Updated on November 23, 2024 by Julie McCool
2024 November events in Northern Virginia take us from pumpkin patches and fall fun to holiday lights and winter festivals. We've rounded up a month of great November events in the Northern Virginia area to entertain every age and interest.
Most of our annual favorites are back in 2024 and there are new festivals too. Follow the links to find detailed schedules, purchase tickets when needed, and check for weather closures.
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Our list of fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA includes Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, and other area towns. Festivals and events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events generally listed first.
Pumpkin Patches in Northern VA
A few of the popular Northern VA Pumpkin Patches including Cox Farms Fall Festival, and Blue Ridge Mountain Maze are open in early November.
Fall Foliage, Until the Last Leaf Falls
2024 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 27-Dec 8
Enter Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest at Morven Park and experience the world of magic. On a walk through the forest you'll encounter fantastic beasts, haunting lights, and special effects. Tickets start at $45. Plan your visit with our Leesburg Getaway Guide.
DC Winter Lantern Festival, Tysons, Nov 1-Jan 12
The 2024 DC Winter Lantern Festival lights up Lerner Square in Tysons with over 100 beautiful Chinese lanterns. The walk-through light show offers great photo opps plus interactive displays. Stay at Hyatt Tysons Corner and you can walk to the show.
The Lantern Festival is open 5:00 – 9:30 pm, Thursday through Sunday plus daily during Christmas and New Year's week. Tickets start at $26.99/$16.99 for adult/youth 3 – 12.
Dino Fest, Bluemont, Nov 1-24
Great Country Farms in beautiful Bluemont adds November weekend fun. See more than 20 life-size dinosaurs roaming the fields, plus enjoy live shows and great photo opps. $25-$32.
Garden Glow, Maymont Richmond, Oct 16-Nov 10
See the beautiful gardens at historic Maymont in Richmond glowing with colorful lighting. Fire pits, a glow bar, food trucks, and immersive art add to the fun. General admission tickets are $16/$12 for adults/kids 3-16 with member discounts available. Plan your visit and find fun things to do nearby with our Richmond getaway guide.
Purcellville Artisan Tour, Purcellville, Nov 2-3
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; 11:00 – 5:00. Find more fun stops with our guide to 8 Great Things to do in Purcellville Virginia.
Pickle and Grilled Cheese Festival, Chantilly, Nov 2-3
Treat yourself at NOVAs biggest Pickle and Grilled Cheese Festival, hosted by Mustang Sally Brewery in Chantilly. The 2-day fest 12 pickle vendors, 7 grilled cheese food trucks, and pickle beer releases. $5 Sat 11:00-7:00, free Sun 11:00-6:00.
Fall-O-Ween, Alexandria, Nov 2
Join in human and pet Halloween Costume Parades plus enjoy arts and crafts, treats, and more. Free, 11:00-5:00.
Veterans Day Parade, Manassas, Nov 2
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 2
At Gunston Hall, learn about how private citizens like George Mason and his friends helped support the Revolutionary War effort at a family-friendly event with activities for all ages. Tickets are $15/$8 for adult/child, 5 and under free. 10:00.
FallFest, Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Nov 2
Watch and learn Bavarian dance and crafts, try an Alphorn and cowbell, and sample German food (extra fee). Admission is $5/$4 adults/4-12, free for members, 12:30 – 5:00
Tug of War, Annapolis/Eastport, Nov 2
Celebrate one of the most unusual November events in the DMV when the Tug of War returns to Annapolis and Eastport. The “longest International Tug of War over water in the world,” pits the citizens of Annapolis against the “Maritime Republic of Eastport” in a good-hearted contest featuring music, food, and fun. Free, noon.
Alexandria Fall Fest, Alexandria, Nov 3
Celebrate the beauty of Autumn at the 2nd annual River Farm Fall Festival. Enjoy food trucks, crafts, pony rides, entertainment, and a chance to get a jump on holiday shopping at scenic River Farm.
Photos with Santa, Tysons Corner Center, Nov 7 – Dec 24
Photos with Santa return to Tysons Corner Center mall. Interactive displays deliver extra fun for the kiddies before the picture with Santa. Check out our Full Guide to Photos with Santa in Northern Virginia.
Alexandria Film Festival, Alexandria, Nov 7-10
See screenings of the best in independent filmmaking from around the world and our own Alexandria neighborhoods. Showcase tickets are $15 while an all-festival pass is $80.
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, Vienna, Nov 8-Jan 5
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.
Tickets are $18/$23 online/at the door for non-peak weeks, and $22 online only for peak days (Dec 6-31). 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.
Northern Virginia Holiday Market, Chantilly, Nov 8-10
Get you gift-shopping started as one of the first 2024 Holiday Markets in Northern Virginia takes over the Dulles Expo Center. $8, Fri and Sat 10:00-6:00, Sun 10:00-5:00.
Veterans Day Events, Multiple Locations, Nov 11
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 2024.
National Museum of the United States Army, Fort Belvoir, Nov 11
Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the National Museum of the United States Army so it's a great time to visit and learn the stories of America's Soldiers. Admission is free but timed entry tickets are required. Open daily 9:00 to 5:00 except Christmas.
Ice & Lights Winter Village, Cameron Run, Nov 13-Jan 5
The 6th annual Ice & Lights Winter Village features festive lights and 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.
Online admission tickets are $8.55 or $21.01 with 1 hour of skating. Winter Village tickets are also available at the door for $10.50. Open nightly, including holidays, 5:00 – 10:00. The ice skating rink opens weekends and holidays 11:00 – 5:00 from Jan 11 – Feb 23.
Bull Run Festival of Lights, Bull Run Regional Park, Nov 15-Jan 5
An annual holiday favorite, the Bull Run Festival of Lights dazzles with a 2.5-mile drive-through display of holiday and fairytale vignettes. Most displays repeat year-to-year but there are new additions to enjoy and a Holiday Village adds to the fun.
Visit early or on a weekday to minimize cars and lines. Admission is $30 online per car, $40 at the door. Use promo code lights24 to save $10 on select weekdays. Tickets are for 5:30-7:30 or 7:30-9:30, open daily including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
See our Complete Guide to Holiday Lights in Northern Virginia for more events and all the details.
Christmas at Gaylord + ICE! 2024, National Harbor, Nov 15-Dec 28
More than 2 million lights, nightly snowfall, and dancing fountains dazzle at Gaylord’s Christmas on the Potomac in National Harbor. ICE! 2024 features scenes from holiday favorite “Charlie Brown” featuring 2 million pounds of ice sculptures and 4 ice slides.
You can also enjoy photos with Santa, tubing down an ice-covered hill, and more family-friendly activities. Follow the link for photos, tips, and info.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Tyson Corner Center, Nov 15
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.
Find more Tree Lighting and Christmas Lights in DC and Northern VA.
Holiday Craft Show, Fairfax High School, Nov 16-17
Fairfax High School hosts one of the top arts and crafts festivals in Northern Virginia featuring local and national artisans offering holiday gifs for every age. $5/$8 one-day/two-day admission; under 18 free. Sat 10:00 – 5:00, Sun 10:00 – 3:00.
Catoctin Holiday Art Tour, Lovettsville, Nov 16-17
Visit artists in their Lovettsville studios and shop for affordable art and gifts on a relaxing driving tour on western Loudoun's pretty country roads. Many studios feature food and wine from local businesses. Free admission; 10:00 – 5:00 daily.
Tree Lighting Festival, Village at Leesburg, Nov 16
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.
Annual Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show, GMU, Fairfax, Nov 23-24
Shop for unique holiday gifts from over 20 dealers selling minerals, fossils, crystals, gems, jewelry, carvings, meteorites and more. The 32nd annual show includes demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, and kid's activities. $6/$4/$3 adults/seniors/teens. Saturday 10:00 – 6:00, Sunday 10:00 – 4:00.
Occoquan Holiday Fest + Tree Lighting, Occoquan, Nov 23
Ring in the holiday season as Historic Occoquan kicks off the Occoquan Holiday Fest. Stores 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.
Alexandria Cider Festival, Alexandria, Nov 23
Enjoy a selection of ciders from Virginia cideries plus food truck offerings. Tickets include tastings, a souvenir glass, live music, and a little history. Tickets are $55/$65 advance/at the door; 1:00 – 5:00.
Happy Thanksgiving!, Nov 28
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.
Winter Glow, Mount Vernon, Nov 29-30 Dec 15-19, 23
On Winter Glow evenings holiday lights and patterns illuminate the grounds, Christmas carolers sing, and you can visit an 18th-century winter encampment. Follow the link to purchase timed-entry tickets.
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.
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 in our complete guide to Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks.
Warming up after your visit to the Reston Ice Skating Rink? Check out the new LOOK Dine-In Cinemas at Reston Town Center.
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree, Multiple 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.
Holiday Parade, Reston Town Center, Nov 29
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.
#OptOutside with REI and Virginia State Parks, Nov 29
Turn Black Friday into Green Friday by spending time in nature instead of shopping until you drop. REI closes all its stores and pays its 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.
Christmas Tree Lighting, Mosaic District, Fairfax, Nov 29
Celebrate the holidays with the Christmas Tree Lighting, a Santa Claus Fire Truck Parade, and live entertainment. Free, 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Black Friday Alexandria, Alexandria, Nov 29
Alexandria’s alternative Black Friday experience features more than 50 independent boutiques kicking off the holiday shopping season. Find great deals and one-of-a-kind gifts.
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.
Small Business Saturday, Nov 30
Support local businesses with a shopping spree on Small Business Saturday. Many area downtowns and malls including Alexandria, Fairfax Corner, Historic Manassas, Mosaic District, Vienna, Old Town Winchester, and more offer specials throughout the day. This is a great time to shop local at Small Towns in/near Northern Virginia.
Coming in December
These popular events will return in December 2024:
Church Street Holiday Stroll, Vienna, Dec 2
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.
NVHG Art and Craft Show, Vienna, Dec 6-8
This popular show features 50+ juried artisans offering original handmade art and craft items across a wide range of decorative and functional arts. $3; Fri and Sat 10:00 – 5:00, Sun 10:00 – 4:00.
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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