Reasons to Visit Gettysburg this November

Only in Gettysburg would a month like November be one of our favorites.

November is a hybrid of two of our cherished seasons – part autumn and part holidays. The fall-like temperatures are just settling into the Gettysburg countryside, and yet the spirit of the holiday season is just around the corner. What’s not to like?

But in Gettysburg, November is also a time to celebrate Lincoln – his visit, his speech, and his mark on history.

Here are just a few reasons why November is a great time for a getaway …

Reasons to Visit Gettysburg this November

Let’s get right to it – Lincoln! His visit to this war-ravaged town was only 25 hours, but he left his mark on this town, and in America’s history, with his short, 10-sentence speech that made Gettysburg a symbol of unity. We celebrate Lincoln the entire month with “Abe Days,” a collection of events, museums, exhibits and more that commemorate the 16^th president.

If you’ve visited Gettysburg in November before, you know that Remembrance Day (November 16) is a great time. From a Civil War parade to the illumination in the national cemetery at night, you will find endless events throughout the weekend.

Remembrance Day is also a great time to see one of Gettysburg’s most iconic performances, “Songs and Stories of a Civil War Hospital,” held November 16, at 7:30 p.m. Only held a few times a year, this performance is unforgettable.

The centerpiece of November (and Abe Days) is undoubtedly the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address – affectionally named “Dedication Day,” to honor Lincoln’s speech to help dedicate the national cemetery. Join us on November 19 in the cemetery for an amazing tribute to Lincoln’s immortal address.

Once Remembrance Day and Dedication Day are over, Gettysburg turns up the holiday charm and kicks things off on Thanksgiving Day with “Five Christmases at the Shriver House Candlelight Tours,” held on weekends throughout the holiday season.

But the season doesn’t officially kick off until the next night, November 29, when Gettysburg hosts its annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the town square. Enjoy everything you love about the holiday season – music, food, merriment and more – that night as hundreds gather to welcome Santa and the yuletide.

On November 30, get your holiday shopping underway with Small Business Saturday, a chance to patronize locally owned businesses. Gettysburg has dozens of stores lining every street in the downtown historic district. You’ll go home with gifts for everyone, including yourself!