November in Albany: Honoring Traditions and Welcoming the Holidays

The holiday season gets an early start in Historic Downtown Albany with Downtown Unwrapped & Holiday Open House on November 5. From 4 to 8 p.m., participating businesses will reveal their holiday window displays and welcome shoppers for an evening of seasonal festivities. It's a great opportunity to discover unique gifts, visit favorite shops, and enjoy dinner downtown.

That same evening, the Albany Antique Mall Christmas Open House takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Explore multiple levels of antiques, vintage holiday decorations, and collectibles while searching for gifts with a little history behind them. The first 150 guests will receive a door prize.

Holiday shopping continues at the Linn County Expo Center with two seasonal shows. The Blackberry Junction Harvest & Holiday Show, November 5 through 7, features vintage finds, home décor, and seasonal merchandise for the home and garden.

The Fall Heart of the Valley Hearth & Home Show, November 6 through 8, brings together more than 70 exhibitors offering home improvement products, services, and handcrafted goods. Families can also visit the Kids Zone for activities designed for younger guests. Admission and parking are free.

One of Albany's most treasured traditions returns on November 11 with the 75th Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade. Beginning at 11 a.m., the parade travels through Downtown Albany, bringing the community together to honor veterans and active-duty service members.

Spectators will see marching bands, military vehicles, veterans' organizations, and community groups participating in this longstanding celebration. The parade draws large crowds each year, so plan to arrive early to find parking and a comfortable place along the route.

Springhill Cellars Winery brings a taste of Germany to Albany with the Federweisser German Fall Festival & Barn Dance, November 27 through 29.

The celebration centers on Federweisser, a young wine that is still fermenting and traditionally enjoyed during Germany's autumn harvest season. Guests can sample this seasonal specialty alongside German foods, including bratwurst and Zwiebelkuchen, a savory onion tart.

Live German music and a barn dance add to the festivities, making this a distinctive way to spend Thanksgiving weekend in the Willamette Valley. Admission is $5.

Skip the big-box crowds and explore Historic Downtown Albany during Small Business Saturday on November 28. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown retailers and restaurants welcome holiday shoppers with seasonal merchandise, gift ideas, and special offers.

Albany's historic commercial buildings provide a memorable setting for a day of shopping. Browse locally owned boutiques and specialty stores, stop for coffee, and enjoy a meal at one of downtown's restaurants. Individual business hours may vary.

The holiday spirit continues November 28 with the Community Christmas Tree Lighting at the Two Rivers Market parking lot.

Santa arrives at 4 p.m. to visit with children and hear their Christmas wishes. Families can enjoy live music, dancing, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, Grinch Alley, and even live reindeer.

The community Christmas tree lights up at 6 p.m., with festivities continuing until 8 p.m. It's a festive way to wrap up a day of holiday shopping and celebrate the season with family and friends.

Albany's neighborhoods will sparkle with holiday cheer during the 39th Annual Nighttime Magic Holiday Light Contest. Beginning December 8, visitors can use the official Nighttime Magic Map to enjoy a self-guided holiday lights tour through Albany. Maps are available on our website, printed for pickup in our office, and on the Albany Explorer app. 

Displays will be illuminated nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. through January 1. Pick your favorites and cast your votes through December 21, or join the holiday fun by completing the Nighttime Magic scavenger hunt. 

From honoring veterans to finding handmade holiday gifts, November is a wonderful time to connect with Albany's community traditions. Make a day of your visit by exploring Historic Downtown Albany, discovering local restaurants, and enjoying the start of the holiday season.

For additional activities, updated schedules, and complete event details, visit our calendar. You can also stop by the Albany Visitors Association for recommendations on places to eat, shop, and stay during your visit.