Washington Capitals
For unbeatable theater, all-star sports and the first holiday lights of the season, November is an incredible time to explore DC.
Whether you’re in town for America's 250th birthday, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving or any day in between, be sure to check out our special discounts and packages, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
Regardless of the season, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do during the week, must-hit weekend events, DC is Open content and accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game
With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside Entertainment & Sports Arena.
Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest
One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest will feature nearly 100 artists playing an array of genres, including classic rock, funk, go-go, rap, reggae, blue grass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.
Free Admission
Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival – Nov. 5-8
Join 100Reporters, an investigative news organization, for a virtual edition of the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival (DX), the first and only festival dedicated to investigative storytelling on film in the U.S. This event celebrates the finest new films inspired by the investigative instinct and advocates for the rights of reporters and filmmakers to pursue investigations that are in the public interest. In addition to screenings, DX offers a professional symposium and programming for journalists and visual storytellers.
Washington Nationals
DC Beer Fest
The biannual tradition continues. Nationals Park will be packed with more than 80 craft breweries in attendance as well as local food trucks, live music and much more. Two sessions are available to give all the beer aficionados out there a couple of options. VIP tickets can also be purchased.
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Archives of American Art
Materials, Methods and Meanings: Craft in the Archives of American Art – Nov. 6 – April 16, 2027
Art made from traditionally working material carries a special kind of meaning. Come and think about what it means to be a maker, a craftsman and an artist as you examine works across clay, fiber, glass, metal and wood (among others) that push beyond tradition and expand the possibilities of how we engage with the world around us.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Archives of American Art, 750 9th Street NW, Victor Building, Suite 2200, Washington, DC 20001
Honor those who served this Veterans Day – Nov. 11
Many of the monuments and memorials in the nation’s capital honor service members, shedding light on the immense sacrifices that the U.S. Armed Forces have made to protect this country. Any time of year, but especially on Veterans Day, choose from a collection of monuments, memorials and special programming to celebrate and honor those who served.
National Air and Space Museum
Modern Military Aviation – Opens Nov. 11
The advent of nuclear weapons and rapid advances in aviation technologies, such as missiles and automation, shaped by hot and cold wars, have in turn shaped the nature of conflict and diplomacy. These monumental developments in aerospace technologies are on display in the new Modern Military Aviation gallery. The exhibition is anchored by the museum’s unparalleled collection of military aviation artifacts including the North American F-86 Sabre, the Bell UH-1H “Huey” and the General Atomics MQ-1L Predator.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission | Reserve Timed Passes
National Air and Space Museum, 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
Renwick Gallery
Handwork: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery – Opens Nov. 13
This installation of objects from Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection showcases the practice of making things by hand. Its presentation is part of a program at the Renwick Gallery to investigate the meaning and relevance of craft in American culture. In a year that DC has dedicated to exploring what the humans of this country make, and, therefore, what makes this country human, take time to treasure this most connected and connecting medium.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery, Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
National Portrait Gallery
Photographic Memory: Fifty Years of Collecting at the National Portrait Gallery – Nov. 14 – Nov. 7, 2027
In 2026, the National Portrait Gallery will observe the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of its photographs collection, which now accounts for nearly half of the museum’s total holdings. Encompassing more than one hundred works, from the Daguerreian era to our own digital age, this exhibition explores the evolution of photographic portraiture through treasures from the Portrait Gallery’s wide-ranging collection. Capturing time in its unique way, photography has allowed the museum’s collection to include likenesses of those who have shaped the nation’s history but never posed for painted or sculpted portraits.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Women's Soccer League
NWSL Championship – Nov. 21
DC’s Audi Field, the home of the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, will host the league’s biggest game of the year. The primetime match will feature two elite teams as they battle for a championship. Of course, we hope the Spirit participate. Regardless of the teams though, expect a week of programming in the lead-up to the Saturday game.
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
National Museum of Asian Art
Adorned in Gold: Japanese Lacquer from the Jacqueline Avant Collection – Nov. 21 – Jan. 2, 2028
Gold powder falls gently onto wet lacquer, shimmering. There, it transforms into plants, birds and even scenes from stories. This Japanese art form is called maki-e (literally, “sprinkled picture”). Artists have used this method since the tenth century to turn everyday objects into luxuries. Adorned in Gold explores how maki-e intertwined with Japanese fashion, literature and identity during the Edo period (1603–1868). Part of America 250 exhibits in celebration of prominent American collectors, highlighting art’s power to bridge time and culture.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
Opening just before Thanksgiving through mid-December, the 1500 block of 19th Street NW hosts 30-plus small businesses with artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items, plus festive decor, local performers and beloved holiday treats.
Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
A Christmas Carol
In this time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital, acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Umbrella Art Fair
Umbrella Art Fair
Circle the calendar for this free three-day fair at The Square in DC. Umbrella showcases culture, creativity and cuisine in an event that could only go down in “America’s most worldly city.” The fair prioritizes the daring and the bold and prides itself on serving as a platform for independent artists and entrepreneurs.
The Square, 1850 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
DowntownDC Holiday Market
This year's edition of the DowntownDC Holiday Market will occupy the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 21st year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, kicking off the season just ahead of Thanksgiving (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing just before Christmas.
Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Nation's Capital – Nov. 27
Give thanks and savor the flavors of the season at DC restaurants this Thanksgiving. In previous years, Gatsby, Mi Vida and Succotash have served up all-American classics, while Officina, ilili and Estuary have offered more international takes on tradition. For a family brunch, spots like Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City and the Salamander are known for lavish brunches perfect for when you just don't feel like cooking any more.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Take to George Washington's former estate for a tour guided by candlelight. Hear of holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia, learn about the build-up to the American Revolution and enjoy the estate's array of seasonal activities, including greeting Aladdin the Christmas Camel, dancing in the greenhouse and spiced cider.
Tickets
George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC lights its jaw-dropping 75-foot Christmas tree during a cheerful (and free) event hosted by NBC4's Eun Yang. The ceremony features a countdown, a performance headlined by Grammy Award-winning singer Michelle Williams and the American Pops Orchestra, balloon artists, face painters and plenty of other holiday-themed activities. You can enjoy the tree throughout the holiday season, as well as gorgeous lights along Palmer Alley.
Free Admission
The Park at CityCenter, 1098 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Places to Stay
Hotel Nell
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