Northern Virginia is buzzing with holiday fun this time of year. Check out festive events like The Nutcracker or Thanksgiving-themed cookie decorating classes. Even if you’re not looking for something related to the holidays, there are plenty of concerts, festivals, and comedy shows to keep you entertained this month. Here are 15 great things to do in NoVA and DC in November.
November 3–19
The Adventures of Pinocchio
This classic children’s tale is getting a theatrical twist. The family-friendly performance will feature kid actors and Spanish language elements for a puppet-filled, magical adventure. The Creative Cauldron: 410 S. Maple Ave., Ste. 116, Falls Church, $18–$20
November 4
DC Beer Fest
Nationals Park becomes a brew lover’s heaven for this festival that features over 50 breweries, as well as live music and food trucks. VIP admission gets you access to the ballpark’s dugouts, warning track, and batting cages. Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC, $50 for general admission, $90 for VIP admission
November 4
Heart of the Mummy: A Magpie Sisters Radio Play Mystery
Mummies, mystery, murder, and a meal! What more could you want from a play? At this dinner theater performance, watch two sleuthing sisters solve the case of their favorite playwright’s death. Before the show starts, enjoy a dinner buffet, along with beer, wine, and iced tea. Oatlands Historic House and Gardens: 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln., Leesburg, $70
November 4–5
Pumpkin Chunkin’
The best way to use leftover jack-o’-lanterns? Drop them from a 40-foot lift, of course. Throw your pumpkins into the drop zone, send them on a zip line, and hurl them at the pumpkin Wall of Death. Don’t worry, your smashed pumpkin bits won’t go to waste; they’ll go to the farm’s pigs and cows. Great Country Farms: 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, greatcountryfarms.com, $16 for adults, $14 for children
November 10–12
Alexandria Film Festival
Get special access to the world of independent filmmaking. More than 50 films will be screened at several locations. The festival will host in-person showcases at AMC Hoffman, which include several film screenings. There will be a Q&A block, during which directors, producers, actors, and composers will discuss their work. AMC Hoffman: 206 Hoffman St., Alexandria, $15 for showcase tickets, $80 for all-festival pass
November 10–12
Northern Virginia Christmas Market
Retail therapy is the best way to kick off the holiday season. With 225 vendors from over 30 states, this market offers something for everyone. Artisans will sell homemade products ranging from hand-painted garden signs to soup mixes to leather purses. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, $8 for ages 13 and over, free for ages 12 and under
November 10–January 7
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
The festive spirit shines brightly at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. This half-mile nighttime stroll features thousands of sparkling lights and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Before starting on the illuminated path, grab a cup of hot chocolate (spiked or not!), and end with s’mores. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, starting at $18 online
November 11
Arlington Hard Cider and Doughnut Fest
Savor the last of fall with this sweet celebration that spans four bars and restaurants: Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill, Mexicali Blues, Rhodeside Grill, and Ragtime. Sip on hard cider, beer, and seltzers and enjoy a selection of free donuts. Flavors include blueberry lemonade, peanut butter and jelly, and cookies and cream. Begins at Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill: 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, starting at $21.99
November 15–18
Taylor Tomlinson: The Have It All Tour
Named one of Time magazine’s TIME100 Next, this comic is ready to deliver four nights of laughs. Her Saturday performances will be recorded for two Netflix specials. Tomlinson has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $29.75
November 18
Liz Longley
Liz Longley brings her soulful melodies to Jammin Java. The Nashville native has won recognition from prestigious songwriting competitions and is one of the most-funded solo female musicians in Kickstarter history. Her most recent album, Funeral For My Past, draws inspiration from gospel and pop anthems. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $25
November 18
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Decorating Class
In two hours, you can learn how to create a beloved holiday dessert. Use royal icing and decorate eight pre-baked cookies to resemble fall leaves, pumpkins, and turkey legs. Don’t sweat it if you can’t make it to this class: Cake, fondant, and Christmas cookie decorating classes run throughout November. Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies: 10927 Main St., Fairfax, $95
Through November 18
Choosing to Portage
Explore the meaning of legacy at this exhibition highlighting the 50th anniversary of the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art. Five artists from varied cultural backgrounds will display their pieces, ranging from illustrations to photography to sculptures, to prompt discussions of timeless topics like identity, masculinity, grief, and war. Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art: 12001 Market St., Ste. 103, Reston, free
November 19
Vienna Turkey Trot
Lace up your running shoes for a pre-Thanksgiving activity to benefit the James Madison High School Band and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. There will be 5K and 10K races, along with a 1-mile Kids’ Fun Run. Afterward, enjoy refreshments and music at the Finish Line Festival. Vienna Volunteer Fire Department: 400 Center St. S., Vienna, $45 for 5K, $50 for 10K, $20 for Kids’ Fun Run
November 22–26
Ballet West: The Nutcracker
Don’t miss the chance to see the holiday classic performed by Ballet West. Be transported into a festive world, complete with dancing snowflakes, a Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and grand set design for a magical holiday experience. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $49
November 25
Joanne Shaw Taylor
The No. 1 Billboard Blues Artist is coming to NoVA with her band for one night only. Taylor is known for her modern blues-rock style and guitar skills. The singer-songwriter is set to perform tunes from her newest album, Nobody’s Fool. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, capitalonehall.com, starting at $33
Feature image courtesy DC Beer Fest
This story originally ran in our November issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
