Top 5: Events in November That Aren’t Thanksgiving

Loy Krathong, Thai Festival of Lights

Kicking off the month is the Loy Krathong Lantern Festival held in Thailand, rooted in Brahmanic tradition. The main part of the festival is the huge collective lantern release (which can symbolize letting go of your inner demons). Other activities surrounding include parades, music, dancing, contests, fireworks, food and even a beauty pageant.

Pirates Week

If your idea of fun is a little more swashbuckling in nature, head to the Cayman Islands for a week-long celebration of the destination’s piratical heritage. The festival is in its 40th year, and the events include plenty of parades, fireworks, competitions, drinks, dancing and lots of pirate costumes, of course.

Räbechilbi Turnip Festival

Maybe a quirky food fest is in your future. Held in Richterswil, Switzerland, this event celebrates the humble turnip. Enjoy the revelry on Lake Zürich, where the idea is to carve your turnips — not eat them. Tons of the root vegetables are in attendance, and you’ll be surprised at just how elaborate turnip artwork can get.

Lopburi Monkey Banquet

For another Thai event, head to Lopburi for the annual monkey banquet. Thousands of macaques are in attendance to feast on rice, fruit and vegetables. You’ll have to pay to watch, but it’s an experience you won’t easily forget!

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

If you ever needed an excuse to go to Hawai’i, here’s one. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is 10 days of coffee, competitions, entertainment and more. Plus, there are plenty of driving and local tours available during the festival, so you can see the coffee industry up close.