November in Surry County is one of the most special times of the year. As the leaves reach peak color in the mountains and the air turns crisp, our communities come alive with Thanksgiving celebrations, fall festivals, high school sports championships, and the magical start of the Christmas season.
Whether you're a lifelong resident of Elkin, Mount Airy, Dobson, or one of our smaller towns, or you're new to the area, this guide will help you make the most of November 2025. Plus, I'll share some timely insurance tips that could save you hundreds before the year ends.
November 2025 at a Glance: What Makes This Month Special
This November brings something for everyone in Surry County. Here's why you'll want to mark your calendar:
Thanksgiving Week
Community dinners, church services, local restaurant specials, and the traditional Turkey Trot 5K
Holiday Kickoff
Christmas parades in Mount Airy and Elkin, tree lighting ceremonies, and the opening of local Christmas markets
High School Sports
Football playoffs, basketball season opener, and wrestling tournaments at Elkin, Mount Airy, and East Surry High
Fall Outdoor Activities
Last chance hiking at Stone Mountain, fall foliage tours on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and deer hunting season opening
Early November: Week of November 1-10
🎨 Mount Airy Fall Festival (November 2-3)
Downtown Mount Airy transforms into a celebration of autumn with over 100 craft vendors, live music, food trucks, and kids' activities. This annual event draws thousands from across the region.
- When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm
- Where: Main Street, Mount Airy
- Cost: Free admission
- Parking tip: Use the lot behind the Andy Griffith Museum or park on side streets
🏈 Elkin vs. East Surry Football Rivalry (November 8)
One of the most anticipated games of the season! The Elkin Buckin' Elks host the East Surry Cardinals in what's always a packed house at Varsity Stadium.
- When: Friday, 7:30pm kickoff
- Where: Elkin High School Varsity Stadium
- Tickets: $7 adults, $5 students
- Pro tip: Arrive early - parking fills up by 7pm
🍂 Veterans Day Ceremony (November 11)
Surry County honors our veterans with ceremonies across the county. The largest takes place at the Surry County Veterans Memorial in Dobson.
- When: Monday, 11am
- Where: Surry County Veterans Memorial, Dobson
- Note: County offices closed in observance
"November in Surry County: Where Thanksgiving traditions meet Christmas magic. From fall festivals to holiday parades, there's something special happening every weekend!"
Click to Tweet ThisThanksgiving Week: November 22-28
🦃 Turkey Trot 5K - Elkin (November 27)
Start your Thanksgiving Day the healthy way! This annual 5K run/walk through downtown Elkin is a beloved tradition. All ages welcome.
- When: Thursday (Thanksgiving), 8am start
- Where: Elkin Municipal Park
- Registration: $25 (includes t-shirt), register at ElkinRecreation.com
- Proceeds benefit: Elkin-Jonesville Community Food Pantry
🍽️ Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Mount Airy (November 27)
No one goes hungry in Surry County on Thanksgiving. The Mount Airy Moose Lodge hosts a free community dinner serving 500+ meals.
- When: Thursday (Thanksgiving), 11am-2pm
- Where: Mount Airy Moose Lodge
- Cost: Free (donations accepted)
- Volunteers needed: Contact the lodge to help serve
🙏 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (November 26)
Churches across Surry County come together for an evening of gratitude and community unity.
- When: Wednesday, 7pm
- Where: First Baptist Church, Elkin
- Note: Open to all faiths and backgrounds
Thanksgiving Week Schedule (Nov 22-28)
Late November: Holiday Season Kickoff
🎄 Mount Airy Christmas Parade (November 29)
The most anticipated event of the season! Mount Airy's Christmas parade is a Surry County tradition dating back over 60 years. Expect marching bands, floats, local businesses, and of course, Santa himself.
- When: Saturday, 1pm
- Where: Main Street, Mount Airy (starts at Rockford Street)
- Best viewing spots: Downtown benches (arrive by 11:30am for good seats)
- Parking: Side streets or the Municipal Building lot
- Weather plan: Rain date is December 6
✨ Elkin Christmas Tree Lighting (November 30)
Downtown Elkin officially welcomes the Christmas season with the lighting of the community Christmas tree at Elkin Municipal Park.
- When: Sunday, 5:30pm
- Where: Elkin Municipal Park
- Features: Caroling, hot chocolate, cookies, photos with Santa
- Bring: Blankets and lawn chairs
🎁 Small Business Saturday (November 29)
Support local! Dozens of Surry County small businesses offer special deals, extended hours, and refreshments.
- Participating areas: Downtown Elkin, Mount Airy Main Street, Dobson
- Hours: Most stores 9am-6pm
- Pro tip: Pick up your free "Shop Small" tote bag at participating businesses
Your Local Independent Insurance Agent
As you're enjoying November events around Surry County, don't forget about your year-end insurance review. I represent 8+ top carriers and can help you find savings before 2025 ends.
- Free policy review for Surry County residents
- Multi-policy discounts (home + auto savings)
- Holiday travel insurance for Thanksgiving trips
Year-End Insurance Tips for Surry County Families
While you're enjoying November's festivities, now is the perfect time to review your insurance coverage before the year ends. Here's why November matters for your insurance:
1. Holiday Travel Coverage
Planning to visit family for Thanksgiving? Make sure you have the right coverage for road trips:
- Review your auto liability limits - North Carolina minimums ($30K/$60K) aren't enough for serious accidents
- Check rental car coverage - Your policy may already cover rentals, saving you $15-30/day at the counter
- Emergency roadside assistance - Only $5-15 per year and invaluable on mountain roads
2. Year-End Policy Review Can Save You Hundreds
Insurance rates change throughout the year, and you might be overpaying. November is ideal for:
- Shopping your rates - Compare quotes from multiple carriers before renewal
- Bundling policies - Combining home + auto can save 15-25%
- Updating your deductibles - If you've built up savings, a higher deductible reduces premiums
- Dropping collision on older vehicles - Once your car hits 8-10 years old, collision might not be worth it
3. Winter Weather Preparation
Our mountain winters can be unpredictable. Make sure you're covered:
- Home insurance check - Verify you have coverage for ice dams, pipe freezes, and roof collapse
- Understand comprehensive auto coverage - This covers weather damage like hail or fallen trees
- Document your belongings - Take photos/videos of your home contents before the holidays
4. Tax-Advantaged Insurance Moves
Some insurance decisions can impact your 2025 taxes:
- Health Savings Account (HSA) - Contributions are tax-deductible; deadline is December 31
- Umbrella policy - Additional liability protection that's surprisingly affordable ($200-400/year for $1-2M coverage)
- Life insurance - Premiums are lower when you're younger; don't wait until January
Year-End Insurance Savings Calculator
See how much you could save with a policy review before 2025 ends
Ready to lock in your savings? Call me at (336) 835-1993 for a free quote comparison with zero pressure.
Surry County-Specific Reminders
- Mountain driving: Winter weather arrives early in our area. Make sure your tires and brakes are ready.
- Rural roads: Deer are especially active in November. Comprehensive coverage protects you from animal collisions.
- Event parking: Many November events involve parking in grass lots. Check if your policy covers towing/roadside assistance.
- Holiday visitors: If you're hosting family, review your homeowner's liability coverage.
"Bill helped me bundle my home and auto insurance right before Thanksgiving last year and I saved $640 annually! He made the process so easy and explained everything in plain English. As a fellow Elkin resident, it's great to support local and actually get better service than the big online companies."
Common Questions About November Events & Insurance
When is the best time to see fall foliage in Surry County?
Early to mid-November is typically peak for fall colors in our area, especially in higher elevations like Stone Mountain State Park and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows usually last through the third week of November before the first hard freeze.
Are Surry County schools closed for Thanksgiving week?
Surry County Schools typically have a half-day on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and are closed Thursday-Friday. Students return to school on Monday, November 30. Always check the official Surry County Schools calendar for specific dates, as weather makeups can occasionally affect the schedule.
Do I need special insurance for holiday travel?
Your regular auto insurance typically covers you for holiday travel within the U.S. However, it's smart to review your coverage limits before a big trip. I recommend at least $100K/$300K liability (higher than NC's $30K/$60K minimum) and ensuring you have comprehensive coverage for weather-related incidents. If you're renting a car, check if your policy includes rental coverage before paying extra at the counter.
What's the best parking strategy for the Mount Airy Christmas Parade?
Arrive before 11:30am to get decent parking. Your best bets are: (1) The Municipal Building parking lot off Oak Street, (2) Side streets like Moore or Rawley, or (3) The lot behind the Andy Griffith Museum. Many locals park at Walmart and walk the 10 minutes to downtown. Street parking downtown fills up by noon, so plan accordingly.
When should I review my insurance before year-end?
November is actually the perfect time! Insurance companies often adjust rates for the new year, and you want to make changes before your December or January renewal. Plus, if you're switching carriers, it's better to do it before the holiday rush. I typically recommend scheduling a review in early November so you have time to compare quotes and make informed decisions without feeling rushed.
Are local businesses open on Thanksgiving Day?
Most local businesses in Surry County are closed on Thanksgiving Day to allow owners and employees to spend time with family. However, some gas stations and convenience stores remain open with limited hours. Chain stores like Walmart and Food Lion typically have modified hours. For Black Friday, most local businesses in downtown Elkin and Mount Airy open around 9-10am and participate in "Shop Small Saturday" on November 29.
Make the Most of November in Surry County
November 2025 is shaping up to be a month full of community, gratitude, and celebration across Surry County. Whether you're cheering on the Elkin Elks, enjoying the Mount Airy Christmas Parade, or gathering with family for Thanksgiving dinner, there's something special about this time of year in our corner of North Carolina.
And while you're marking your calendar for these wonderful events, don't forget to take care of the practical stuff too. A quick insurance review could save you hundreds before the year ends, and it only takes 15 minutes to get a quote.
Have questions about any of these events or need help with your insurance? I'm here to help—both as your neighbor and your local agent.
Get Your Free Year-End Policy Review
Before you get busy with holiday preparations, let me review your insurance and find you savings. No pressure, no obligationsâ€"just honest advice from a neighbor.
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More Helpful Resources
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Read moreComplete Guide to Surry County Events 2025
Year-round calendar of festivals, parades, and community celebrations.
Read moreAbout Bill Layne
Bill Layne has been serving Surry County families as an independent insurance agent since 2004. A lifelong resident of Elkin, Bill knows our community inside and out—from the back roads of Thurmond to the Friday night lights at Elkin High. He represents top carriers including Nationwide, Progressive, Travelers, and more, allowing him to find the best coverage at the best price for his neighbors. When he's not helping clients save on insurance, you'll find Bill at local events, supporting small businesses, and enjoying everything Surry County has to offer.