If you’re looking to start your holiday celebrations early or laugh it out with the funniest people in the country, these are the events and activities worth making time for this November.
Early November through mid-January 2022
Winter Lights in McLean Central Park
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in McLean. Start taking your nightly stroll through the park’s array of winter lights heading into the festive season—you never know what you’ll see, as the display will also be host to a variety of pop-up events all season long. McLean Central Park: 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean
November 2–January 2, 2022
Rent
It’s been well over 525,600 minutes since the Signature Theatre actors last performed in front of a crowd, so make sure you have a seat when they bring this La Bohème update to the stage. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $40–$108
November 3
John Waite
The former Babys and Bad English front man kicks off November at Wolf Trap. Since entering the pop-rock scene in the ’70s, Waite has been a mainstay on the music charts with hits like “Missing You” and “Change.” The Barns: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna; $37–$47
November 5
Stephanie Mills
Take in a Grammy Award–winning performer live at The Birchmere. The talented singer and Broadway star has dominated the R&B charts since the ’70s with hits like “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” “I Feel Good All Over,” and her rendition of “Home” from The Wiz. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $89.50
November 6
Wine Dinner with Chef Ryan Ross
Celebrate the end of harvest season at the vineyard. Nosh on a fresh, seasonal four-course dinner perfectly paired with the winery’s best selections. The menu will include pappardelle in brown butter, lamb lollipops, and chocolate fallen-earth cake. The Winery at La Grange: 4970 Antioch Rd., Haymarket; $150
November 10–December 31
Meet Me in St. Louis
The beloved Judy Garland flick is hitting the stage. With the holiday season right around the corner, enjoy the heartwarming story of the Smith family as you get ready to have your own merry little Christmas. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg; $55–$75
November 11–14
The 15th Annual Alexandria Film Festival
Get the popcorn ready—with both in-person and virtual options this year, there’s no reason to miss out on this film fest. For four days, movie lovers will enjoy short and feature-length local and international films from a variety of genres, including animation, comedy, and biography. AMC Hoffman Center: 206 Swamp Fox Rd., Alexandria; $12 per showcase
November 12
Gilbert Gottfried
His voice has been burned into your memory forever, whether from Beverly Hills Cop II, Problem Child, Aladdin, or those AFLAC ads. For an evening of unfiltered laughs, grab a ticket to Gottfried’s latest tour. The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; $30–$40
November 12
Kris Allen
American Idol royalty is heading to NoVA. The season eight winner is coming off his fifth studio album, 10, and recently released his newest single, “Different Bridges, Same River.” Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna; $25
November 12–14
28th Northern Virginia Christmas Market
It’s never too early to start shopping for the holidays. With 150 artisans from around the country, pick up a variety of fine arts, pottery, and jewelry goods for the perfect gift for that special someone. Dulles Expo Center: 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $5–$10
November 13
10,000 Maniacs
If you graduated from high school or college in the 1990s, your favorite alternative band is coming to town. Reminisce over the good old days as the sounds of “These Are Days,” “More than This,” and “Candy Everybody Wants” fills the music hall. Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg; $39.75–$75
November 13 & 14
McLean Antiques Show & Sale
Spend your weekend foraging for finds. The show is back once again with numerous one-of-a-kind items from the U.S., England, and Europe. Browse the hundreds of pieces of unique furniture, porcelain, linens, and more to zero in on that special piece for your home. McLean Community Center: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean; $10
November 13 & 14
Taylor Tomlinson
During the pandemic, this young comedian made a name for herself as her Quarter-Life Crisis special debuted on Netflix. Now, she’s hitting stages on her Deal with It tour. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons; $62–$217
November 13 & 14
La Bohème
Virginia Opera returns to Fairfax. Based on the French novel Scènes de la Vie de Bohème, the story follows young Parisians seeking higher aspirations than money and material goods, instead pursuing their art. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4400 University Dr., Fairfax; $40–$110
November 20
Bourbon & Bubbles
Celebrate the arts with Wolf Trap. You’ll spend the evening sipping bourbon, champagne, and handcrafted cocktails from the area’s best mixologists while supporting the foundation’s arts and education programs. Top it all off with roasted gourmet s’mores by the fire pits. The Pavilions at Wolf Trap National Park: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna; $250
November 26
Reston Holiday Parade
On the day after Thanksgiving, the streets of Reston will brim with music, balloons, and dancers for a festive start to the holiday season. Wear something cute, because after the parade, you can take horse-drawn carriage rides around town. Reston Town Center: 11900 Market St., Reston; free
November 26
The Nutcracker
Virginia National Ballet’s production of the Tchaikovsky classic is a must-see event during the holidays. On Christmas Eve, Clara watches, wide-eyed, as her toy nutcracker grows to life-size to battle the Mouse King. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas; $15–$40
November 26 & 27
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Leave the electricity at home for an 18th-century-style tour of the historic estate. The candlelit stroll will feature stories of past Christmases from historic figures who lived and attended parties at the property, plus a meet-and-greet with the Beloved Aladdin, the Christmas camel. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; $18–$36
November 28
A Chanticleer Christmas
Nothing says “’tis the season” like a cappella. Get in the holiday spirit as the 12 guys in this group spread cheer by singing your favorite carols, gospel melodies, and American hymns. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas; $33–$55
November 28
The Elf on the Shelf—A Christmas Musical
Transport yourself to Santa’s workshop to see all of the magic that transpires behind the holiday season. After the show, make sure to get a picture with the famous Scout Elves. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons; $32.95–$87.95
November 28
Lightwire Theater
If you’re all Nutcrackered out—it happens—take the family to an out-of-this-world extravaganza: A Very Electric Holiday. Semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent, the Lightwire Theater troupe uses puppets, live dancers, bright lights, and all types of music to tell the story of Max as he searches for his family in the North Pole. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4400 University Dr., Fairfax; $10–$15
Through February 13, 2022
National Geographic Photo Ark
Ever wonder how the animals at zoos and wildlife sanctuaries differ across the world? This traveling exhibit brings you face to face with some of the 11,000-plus species that populate our planet. From red wolves to golden snub-nosed monkeys, experience these beauties while learning about how to help protect their future generations. Museum of the Shenandoah: 901 Amherst St., Winchester; $10–$15
Feature image by Melanie Reus
This story originally ran in our November issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
