themes are all about warmth, connection, and fun.
So go ahead, pick your favorite, send those invites, and get your party on before the holiday hustle really kicks in.