NOVEMBER ON THE RIVER LOOP
From Pumpkins to Peppermint
Your guide to that sweet spot between fall and full-on holiday cheer
From Pumpkins to Peppermint is our favorite kind of season — that magical mix of cozy flannels, twinkle lights, and weekends that smell like cider and pine. Around every corner, there’s a market to wander, a tree to light, or a vineyard to toast the season. So grab your scarf, make a plan, and let’s celebrate everything this sweet stretch between fall and full-on holiday cheer has to offer along The Loop. Events are arranged chronologically to help you map out your season.
*Dates and venues are subject to change — be sure to check each event’s official site before heading out!
October 30
Dracula's Lair: A Haunted Halloween Tour Experience (New Hope)
Enter the Halloween event of the season: Dracula’s Lair, an immersive experience where darkness, dance, and terror collide! Journey through a chilling world of live theatrical storytelling, professional dancers, and haunting encounters that bring vampire legends to life.
Frightful Fun at Fonthill Castle (Doylestown)
This 90-minute autumnal tour combines Henry Mercer’s love of Gothic literature with the spellbinding architecture of Fonthill Castle. Guests explore the castle’s passageways while learning about the books that Henry Mercer loved to collect!
Halloween Costume Party - Pattenburg House - CC Coletti
Get your costumes on and come out! Prizes for best costumes! Killer tunes, food, & drinks
Movie Night at Beneduce Vineyards - Hocus Pocus
Join us on our covered, heated Crush Pad for a festive evening under the autumn sky as we screen the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus!
Adult Trick or Treating at Bishop Estate Vineyard & Winery
Join us for this one-of-a-kind outdoor walking tour through our beautiful property. Along the way, you’ll stop at five Halloween-themed pairing stations, each offering delicious fall inspired treats and wines perfectly matched and explained by one of our knowledgeable servers!
October 31
After Dark Beneduce Vineyards - The Grey Man Group
For one night only, our weekly Group Therapy transforms into a spooky Halloween event with wine, costumes, and live music from the debut of The Grey Man Group.
Speaker Series at The Mills - An Historic Cemetery Story and Guided Walk (Stockton)
Visit the historic Grist Mill at Prallsville Mills for a lecture by David R. Reading, president of the Mount Amwell Project and learn about the history of the Howell/Rittenhouse Cemetery established in 1710.
Third Annual Halloween Bash - Mrs. Reilly’s Pub (Highbridge)
Visit the historic Grist Mill at Prallsville Mills for a lecture by David R. Reading, president of the Mount Amwell Project and learn about the history of the Howell/Rittenhouse Cemetery established in 1710.
November 1
Autumn Wine Walkaround at Cree Wine Company (Hampton)
Sip and stroll through a curated selection of fall wines, from earthy reds to full-bodied whites. $65; $60 for Wine Club members.
Flemington Fine Artisans Show at Stangl Factory
Browse handmade art, jewelry, clothing, home goods, and more from local artisans. Free admission.
ArtYard Campus Tour (Frenchtown)
Explore ArtYard’s four buildings, including Studio Route 29, on a guided tour with a gentle walk along the rail trail, Delaware River, and downtown Frenchtown.
Walking Tour of Lambertville
Discover Lambertville’s history on a guided, one-hour walking tour departing from the Marshall House Museum. No reservations required; donations welcome.
November 5
Uncorked Thursdays at Crossing Vineyards & Winery (Newtown)
Enjoy live music, award-winning wines, local beers, cocktails, and food at this monthly evening gathering.
Tarot Card Reading & Wine Tasting at Crossing Vineyards & Winery (Newtown)
Gather for a ladies’ night out featuring wine tasting, dessert, and a private tarot card reading. $45 per person; reservations required.
November 6
Locals Night at Beneduce Vineyards (Pittstown)
Kick off the weekend with wine specials, food trucks, and vineyard views at this monthly gathering. Free admission; walk-ins welcome.
Lolly Hopwood at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (New Hope)
Bring the kids for a free, family-friendly musical performance featuring original songs, playful storytelling, and plenty of singing and dancing. 10:30–11:30 a.m.
November 7
Ride Along the River 2026 (Stockton)
Take in scenic Delaware River views on an 18- or 22-mile bike ride or a leisurely 1.3-mile walk, with a stop in Frenchtown. Proceeds support watershed protection.
ArtYard’s Tin Anniversary Gala (Frenchtown)
Celebrate ArtYard’s 10th anniversary with an evening of creative programming and community. Proceeds support artist residencies, exhibitions, performances, and community programs.
Erwinna Fall Festival
Enjoy a free, family-friendly fall festival with games, crafts, an obstacle course, and a scavenger hunt. Catch live music by the Joe Cirotti Trio from noon–3 p.m. and the Frenchtown Witches Dance at 1 p.m.
Fashion Show “Noir” at Prallsville Mills (Stockton)
Experience an original fashion collection by designer and tailor Anneli Martin at this stylish show and social gathering.
Buds & Branches Family Camp (New Hope)
Explore the world of birds with family-friendly nature activities, crafts, games, and hiking for children ages 5–12 accompanied by an adult.
November 7–8
Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village (Lahaska)
Celebrate fall with apple-inspired treats, seasonal food, and family fun at this popular outdoor festival. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. both days; admission and parking are free.
November 8
Run the Vineyards — Unionville Vineyards 8K or 5K (Stockton)
Run or walk scenic vineyard trails, then stick around for wine, live music, and a post-race celebration. All ages welcome.
Fourth Annual Harvest Hay Ride & Pasture Walk (Stockton)
Take a wagon ride across Sugar Maple Jerseys’ 180-acre dairy farm, meet the Jersey herd, and learn about farm life. Tours depart at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Fulper Flea Vintage & Makers Market (Flemington)
Shop vintage clothing, records, handmade goods, original art, and more at this indoor market. Free admission and parking.
Afternoon Tea with Martha Washington (Clinton)
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with afternoon tea, sandwiches, desserts, and a special Martha Washington reenactment. 2 p.m. at Clinton Presbyterian Church.
Hellerick’s Annual Redhead Celebration Day
Celebrate redheads with music, contests, and farm activities at Hellerick’s Adventure Farm. Redheads receive a free pumpkin, and everyone is welcome.
Crumbs & Cabernet: Wine & Pie Pairing at Crossing Vineyards & Winery (Newtown)
Savor seasonal pies and sweet treats, from apple to pumpkin and pecan, paired with Crossing Vineyards wines. $40 per person.
November 15
Sip N’ String at Crossing Vineyards & Winery (Newtown)
Get crafty with wine and DIY projects, from custom wine charms and friendship bracelets to decorated frames with Polaroid keepsakes. $35 per person, including a glass of wine and supplies.
November 19
Holiday Sip & Shop at Crossing Vineyards & Winery (Newtown)
Sip award-winning wines while browsing local vendors, permanent jewelry, and holiday gifts, with music and light bites available for purchase. No cover charge.
November 21
Santa Express Train Black River and Western Railroad (Flemington)
Board your train in Flemington, and each child receives a souvenir golden ticket! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on board. Stop at Ringoes Station to enjoy a cookie and hot cocoa, plus festive photo opportunities, operating model train displays, and more. Ongoing every weekend starting November 21 - December.
Mimosas, Mocktails & Mixtapes (Quakertown)
Sing along to your favorite ’90s and 2000s hits at this girls’ day out featuring brunch, DJ Amber H., shopping, and a selfie area. $45 per ticket; ages 18 and up.
Newtown Township Holiday Craft Fair
Shop handmade pottery, textiles, jewelry, treats, and unique gifts from local artisans. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Quakertown Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Celebrate the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, carriage rides, a live nativity, vendors, and free hot chocolate, plus plenty of family-friendly holiday fun.
November 21–22
Holiday Artisan Market at Unionville Vineyards (Ringoes)
Shop handcrafted gifts, local foods, and seasonal treats at this festive winery market. Browse the vendors while enjoying live jazz from the Blue Jersey Band from 1–4 p.m. both days; admission is free. Noon–5 p.m.
November 22
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop at Federal Twist Vineyard (Stockton)
Create a seasonal floral centerpiece with all materials included, plus a full wine tasting and personal charcuterie.
November 26
Two Town Turkey Trot (Lambertville)
Run a Thanksgiving 5K or join a 1-mile health walk across the Lambertville–New Hope Bridge and through both river towns. Registration opens at 7 a.m.; the trot starts at 8:30 a.m.
Johanna Foods/CEA Turkey Trot 5K & 2-Mile Walk (Flemington)
Join one of New Jersey’s largest Thanksgiving morning race traditions, bringing thousands together for a 5K and 2-mile walk. 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Under the Moon (Lambertville)
Celebrate Thanksgiving with festive dinner specials at this downtown Lambertville favorite. Reservations are strongly encouraged, with a $20 deposit required.
November 27
2nd Annual Black Friday Anniversary Beer Trail Run at Readington Brewery
Celebrate Readington Brewery’s fifth anniversary with five laps, five beers, and a Black Friday trail run.
Christmas Tree Lighting (Clinton)
Kick off the holiday season in historic downtown Clinton with festive music, the community tree lighting, and a special visit from Santa. A Thanksgiving weekend tradition for the whole family.
112th Annual Doylestown Tree Lighting
Welcome Santa, Mrs. Claus, and special holiday guests at Doylestown’s annual tree lighting celebration. Free Doylestown Dart shuttles begin running from the parking garage at 5 p.m.
November 27–28
Black Friday and Saturday Vendor + Craft Fair at Bishop Estate (Perkasie)
Browse 100+ vendors offering handmade gifts and unique finds, with wine, food trucks, and live music. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. both days; free admission.
November 27–29
Festival of Trees at Red Mill Museum Village (Clinton)
Explore historic buildings and grounds decorated with festive trees, browse the holiday shop, and enjoy seasonal activities and Santa visits. Admission is free for museum members; nonmember tickets are $10 for adults, with children 12 and under free.
Winter Village at Red Mill Museum Village (Clinton)
Shop 50+ local artisans at this festive outdoor market featuring handmade gifts, demonstrations, food trucks, craft beer, and mulled wine. Admission is $10 for adults, with children 12 and under free.
Dickens’ Days (Clinton)
Step into a Victorian Christmas as historic downtown Clinton fills with holiday lights, carolers, local shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides, and festive entertainment. A beloved Thanksgiving weekend tradition.
November 28
Thanksgiving Rebel Crawl (Lambertville)
Raise a pint along the Delaware River on a lively town crawl combining local history, drinks, and a party atmosphere.
November 29
New Hope Christmas Tree Lighting
Gather in the heart of New Hope for the annual Christmas tree lighting, with holiday music, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and a special visit from Santa.
Ongoing Through November
The River Loop Covered Bridge Trail | Ride Through History
Six Bridges, One Perfect Fall Drive. Take the scenic route through Bucks County with The River Loop Covered Bridge Trail—a self-guided road trip connecting six historic covered bridges, winding country roads, river towns, and plenty of stops to make a full day of it.
Trail Hiking Guide Hunterdon & Bucks
From riverside towpaths and hidden waterfalls to scenic overlooks and quiet woodland trails, these are some of our favorite places to explore throughout Hunterdon County and Bucks County. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, consider this your guide to getting outside and discovering the natural beauty that makes this region so special.
Christmas at the Playhouse 2026 (Hampton)
Enjoy a festive holiday dinner-theater production featuring classic songs, dancing, comedy, and seasonal surprises, complete with a served entrée and dessert. November 10–December 20.
A Christmas Carol at Music Mountain Theatre (Lambertville)
Experience a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s holiday classic as three ghosts guide Ebenezer Scrooge through his past, present, and future. November 20–December 13; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Frosty & Rudolph at Music Mountain Theatre (Lambertville)
Join Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on a heartwarming musical adventure to save Christmas. November 28 and December 5, 12, and 19, with performances at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at Bucks County Playhouse (New Hope)
Celebrate the season with this feel-good Broadway musical featuring dazzling dance numbers, romance, and more than 20 classic Irving Berlin songs, including “White Christmas.” November 19–January 3.
Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village (Lahaska)
Admire more than 100 whimsical gingerbread creations crafted by the public in this beloved holiday display. November 20–January 10, 2027; free admission.