This weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Veterans Day and the yuletide season. From holiday markets to food festivals, here are some things to do the weekend of November 10–12.
Northern Virginia Christmas Market
November 10–11, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; November 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Kick off your holiday shopping with a trip to this holiday extravaganza. Hundreds of artisans from across the country are selling their homemade goods, from jewelry to gourmet foods to Christmas collectibles. A major food drive for Capital Area Food Bank is part of this event. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, $8 for ages 13 and over, free for ages 12 and under
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights
November 10–January 7, 5:30–10 p.m.
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
Veterans Day Wine & Comedy Night
November 10, 7 p.m.
Three comedians are taking the stage at The Winery at Bull Run. Host Robert Mac has appeared on Comedy Central, and feature act Gigi Modrich was part of Amazon Prime’s First Nation’s Comedy Experience. Headliner and U.S. Navy Veteran Allan Goodwin is the two-time champion of the World Series of Comedy. These comics are uniting for an evening of can’t-miss laughs. Note: this event is 21 and over. 15950 Lee Hwy., Centreville, $35
Beth Nielson Chapman
November 10, 8 p.m.
With 15 albums and seven No. 1 hits, Beth Nielson Chapman is no stranger to the spotlight. Chapman’s compositions have been recorded by Elton John, Bette Midler, and Neil Diamond. Now, Chapman takes her talents to Vienna for a one-night musical journey. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, starting at $30
Säje
November 10, 8 p.m.
This vocal quartet brings powerful melodies to the Wolf Trap stage. The artists earned a Grammy nomination for the debut single “Desert Song” in 2020. Now, the jazz singers continue to push the bounds of their musical abilities. 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $22
Alexandria Film Festival
November 10–12, times vary
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 also be a Q&A block, during which directors, producers, actors, and composers discuss their work. AMC Hoffman: 206 Hoffman St., Alexandria, alexfilmfest.com, $15 for showcase tickets, $80 for all-festival pass
Story Time with Patricia Tanumihardja
November 11, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
It’s time for fairies, hijinks, and holiday goodies. Start gearing up for the holidays with local author Patricia Tanumihardja as she reads from her latest picture book. The Sugar Plum Fairies — A Tale of 12 Holiday Treats is a holiday-themed book about a group of baking fairies called “bakerinas” who conjure up yummy goodies for children all over the globe. Sparkly fairy costumes are encouraged. Bards Alley Bookshop: 110 Church St. NW, Vienna, free
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
November 11, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Mount Vernon pays tribute to America’s veterans with a day full of family-friendly activities. Live performances include the Harmony Heritage Singers, the Colonial Singers of Williamsburg, and the U.S. Air Force Springs Orchestra. Learn about flags used during the Revolutionary War. Kids can listen to an American Revolution story time on the bowling green. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $26 for ages 12 and over, $13 for ages 6–11, free for ages 5 and under, free for Mount Vernon members; free for active duty, former, or retired military personnel
Icelandic Christmas Bazaar
November 11, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Celebrate the shopping season, Scandinavian-style. This Icelandic Christmas market offers a variety of handcrafted gifts. And you won’t leave on an empty stomach. The bazaar at the American Legion will serve traditional fare, including Icelandic hotdogs, open-faced sandwiches, and crepes. 3939 Oak St., Fairfax, free
Honoring Native Veterans
November 11, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The American Indian Museum hosts a full day of family-friendly events this Veterans Day. Kids can make their own Native veteran bookmarks and postcards. At 4:30 p.m., there is a presentation of colors and wreath-laying ceremony at the National Native American Veterans Memorial. Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, free
Arlington Hard Cider & Doughnut Fest
November 11, 2–8 p.m.
Sweeten up your Saturday with a fall-themed bar hop. The event spans three bars and restaurants and features beer, hard cider, and seltzers. And, because no bar hop is complete without dessert, this event includes two free doughnuts. Try flavors like blueberry lemonade, peanut butter and jelly, and strawberry funfetti. 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, $27.99
Charles Esten
November 11, 7:30 p.m.
This Alexandria native is returning for a hometown performance. You may know “Chip” Esten from his role as Deacon Claybourne in Nashville or as Ward Cameron on Netflix’s Outer Banks. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $59.50
Virginia Opera: The Barber of Seville
November 11, 7:30 p.m.; November 12, 2 p.m.
This operatic comedy will have you cheering, “Bravo!” The show is full of shenanigans, music, and heartwarming romance, and it is sure to enchant audiences of all ages. Follow along as Figaro, a cunning barber, navigates bribery, deception, and love. 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, starting at $40
Fredericksburg Holiday Open House Weekend
November 11–12
Get a head start on your holiday shopping in Fredericksburg. This weekend, boutiques, and art galleries will offer specials, including discounts, free gift packaging, and complimentary cider and cookies. Stop by the Fredericksburg Visitor Center for pictures with Santa and the holiday market. The shops open at different times, but from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can stroll the brick-lined streets with an alcoholic beverage. Downtown Fredericksburg, free
Rod Wave: Nostalgia Tour
November 12, 8 p.m.
Over the past three years, Rod Wave is one of two artists to have three different No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200. The Florida rapper is promoting his latest album Nostalgia. Wave is known for his masterful vocals and heart-wrenching lyrics. 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $231
Feature image courtesy of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
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