A tasting in Brunswick. A day exploring somewhere new. Freeport for L.L. Bean's Northern Lights, an annual tradition, is back! A Thanksgiving reunion worth traveling for. November offers plenty of reasons to get together—and the Amtrak Downeaster can help you get there.
Start planning your November train travel with these ideas for Brunswick Wine Week, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, plus everyday savings for children and seniors.
Take the Train to Freeport for L.L.Bean’s Northern Lights
All aboard for a little holiday sparkle! L.L.Bean’s Northern Lights celebration begins November 6, 2026, bringing festive light displays, themed weekends and seasonal activities to its Freeport flagship campus. Opening festivities include Holiday Treat Weekend, November 6–8, with the holiday tree lighting following on November 20.
Take the Amtrak Downeaster to Freeport and arrive within an easy walk of L.L.Bean, downtown shops and restaurants. Make a day of gift shopping, stop for a cozy meal and soak up the holiday atmosphere before your ride home. Check event times against your outbound and return trains when planning your visit.
Bringing the kids or grandparents? Explore the children’s and senior discounts below to help make your holiday outing even sweeter.
Explore L.L.Bean’s Northern Lights schedule and start planning your Freeport getaway.
Next Stop: Snow Season in Portland, November 7-8
Get a head start on winter! Take the Amtrak Downeaster to Portland for the First Tracks Northeast Snow Show, November 7–8. Whether you ski, snowboard or simply love snow season, make a weekend of it with time to explore Portland’s shops and restaurants.
The Amtrak Downeaster is the official transportation sponsor of the event. Plan your trip, book your tickets and let the winter countdown begin!
Take the Train to Brunswick Wine Week, November 9–15
Sip, stroll and discover a new favorite during Brunswick Wine Week, November 9–15, 2026. Local restaurants, bars and wine shops are hosting tastings, classes and dining experiences centered on this year’s theme, “Futures.” Explore the changing world of wine while getting to know the people and places behind Brunswick’s dining scene.
Getting there is part of the experience. The Amtrak Downeaster’s Brunswick station is in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of Maine Street shops, restaurants and local lodging. Arrive ready to explore, enjoy a meal and make an afternoon—or an overnight getaway—of it.
Before reserving an event, compare its start and end times with your train options. Staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy an evening out before heading home the next day.
Explore Brunswick Wine Week events and reserve any ticketed experiences in advance.
Make Plans for Veterans Day, November 11
Have time off on Wednesday, November 11? Turn a midweek break into a change of scenery.
Consider a trip to Brunswick for lunch and downtown browsing, a shopping outing in Freeport or a Boston visit with time for a meal and a little exploring. Traveling to see family? Make the journey part of your time together.
Choose your destination, check local business and attraction hours, and reserve your outbound and return trains before finalizing your plans.
Book Thanksgiving Train Travel Early
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Whether you’re heading home, visiting friends or bringing generations together, now is a good time to make your travel arrangements.
Bring the Family and Explore Everyday Savings
Planning a family visit or a getaway with the grandparents? Check the Downeaster’s everyday discounts as you book.
Children ages 2–12 receive 50% off the adult fare when traveling with an accompanying adult age 18 or older on the same reservation. Select the appropriate adult and child passenger types when booking; the child discount applies automatically, with no promotional code needed. View children’s discount details.
Seniors ages 65 and older can save 50% on regular one-way Coach fares on most Downeaster trains. Select “Senior” when booking to see qualifying fares. No promotional code is needed. View senior discount details.
November Train Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take the Amtrak Downeaster to Brunswick Wine Week?
A: Yes. Take the Downeaster to Brunswick, Maine, where the downtown station is a short walk from shops and restaurants. Brunswick Wine Week runs November 9–15, 2026. Check individual event locations and times against your train itinerary.
Q: When should I book Thanksgiving train tickets?
A: Book once your travel dates are confirmed to give yourself more opportunity to find available departures that suit your plans. Remember to reserve your return trip, too.
Q: Do children ride for half price on the Downeaster?
A: Yes, children ages 2–12 qualify for 50% off the adult fare when traveling with an adult age 18 or older on the same reservation. Select “Child” when adding eligible travelers.
Q: Does the Downeaster offer a senior discount?
A: Yes. Travelers ages 65 and older qualify for 50% off regular one-way Coach fares on most Downeaster trains. Select “Senior” when booking and review the offer terms.
Your Next Get-Together Starts with a Train Ticket
From a Brunswick tasting to a Thanksgiving table, make room for more time together this November.