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Things to Do this November in Northern Virginia

November brings a season of transition for many, with changing landscapes, cooling temperatures, and a shift from pumpkins to turkeys to early holiday decor. However, one constant in Fairfax County and the Washington DC area is the wide array of events, activities, and entertainment available throughout the month.

Here’s your guide to enjoying November in Northern Virginia!

Early Fall Reminders

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If you’re still looking for pumpkins for your November gatherings, don’t miss these pumpkin patches. Keep in mind that several of them close after the first weekend of November.

The ground may be starting to fill with fallen leaves, but there are still plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy the fall foliage. Check out these 9 leaf-peeping locations, these great stops along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, these pretty scenic drives, or see how you can pair some scenic backdrops with a visit to one of the area’s best attractions.

Holiday Festivities

Craft stores and department stores have been eager to display their Christmas decorations for weeks, but in Fairfax County, early November marks the start of several beloved annual holiday traditions. Here are a few to add to your calendar:

Light Shows

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Brighten up your November with a visit to one of the area’s stunning light shows! Don’t miss these popular favorites that attract visitors year after year:

Tree Lightings

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Enjoy the dazzling lights and live entertainment at these festive tree lighting ceremonies:

More locations are to be determined, so be sure to check back here and on this events calendar for updates as they become available!

Ice Skating

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Lace up those skates and get moving at one of the area ice rinks. Reston’s famed ice-skating pavilion will open November 4. For indoor skating, you can also skate at Fairfax Ice Arena.

Thanksgiving Ideas

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Work off some of those Thanksgiving calories (before or after the feast!) by participating in one of these fun runs, and keep an eye out for more events coming soon.

For a full list, keep tabs on this comprehensive Turkey Trots article.

Thanksgiving Dinners To-Go & Dine-In

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Many local restaurants provide fully catered Thanksgiving dinners for takeout, as well as special dine-in menus. Here are a handful of area restaurants offering some great Thanksgiving meals. For even more dining options, check out the full list of Fairfax County restaurants here to see if any of these suits your needs.

Holiday Shopping

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The holiday shopping frenzy traditionally kicks off in November. Fortunately, Fairfax County offers plenty of options to help you find the perfect gift, whether you prefer to shop with the crowds or steer clear of them. Looking for something truly unique? Head to Springfield Town Center for their holiday market or shop local at these unique gift shops to find one-of-a-kind presents that’ll stand out from the bunch - a great option to support Small Business Saturday! Need other ideas? Why not gift one of these Local Authors’ Books or browse the shelves at these indie book shops or these indie record stores. Or, grab a bag of locally-roasted coffee beans at one of these coffee shops. You can also pre-order some delicious chocolate gift boxes from these Fairfax County chocolate shops.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming 2024 Made in Fairfax Gift Guide, coming soon!

Special Events

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This month features a few can’t-miss special events. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening:

For a complete calendar of special events, be sure to check out the events page.

It seems like the perfect time to pause and reflect on what we’re thankful for.

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