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
Photos courtesy of Audi Field, PG Parks, and River Riders
WASHINGTON, DC
DC Beer Fest | November 7
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.
Handmade Dumplings: Techniques & Traditions | November 10 and 20
1280 4th Street Northeast, Washington, DC
Looking to add a new favorite dish to make at home? Go meet with Chef Troy, who leads a casual workshop on handmade dumplings, covering fillings, dough, folding, cooking, and dipping sauce! No experience is needed and equipment and ingredients are provided. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early, share supplies with their party, and eat together.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker | November 17 - 22
National Theatre, Washington, DC
Experience a fresh spin on a holiday classic blending high-energy hip-hop dance with Tchaikovsky’s timeless music and vibrant visuals inspired by contemporary New York City. Featuring all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Da Brat, this family-friendly production follows Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on an adventure celebrating love, community, and holiday magic.
NWSL Championship | November 21
Audi Field in DC, home to the Washington Spirit, is set to host the league's pinnacle match of the season. Two top-tier teams will face off for the championship title, with the hope that the Spirit will be among them. Fans can also look forward to a full week of exciting events leading up to Saturday's game.
MARYLAND
Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival | November 6-15
Eastport, “the Left Bank of Annapolis,” MD
Escape to Annapolis this fall for the Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival. Stay in historic downtown or book a local short-term rental for two weekends of culture, history, and, best of all, jazz and live music!
2026 WCCC Artisan Market | November 15
7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD
Discover handcrafted art, jewelry, and other unique treasures while supporting local artisans and charities in a welcoming Chevy Chase community. Browse the market, enter a raffle featuring artisan-donated creations, and enjoy free, ample parking.
Shifting Grounds: 38th Annual Prince George’s County Juried Exhibition | November 16 - January 9
3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD
Explore how change shapes our lives through the eyes of local artists at this free exhibition in Brentwood. Featuring a variety of artistic media, the works reflect on shifts in identity, community, the environment, and technology.
VIRGINIA
Annual Alexandria Film Festival | November 8 & 13-15
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 8. Click here to check out the film schedule.
The Emperor’s New Clothes | November 6 - 22
Creative Cauldron, Falls Church, VA
When an Emperor almost bankrupts his kingdom feeding his obsession with lavish clothes, two scheming weavers offer him a magnificent wardrobe they claim is invisible to anyone incompetent or foolish. This humor-filled, Spanish-infused production celebrates the courage to speak the truth instead of following the crowd.
Pumpkin Village Fall Festival | Through November 8
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.
WEST VIRGINIA
SnowRiders: Snow Tubing | Last Two Weekends in November & November 25
408 Alstadts Hill Rd. Harpers Ferry, WV
Add a little adventure to your winter with a trip to Harpers Ferry, where you can glide down a 900-foot snow tubing hill with family and friends. Be sure to dress warmly for this outdoor activity with snow pants, a heavy jacket, gloves, and a knit hat that covers your ears!
Drink Your Apples: Cider Making in 1860 | November 7
White Hall Tavern, Historic Lower Town, Harpers Ferry
Step back in time at Harpers Ferry’s historic White Hall Tavern and discover how cider was made and enjoyed in the 1860s. Join living history staff and volunteers to press apples and learn about a fall tradition that kept this popular beverage flowing throughout the winter.
Free
Holiday Shopping, Craft Shows, & Fundraisers
Photos courtesy of DC Holiday Market, Strathmore, Vanta Coda III
If you would like to get a start on your holiday shopping and support local artisans, November dates for craft shows throughout the DMV and WV are below. Shop local all month long!
WASHINGTON, DC
DC Holiday Market | November 12 – December 23
Centered around the 1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC
The Annual Downtown Holiday Market, Washington, DC’s outdoor shopping village, continues to support more than 35 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.
Downtown DC Holiday Market | November 13 - December 23
F Street NW (Between 7th and 9th Streets NW)
Get into the holiday spirit as F Street NW transforms into a festive winter village filled with twinkling lights and market stalls. Browse more than 115 local vendors offering handcrafted gifts, unique art, seasonal treats, and plenty of holiday cheer.
MARYLAND
Strathmore Museum Shop Holiday Market | November 12-14
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
Edgemoor Art and Fine Craft Show | November 14
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.
Holiday Craft Bazaar | November 21
Lake Marion Community Center, Montgomery Village, MD
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.
Maryland Christmas Show | November 20 - 22, and 27 - 29
Frederick County Fairgrounds, Frederick, MD
For the 43rd 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.
VIRGINIA
Annual Northern Virginia Christmas Market | November 6 - 8
Dulles Town Center Expo Center, 21050 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling, 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.
40th Annual Holiday Craft Show | November 21-22
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
NVHG Art and Craft Show | November 27 - 29
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
WEST VIRGINIA
Christmas For Charities Gala | November 7
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!
Harpers Ferry Light Show | Last Two Weekends in November & November 25
408 Alstadts Hill Rd. Harpers Ferry, WV
Step into a winter wonderland in Harpers Ferry, where hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights illuminate winding paths and festive displays. Enjoy scenic overlooks, children’s play areas, Santa’s lookout, and seasonal refreshments as you make holiday memories with family and friends.
