November often feels like the calm before the storm that is the winter holiday season. The weather is cool, but hopefully not too cold to enjoy being outdoors. Between fall home maintenance projects, we think it’s a great time to gather with friends or take some quiet time to relax. Check out our top selections for things to do around the DMV and WV this November.
FOOD, DRINK & FUN

Photo courtesy of Leesburg Animal Park
Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival | November 7-16
Eastport, “the Left Bank of Annapolis,” MD
Escape to Annapolis this fall for the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival. Stay in the historic downtown or book a local short-term rental for two weekends of culture, history, and best of all – jazz and live music!
DC Beer Fest | November 8
Nationals Park, Washington, DC
The DC Beer Festival returns to Nationals Park, bringing together dozens of craft breweries pouring fall seasonal beers plus food trucks, dueling pianos, cover bands, DJs, and more throughout the park.
Pumpkin Village Fall Festival | Through November 4
Pumpkin Village Fall Fest is packed with fun family activities! Giant hill slides, moon bounces, wagon rides, petting zoo, pedal carts, the corn bin, weekend entertainment & more.

Photo courtesy of Alexandria Film Festival
Annual Alexandria Film Festival | November 6 – 9
Various Locations, Alexandria, VA
The Alexandria Film Festival brings four days of high-quality short and feature-length films, documentaries, filmmaker panels, and arts presentations to the city. Special kick-off screening on November 2. Click here to check out the film schedule.
Peter Pan & Wendy | November 7 – 23
Creative Cauldron, Falls Church, VA
When Wendy meets Peter, the little boy who refuses to grow up, the adventure for the Darling children begins. With a few magical thoughts they learn to fly and Peter leads them on an adventure of a lifetime!
Some Like it Hot | November 25 – December 7
National Theatre, Washington, DC
Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, Some Like it Hot is the story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING, CRAFT SHOWS, & FUNDRAISERS
If you would like to get a start on your holiday shopping and support local artisans, November dates for craft shows throughout the DMV are below. Shop local all month long!

Photo courtesy of DC Holiday Market
Christmas For Charities Gala | November 1
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, WV
LET’S JINGLE! This seasonal fundraiser has distributed over $550,000 to local charities, thanks to incredible support from friends and businesses in this community. Be sure to join in the fun this year!
Lucketts Holiday Open House | November 6 – December 14
The Old Lucketts Store, Leesburg, VA
Every year, the 3,000-sq.ft. farmhouse (located on the back of the Lucketts property) is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Each room is curated and styled to evoke a unique Christmas vibe and is dripping with holiday décor and inspiration for you to take back to your home.
Annual Northern Virginia Christmas Market | November 7-9
Dulles Expo Center South Hall, Chantilly, VA
It’s Northern Virginia’s grand opening celebration of the holiday season! This spectacular, award-winning holiday show features 300 fine artisans from more than 30 states.
Holiday Craft Bazaar | November 8
Lake Marion Community Center Gymnasium
Sell or buy handmade crafts at Lake Marion Community Center. Free admission for shoppers! All items to be sold must be handmade by the exhibitor, their partner and/or immediate family. All crafts will be reviewed by MVF staff prior to registration.
Strathmore Museum Shop Holiday Market | November 13-15
The Mansion, North Bethesda, MD
This holiday season, give amazing gifts that give back! Strathmore’s Museum Shop Holiday Market brings together the area’s best museum and cultural shops for three festive days. Every purchase is part of a larger purpose, supporting nonprofit museums and arts organizations in our community. No strollers, please.
RSVP | Suggested Donation $10

Photo courtesy of Edgemoor Art and Fine Craft Show
Edgemoor Art and Fine Craft Show | November 15
7415 Exeter Road, Bethesda, MD
Join this year’s annual showing of art and fine craft. Shop early for a great selection of jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, prints, wood, and much more.
39th Annual Holiday Craft Show | November 15
Fairfax High School, Fairfax, VA
What started out in 1987 as a very small show has grown to become a premium arts and crafts festival. Artisans from all over the United States, including many local artists, are participating in this year’s show and we are delighted to be able to offer so many wonderful, holiday gift choices. Click here for an Event Map.
$5 – Daily Admission Pass | $8 – Two-day Admission Pass | Free – 18 and Under
DC Downtown Holiday Market | November 14 – December 23
Centered at 8th and F Streets, NW, Washington, DC
The Annual Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC’s outdoor shopping village, continues to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, welcoming shoppers for a safe, secure and enhanced shopping experience in the heart of the District this year.
Maryland Christmas Show | November 21, 22, 23, and 28, 29, 30
Frederick County Fairgrounds, Frederick, MD
For the 42nd season visitors from near and far will discover the joys of shopping at Maryland’s premier Christmas event which brings together many fine artisans and merchants for two full weekends.
NVHG Art and Craft Show | November 28-30
Vienna Community Center, Vienna, VA
There will be over 50 juried artisans in a wide range of media, including pottery and ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, fused and stained glass, painting, sculpture, textiles and fiber art and clothing, photography and mixed media. Come find unique holiday gifts and meet the artisans who are displaying their work.
Admission fee of $3
Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!