Autumn in the U.S.: A Season of Color, Traditions, and Community

The Beauty of Fall Foliage

One of the most famous parts of fall in the United States is the changes in leaves. Trees turn from green to red, orange, and yellow. This colorful display, known as fall foliage, attracts millions of visitors each year. 

In the Northeast and Midwest, colors often peak in October. In the South, leaves change later, sometimes as late as November. Many people plan road trips or hiking tours to see the colors, a tradition often called “leaf peeping”. 

Photo credit: Martha Stewart

Harvest Traditions and Seasonal Food

Fall is also the season of harvest. Farmer’s markets and festivals feature pumpkins, apples and fresh produce. Families enjoy apple picking at orchards, often paired with apple cider and warm donuts. 

Pumpkins are another symbol of fall. They are used in pies, breads, and drinks such as pumpkin spice lattes. Many people carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns to decorate their homes, especially during Halloween. 

Photo credit: Best Herbal Health

Halloween: Costumes and Community

Halloween, celebrated on October 31, is one of the biggest fall traditions. Children dress in costumes and go door to door asking for candy, a custom called trick-or-treating. Adults also join in with costume parties, haunted houses, and community parades. Neighborhoods across the country decorate with ghosts, skeletons, and pumpkins, making it a festive time for families and friends. 

Photo credit: Daily Mail

Thanksgiving: A Time to Gather

Thanksgiving takes place on the fourth Thursday of November. It is one of the most important family holidays in the U.S. The celebration centers around a large meal, often including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. 

Thanksgiving is also about gratitude. Many families take time to share what they are thankful for before eating. For foreigners, it is a good chance to join a local family or community group to experience this cultural tradition. 

Photo credit: San Diego Explorer

Everyday Life in Fall

Fall also brings changes to daily life. Temperatures drop, especially in the mornings and evenings, so people begin wearing sweaters, jackets, and scarves. In many places, fall marks the return of the school year and the excitement of college and professional football. Communities come together for games, parades, and school events. 

Practical Tips for Foreigners

• Travel: The best states for fall foliage include Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Colorado, and Michigan. 
• Weather: Expect cooler days and chilly nights. In northern states, snow may arrive as early as November. 
• Festivals: Look for local pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and county fairs. These events are family-friendly and great for cultural immersion. 
• Holidays: Join in Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations if invited. They are key parts of U.S. culture and a way to meet new people. 

A Season of Welcome

For foreigners living in the United States, fall offers more than natural beauty. It is a time of traditions, food, and community that can help newcomers feel at home. Whether it’s enjoying the bright colors, carving pumpkins, or sharing a Thanksgiving meal, autumn creates lasting memories and connections. 

As families gather for fall traditions in the U.S., staying connected across borders becomes even more important. Smiles Mobile Remittance, Japan’s absolute no 1. remittance app, is launching in the U.S. soon.

With Smiles Mobile Remittance, foreign workers and families can send money home quickly, securely, and at low cost. The app also offers multilingual support, making it easier for users from different backgrounds to share love and support with their families abroad.