2022 November events in Northern Virginia take us from pumpkin patches and fall fun to holiday displays and winter festivals. We've rounded up a month of local November events in the Northern Virginia area to entertain every age and interest.
Most of our annual favorites are back in 2022 and there are new festivities too. November events are listed below in order of opening date, with multi-day events listed first. Follow the links to find detailed schedules, purchase tickets when needed, and check for weather closures.
We also include a list of annual events that are canceled in 2022. We will continue to update this listing as new events and details are announced.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you.
Pumpkin Patches in Northern VA
A few of the popular Northern Virginia fall festivals will be open the first week of November. For more details see our complete guides to local Pumpkin Patches and Halloween Events.
- Cox Farms Fields of Fear, Cox Farms, Centreville, through Nov 5
- Workhouse Haunt, Workhouse Art Center, Lorton, through Nov 5
- Blue Ridge Mountain Maze (formerly Corn Maze in the Plains), Charlottesville, through Nov 6
- Cox Farms Fall Festival, Cox Farms, Centreville, through Nov 7
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Fall Foliage, Until the Last Leaf Falls
2022 fall foliage in Northern Virginia may be past peak but still colorful in early November. Our guide will help you find beautiful fall colors in the area.
Want to get active? Find the perfect fall hike in our round-up of 16 Great Fall Hikes in Northern Virginia. Or keep it relaxed on the best Scenic Drives in Northern Virginia.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest, Leesburg, Oct 29 – Dec 16
Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter when you enter the Forbidden Forest at Morven Park. Follow a walk-through trail through the forest and encounter fantastic beasts, haunting lights, and special effects. Prime night tickets are $55/$65 for children/adults with group discounts available.
Plan your visit with our Leesburg Getaway Guide.
Purcellville Artisan Tour, Purcellville, Nov 5 – 6
Spend a day in Purcellville visiting local artists’ studios to learn more about their creative process and inspiration, and to purchase their amazing work. Free; 10:00 – 5:00.
Find more fun stops with our guide to 8 Great Things to do in Purcellville Virginia.
Reston Home Tour, Reston, Nov 5
The annual Reston Home Tour offers self-guided tours of four outstanding private homes in Reston neighborhoods plus the new Kensington Reston assisted living facility. Tickets include a location map and all proceeds benefit Reston Museum. $30/35 advance/day of; 10:00 – 5:00.
Veterans Day Parade, Manassas, Nov 5
Honor our veterans at the annual Manassas Veterans Day Parade. Military and veterans groups, scouts, and entertainers will march through Old Town Manassas in five divisions. Free; 11:00 – 12:30.
Revolutionary War Day, Gunston Hall, Lorton, Nov 5
The Revolutionary War touched everyone in the American colonies, not just soldiers. At Gunston Hall, learn about how private citizens like George Mason and his friends helped support the war effort. This is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages. Tickets are $10/$8 for adult/child, 5 and under free. 10:00.
New! River Farm Fall Fest, Alexandria, Nov 6
Celebrate the beauty of Autumn at the new River Farm Fall Festival, organized by Alexandria Living Magazine. Enjoy food trucks, crafts, pony rides, entertainment, and a chance to get a jump on holiday shopping at scenic River Farm.
Happy Birthday Family Day, National Museum of the Marine Corps, Nov 10
Celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday and the 16th anniversary of the National Museum of the Marine Corps with fun birthday-themed crafts. The museum is open daily, 9:00 – 5:00. Admission and parking are free.
Veterans Day Events, Multiple Locations, Nov 11 – 13
Veterans Day gives us all a chance to honor and thank the many men and women who have served our country in the U. S. Armed Forces. National Parks offer fee-free entry on November 11. Many local parks, recreation centers, and towns add their thanks with special programs and discounts.
National Park Free Admission, Nov 11
In honor of Veterans Day, all US National Parks offer free admission on November 11. It's a great opportunity to visit Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls Park, and Prince William Forest without paying a fee to enter. This is the last of 6 free entrance days in 2022.
Bull Run Festival of Lights, Bull Run Regional Park, Nov 11 – Jan 8
An annual holiday favorite, the Bull Run Festival of Lights dazzles with a 2.5-mile drive-through display of holiday and fairytale vignettes. While most of the display repeats year-to-year, there are usually new additions to enjoy. This is an ideal family activity even for the youngest kids, who stay warm and cozy as you slowly drive through the fun, animated displays.
Weekends get very busy, especially later in the season. Visit early or on a weekday to minimize cars and lines. The Holiday Village is open again in 2022. Admission is $30 online per car, $40 at the door. Follow the link for details on $10 and $5 weekday discount codes for select dates.
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is open 5:30 – 9:30 weekdays, 5:30 – 10:00 weekends including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, Vienna, Nov 11 – Jan 8
Every year Meadowlark Botanical Gardens lights up for the holidays with over 500,000 lights and displays on a .6 mile outdoor walking trail. Purchase timed entry tickets in advance to ensure you get parking and avoid lines. Limited tickets are available at the door on non-peak nights.
Warm up with a hot chocolate or cider, and shop at the Snowflake Shoppe for holiday ornaments, flashing jewelry, and other goodies.
Tickets are $16/$20 online/at the door for non-peak weeks (Nov 11 – Dec 9). Prices increase to $18 and must be purchased online for peak weeks (Dec 10 – Jan 8). Open nightly, including holidays, 5:30 – 10:00; last admission at 9:15.
Too cold or rainy to play outside? Check out our guide to Indoor Activities in Northern Virginia to Escape Winter Cold or a Rainy Day.
Alexandria Film Festival, Alexandria, Nov 11 – 12
See screenings of the best in independent filmmaking from around the world and our own Alexandria neighborhoods. Viewers can watch two days of in-person films or during a two-week virtual streaming period. Showcase tickets are $12 while an all-festival pass is $75.
Photos with Santa, Tysons Corner Center, Nov 11 – Dec 23
Photos with Santa return to Tysons Corner Center mall in 2022. Interactive displays deliver extra fun for the kiddies before the picture with Santa. Follow the link for pricing and hours.
Check out our Full Guide to Photos with Santa in Northern Virginia.
Art on the Avenue in Del Ray, Alexandria, Nov 12
The annual Art on the Avenue festival returns to Del Ray in 2022. The family-friendly festival includes juried artists selling handmade wares across ten blocks of Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Avenue. Five stages of live entertainment, plus food vendors, interactive art activities, and kids' activities add to the fun. Free; 10:00 – 6:00.
Find more Fun Unique Things to Do in Alexandria VA.
National Museum of the United States Army, Fort Belvoir, Nov 11
Veterans Day marks the first anniversary of the new National Museum of the United States Army so it's a great time to visit. This long-anticipated museum celebrates and interprets over 240 years of U.S. Army history. The museum tells the stories of America's Soldiers since Army's establishment in 1775. Admission is free but timed entry tickets are required. The museum is open daily 9:00 to 5:00 except on Christmas.
Catoctin Holiday Art Tour, Lovettsville, Nov 12 – 13
Join local artists in their Lovettsville studios on a relaxing driving tour on some of western Loudoun's prettiest country roads. Meet the artists where they work and shop for affordable art and gifts for the holiday. Many studios feature food and wine from local businesses as well. Free admission; 10:00 – 5:00 daily.
Silver Line Phase II Opens, Nov 15
After years of construction and delays, Phase II of the Washington Metro Silver Line will open to the public. The extension of the Silver Line adds 6 new stations including a long-awaited stop at Dulles International Airport.
Ice & Lights Winter Village, Cameron Run, Nov 18 – Jan 1
Ice & Lights returns to Cameron Run for a fourth year in 2022. The Village light display features festive photo opps including a walk-thru tree and photo frame, giant wreath, and beautiful design stars.
For an extra fee, enjoy an hour of fun on the ice skating rink. Light-up and cuddly items are available for purchase, and the concession stand sells treats and drinks.
Online admission tickets are $9.19 or $22.03 with 1 hour of skating. Winter Village tickets are also available at the door for $10. Open nightly, including holidays, 5:00 – 10:00. The ice skating rink opens weekends and holidays 11:00 – 5:00 from Jan 7 – Feb 26.
Find more skating fun: 11 Fun Washington DC and Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Open, Multiple Dates and Locations
As long as the weather cooperates, Northern Virginia outdoor ice skating rinks open in November. Opening dates have not been announced yet, but we'll update them here. Read our complete guide to Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks for details.
- Reston Town Center, Reston, Nov 4
- Cameron Run, Alexandria, Nov 19
- Pentagon Row, Arlington, Nov – Feb
- Harris Pavillion, Manassas, Nov 18
Snowflake Stampede, Bull Run Park, Nov 18
The annual Snowflake Stampede is a 2.5-mile fun run and walk for holiday lovers. Participants will get a close-up preview of the holiday lights at Bull Run Regional Park and can take a selfie with their favorite display. Registration required. Race starts promptly at 5:30 pm.
Holiday Craft Show, Fairfax High School, Nov 19 – 20
The annual Holiday Craft Show at Fairfax High School is one of the premium arts and crafts festivals in Northern Virginia. Artisans from all over the United States and local artists offer holiday gifs for everyone on your shopping list. $5/$8 one-day/two-day admission; under 18 free. Sat 10:00 – 5:00, Sun 10:00 – 3:00.
Annual Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show, GMU, Fairfax, Nov 19 – 20
With over 20 dealers selling minerals, fossils, crystals, gems, jewelry, carvings, meteorites and more, you're sure to find unique holiday gifts for the geology lover on your list. The 30th annual show includes demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, kid's activities, and more. Follow the link for parking info and a discount coupon. $6/$4/$3 adults/seniors/teens. Saturday 10:00 – 6:00, Sunday 10:00 – 4:00.
Occoquan Holiday Fest + Tree Lighting, Occoquan, Nov 19
Ring in the holiday season as Historic Occoquan kicks off the Occoquan Holiday Fest. Town shops decorate for the season and stay open late so you can shop local for holiday gifts. Head to the Town Hall lawn at 6:00 pm for the annual tree lighting. Free. Occoquan is one of the best Christmas towns for holiday shopping.
Annual Tree Lighting Festival, Village at Leesburg, Nov 19
Santa will arrive by horse-drawn carriage to light the Spectacular Musical Tree. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, holiday characters, cozy fire pits with treats, and more festive fun. Visitors are encouraged to bring a toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. Free; 4:00 – 7:00.
Alexandria Cider Festival, Alexandria, Nov 19
Enjoy a selection of ciders from more than 10 Virginia cideries. Tickets include tastings, a souvenir glass, live music, and a little history. Tickets are $55/$65 advance/at the door; 1:00 – 5:00.
Christmas at Gaylord + ICE! 2022, National Harbor, Nov 20 – Dec 31
Marvel at more than 2 million twinkling lights, amazing nightly snowfall, and beautiful dancing fountains at Gaylord’s Christmas on the Potomac in National Harbor. ICE! 2022 returns with scenes from “A Christmas Story” featuring 2 million pounds of ice sculptures and 4 ice slides. You can also enjoy photos with Santa, Ice Bumper Cars, and more family-friendly activities. Follow the link for more photos and details.
Happy Thanksgiving!, Nov 24
We'd like to wish a very happy, tasty, relaxing, and fun-filled Thanksgiving to all of our readers, friends, and followers. We are grateful for the support of our wonderful community, both online and in person.
Check out our guide to fun Thanksgiving Weekend events and activities in Northern VA. You'll find great things to do whether you're hosting family or going it alone. However you choose to spend Thanksgiving, we hope you have a beautiful weekend.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight, Nov 25 – Dec 10 Weekends + Dec 18
Looking for a place to walk off your feast surrounded by history? George Washington's Mount Vernon is open daily, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Did you know that George Washington first proclaimed a day of thanksgiving in 1789? This is a great time to tour the grounds and the Mansion.
On candlelight evenings, soft lights and holiday patterns illuminate the grounds, Christmas carolers sing, and you can visit an 18th-century winter encampment. Follow the link for details and to purchase timed-entry tickets.
NVHG Art and Craft Show, Vienna, Nov 25 – 27
This popular show features 50+ juried artisans offering original handmade art and craft items, including jewelry, clothing and other textiles, woodworking, sculpture, pottery and ceramics, glass art, handweaving, photography, drawing and painting, and other decorative and functional arts. $3; Fri and Sat 10:00 – 5:00, Sun 10:00 – 4:00.
#OptOutside with REI and Virginia State Parks, Nov 25
REI invites folks to turn Black Friday into Green Friday by spending time in nature instead of shopping until you drop. REI closes all its stores and pays their staff to #OptOutside on Black Friday. Follow the link to find Virginia State Parks activities near you. Check for special events at Fairfax County Parks too.
Or create your own outdoor fun at these family-friendly parks, beautiful fall hikes in Virginia, or these short hikes to gorgeous Virginia views. Or check our complete hike and bike list to find a Northern Virginia trail near you.
Holiday Parade, Reston Town Center, Nov 25
Gather the family, bundle up, and head to Reston Town Center for a day of holiday fun. At 11:00, watch the annual Thanksgiving parade, which grows larger and more impressive every year.
Photos with Santa, mini-train rides, and live entertainment fill the afternoon, Christmas tree lighting and sing-along at 6:00, and carriage rides from 6:30 to 10:00. When you need a break to warm up, check out the gingerbread village in the lobby of the Hyatt.
Black Friday Alexandria, Alexandria, Nov 25
Alexandria’s alternative Black Friday experience features more than 50 independent boutiques kicking off the holiday shopping season. Find one-of-a-kind deals on designer merchandise, including home décor, chic fashions, gourmet food, classic toys, and gifts for dogs. Store offers vary, with special discounts throughout the day and many boutiques opening early.
This is also the day of the Old Town Alexandria tree lighting. Folks gather in Market Square from 6:00 to 8:00 PM for a visit by Santa and lighting of the official city tree. Free.
Plan your visit: 25 Fun Unique Things to Do in Alexandria VA.
Small Business Saturday, Nov 26
Support your favorite local businesses with a shopping spree on Small Business Saturday. Many area downtowns and malls will offer specials throughout the day. Last year there were small business specials offered in Alexandria, Fairfax Corner, Historic Manassas, Mosaic District, Vienna, Old Town Winchester, and more.
Holiday House Tours, Sky Meadows State Park, Nov 26
Visit each of the houses in the park’s Historic Area and discover how the people who called Sky Meadows “home” celebrated the holidays in the past. Stop in the Gift Shop for unique holiday gifts. $10.00 park admission; 11:00 – 4:00
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree, Mulitiple Locations
Many of the wonderful cut-your-own Christmas Tree farms in Virginia open on Thanksgiving weekend. Start a family tradition by choosing your tree and holiday decorations early in the season.
Church Street Holiday Stroll, Vienna, Nov 28
Festive fun takes over downtown Vienna when the Church Street Holiday Stroll returns. Enjoy live music, a tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, and sparkly lights. Free; 6:00 – 8:30.
More Christmas Tree Lightings
November events in Northern Virginia include a fun collection of Christmas tree lightings and Santa photo opps. See our Complete Guide to Holiday Lights in Northern Virginia for more events and all the details.
- Tree Lighting Ceremony, Tyson Corner Center, Nov 18. Head to the Plaza at Tysons Corner Center to join Santa and the annual lighting of the 51-foot decorated tree. Free; 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
- Christmas Tree Lighting, Mosaic District, Fairfax, Nov 25. Celebrate the holidays with the Christmas Tree Lighting, an outdoor screening of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and a Santa Claus Fire Truck Parade. Free, 4:30 – 8:30 pm.
- HolidayFest Tree Lighting, Occoquan, Nov 19. Ring in the holiday season when you watch the annual tree lighting in historic Occoquan. Free, 6:00
It's always exciting to see favorite November events in Northern Virginia return for another year. Whether you attend these November events or create your own seasonal fun, we wish you a happy and fun-filled month.
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