Temperatures are dropping, but Northern Virginia and DC are not slowing down. This weekend is full of exciting events, from musical performances and cider tastings to early Thanksgiving turkey trots and holiday markets. Check out the best events from November 20 to 23.
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth; Ferrández Plays Lutos∤awski
November 20–23
Watch as Edward Gardner, the Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, leads the National Symphony Orchestra through a lively performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.” During the concert, Pablo Ferrández will make his National Symphony Orchestra debut with Lutos∤awski’s “Cello Concerto.” The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $21.85
C.J. Chenier and John “Papa” Gros
November 21–22, 8 p.m.
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Louisiana legend and Grammy Award winner Clifton Chenier with a performance from his son and accordionist C.J. Chenier, The Red Hot Louisiana Band, and New Orleans pianist John Gros. Grab dinner and drinks inside The Barns before the show and get ready to groove at this two-day performance and party. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $70.50
DowntownDC Holiday Market
November 21–December 23
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at this outdoor market with over 100 artisan vendors, live music, photo ops, kids activities, and more. Shop handcrafted jewelry from local Maryland artisan Lost & Forged, gourmet gifts from woman-owned BannerBee Local Honey, or grab a bite from local DC restaurant KATA. F Street NW, between Seventh and Ninth streets NW, Washington, DC, free
ZooLights
November 21–January 3
Enjoy opening weekend of this annual light display show at the National Zoo. Sip on hot cocoa, conquer the new adventure maze, ride on the National Zoo Choo Choo, and walk through animal-themed lanterns and light displays. National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $9, $30 parking
Alexandria Cider Festival
November 22, 1–5 p.m.
Celebrate the end of Virginia Cider Week with this 21-and-up tasting event at the historic Lloyd House. Take home a souvenir glass after enjoying cider tastings, live music, games, food trucks, and more. Proceeds from the event benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums. Lloyd House: 220 N. Washington St., Alexandria, starting at $55
Herndon Turkey Trot 5K
November 22, 4–5 p.m.
Get your blood pumping and celebrate Thanksgiving early with this annual 5K race. The first 400 runners to pre-register receive a long-sleeve race T-shirt, and both the male and female winners of the race receive a turkey with all the trimmings. Racers who are 21 and up also receive a beer token that can be redeemed at Aslin Beer Company after the race. Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, registration starting at $25
Alexandria’s Holiday Tree Lighting
November 22, 6–8 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with this festive celebration and tree lighting ceremony. After the tree lighting around 7 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will walk through the square visiting with families as they enjoy seasonal music. Alexandria City Hall: 301 King St., Alexandria, free
Vienna Teng
November 22, 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the powerful storytelling of this folk singer-songwriter known for songs like “The Hymn of Acxiom” and “Lullabye for a Stormy Night” as she re-emerges with her first new music in over a decade. Teng is also known for her climate-change activism with groups like Climate Changemakers and Music Declares Emergency. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $53.30
Falling for Myself Market
November 23, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Wander through this market full of size-inclusive vintage, modern, and upcycled fashion and unique art. The event includes activities that promote self-love, self-expression, empowerment, and confidence and music from DJ M$NP. There will be coffee and snacks for sale, and fashion vendors can offer in-person styling assistance. Femme Fatale DC: 3409 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
Alabama: Live in Concert
November 23, 6 p.m.
Grab tickets to a performance from the Country Music Hall of Fame inductees known for hit songs like “Mountain Music,” “Dixieland Delight,” and “Roll On.” The country music stars have been performing for over 50 years, selling 80 million albums and charting 43 No. 1 hits throughout their careers. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, starting at $46.40
Feature image of performers at DowntownDC Holiday Market courtesy DowntownDC
