As the leaves give way to cooler breezes, Northern Virginia transforms into a hub of holiday lights, artisan tours and cozy community events. But don’t let the crisp air fool you, there’s plenty to do beyond nesting at home. Whether you’re a long‑time resident or considering putting down roots here, November offers a snapshot of what makes our area so vibrant. Let’s take a tour through some of the month’s standout happenings, and remember, these events aren’t just entertainment; they’re part of the lifestyle fabric that makes our neighborhoods so attractive.
Creative & Culinary Kicks
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Purcellville Artisan Tour (Nov 1‑2, Purcellville) – Spend your weekend visiting local artists’ studios and exploring their creative process. With free admission and hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., it’s the perfect way to discover unique pieces—and maybe spark some home décor ideasfuninfairfaxva.com.
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Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival (Nov 1‑2, Chantilly) – Hosted by Bunnyman Brewing, this quirky festival pairs pickle vendors with gourmet grilled cheeses and even a pickle‑beer release. Saturday admission is $5 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.); Sunday is free funinfairfaxva.com. It’s the ultimate in cross‑functional snacking—a marketing mix of sweet, salty and tangy.
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Fall‑O‑Ween (Nov 1, Alexandria) – This family‑friendly bash features costume parades for humans and pets, arts and crafts, and plenty of treats. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is totally free funinfairfaxva.com. Talk about a high‑ROI way to extend the Halloween vibe.
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Pick‑Up for Veterans Parade (Nov 1, Manassas) – The annual Manassas Veterans Day Parade marches through Old Town with military groups, scouts and entertainers. It’s free and runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., honoring those who served funinfairfaxva.com. Bring your patriotic spirit—and maybe a folding chair.
Festive Markets & Art Fairs
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Northern Virginia Holiday Market (Nov 7‑9, Dulles Expo Center) – Get a jump on holiday shopping at one of the first markets of the season. For $9 admission, you’ll browse aisles of handcrafted gifts. Hours are Fri/Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. funinfairfaxva.com. Think of it as a procurement event for unique gifts.
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Alexandria Film Festival (Nov 6‑9, Alexandria) – A curated showcase of independent films from around the globe and our own neighborhoods. Tickets are $15 per screening or $80 for an all‑festival pass funinfairfaxva.com. It’s perfect for culture‑seekers and supports the arts—a solid investment in community capital.
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Holiday Craft Show (Nov 15‑16, Fairfax High School) – Shop for handmade art and gifts from local and national artisans. Admission is $5 for one day or $8 for both; kids under 18 are free funinfairfaxva.com. Tip: these pieces often become cherished housewarming gifts.
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Catoctin Holiday Art Tour (Nov 15‑16, Lovettsville) – Take a scenic drive through Loudoun County’s back roads and pop into artists’ studios to shop for affordable art funinfairfaxva.com. Admission is free and many studios offer local food and wine.
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Annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show (Nov 22‑23, George Mason University) – Browse an expansive selection of minerals, fossils and crystals. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for teensfuninfairfaxva.com. Who knows? You might find the perfect geode to anchor your bookshelf.
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Occoquan Holiday Fest & Tree Lighting (Nov 22, Historic Occoquan) – Shop late at local stores and gather at 6 p.m. for the tree lighting on the Town Hall lawn funinfairfaxva.com. It’s a charming way to welcome the holiday season while supporting small businesses.
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Alexandria Cider Festival (Nov 22, Alexandria) – Sample ciders from Virginia cideries, enjoy food trucks and live music; $50 tickets include tastings and a souvenir glass funinfairfaxva.com. Cheers to supporting local agriculture, and your taste buds.
Lights, Camera, Action
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Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights (Nov 7 – Jan 4, Vienna) – Wander a 0.6‑mile trail illuminated by over 500,000 lights funinfairfaxva.com. Timed‑entry tickets range from $19 to $24, with higher prices during peak dates. It’s a dazzling outdoor experience that makes any listing look like it’s got curb appeal.
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Bull Run Festival of Lights (Nov 14 – Jan 4, Bull Run Regional Park) – Drive a 2.5‑mile route past whimsical holiday scenes and a Holiday Villagef uninfairfaxva.com. Tickets are roughly $30 per car, with weekday discounts available. For families who prefer to stay cozy in the car, this is a must‑do.
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Christmas at Gaylord + ICE! (Nov 14 – Jan 4, National Harbor) – With more than two million lights, nightly snowfall and huge ice sculptures from “The Polar Express,” this event feels like the ultimate experiential marketing campaign funinfairfaxva.com. It includes ice slides, tubing and photos with Santa.
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Tree Lighting Ceremony at Tysons Corner Center (Nov 14) – Join Santa as he lights a 51‑foot tree amid fireworks and performances funinfairfaxva.com. The free event runs 6 – 8 p.m. and is a prime example of how a community activates public space.
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Ice & Lights Winter Village (Nov 15 – Dec 30, Cameron Run) – Enjoy walk‑through displays, a giant wreath, photo frames and ice skating (extra fee) funinfairfaxva.com. Tickets start at $9, making it a cost‑effective evening out.
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DC Winter Lantern Festival (Nov 20 – Jan 20, Tysons) – See over 100 Chinese lanterns at Lerner Square, featuring interactive displays funinfairfaxva.com. For Tysons residents or those visiting the area, this is a “bright” idea for date night.
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Village at Leesburg Tree Lighting Festival (mid‑November) – Santa arrives by horse‑drawn carriage to light a musical tree while guests enjoy caroling, fire pits and toy drives funinfairfaxva.com. It’s an ideal way to engage the community while supporting Toys for Tots.
Celebrations & Community Pride
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Photos with Santa (Nov 7 – Dec 24, Tysons Corner Center) – Bring the family to Tysons for interactive displays and visits with Santa funinfairfaxva.com. Kids love it, and the shopping center gets a bump in traffic—a win‑win.
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Veterans Day Events (Nov 11, multiple locations) – Northern Virginia parks and towns hold special ceremonies and programs to honor service members funinfairfaxva.com. It’s a heartfelt reminder of our community’s commitment to service.
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National Park Free Admission Day (Nov 11) – Take advantage of free entry to U.S. national parks like Shenandoah, Great Falls and Prince William Forest funinfairfaxva.com. Good for your soul and your wallet, and a solid way to preview weekend getaway spots for clients.
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National Museum of the United States Army Anniversary (Nov 11, Fort Belvoir) – Celebrate the museum’s anniversary with free admission (timed‑entry tickets required) funinfairfaxva.com. It’s educational, inspiring and a great family outing.
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Winter Glow at Mount Vernon (Nov 28‑29 & Dec 12, 13, 19, 22, 23) – Enjoy holiday lights illuminating George Washington’s estate, plus carolers and a winter encampment funinfairfaxva.com. History meets holiday magic—something you can’t replicate in a showroom.
Holiday Highlights Beyond November
While November is packed with activities, our region really hits its stride as we move into December. Here are a few holiday highlights worth adding to your calendar:
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Middleburg – A Dickens of a Christmas & Christmas in Middleburg Parade (December 6th – The historic village of Middleburg pulls out all the stops with Victorian‑themed shop windows, a dog show, parade and more. https://christmasinmiddleburg.org/
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Leesburg Holiday Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade – Leesburg kicks off the season with a tree lighting on the Town Green on December 6th, followed by a weekend of fine arts and crafts at Ida Lee Park. The following week the Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade, December 16th travels down King Street from Ida Lee Park and includes Santa, floats and marching bands. For a small‑town event, this parade draws big crowds and showcases the community spirit that buyers love. https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/parks-recreation/events/holidays-in-leesburg
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One Loudoun Holiday Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – The 13th annual tree lighting at One Loudoun brings Santa, train rides, ice carving and live music to the plaza. https://www.downtownoneloudoun.com/events
So whether you’re sipping cider, admiring holiday lights or hunting for the perfect artisanal gift, know that you’re participating in the vibrant culture that makes Northern Virginia a smart place to call home. See you at the next tree lighting!
