November is the perfect time to enjoy the best of fall, from colorful leaves and crisp autumn air to cozy activities and fun seasonal adventures!
Veterans Day
Northern Virginia Veterans Parade
One of the largest Veterans Day parades in Northern Virginia. Features high school marching bands, pipe and drum bands, active-duty units, military vehicles, and veteran support organizations.
November 7 at 11:00 AM | Old Town Manassas
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Guests of all ages are invited to the National Museum of the Marine Corps to celebrate Veterans Day, the USMC Birthday, and the Museum’s 20th Birthday! Guests can participate in a host of classic Museum Education activities from across the years (such as shipbuilding and airplane flying), can make challenge coins and thank you letters for veterans, can explore the Museum with a special gallery guide curated by the Museum’s staff, and more! Caricatures, face painting, and other fun activities will also be available!
November 7 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 1775 Semper Fidelis Way Triangle
National Veterans Day Observance
The 73rd annual National Veterans Day Observance, honoring the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during war and peacetime.
The annual event is free and open to the public. Seating in the amphitheater is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attendance for the annual wreath-laying ceremony will be limited this year to official participants.
November 11 at 11:00 AM | Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater Arlington
In honor of our nation’s veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel on Veterans Day.
All day, veterans are invited to place a floral tribute at the Tomb, provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
November 11 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | George Washington’s Mount Vernon Fairfax County
National Museum of the United States Army
Celebrate Veterans Day with special programming honoring military history, including personal storytelling panels, curator-led discussions, interactive exhibits, and specialized tours. Admission is free, but timed-entry tickets are recommended.
November 11 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Fort Belvoir (Fairfax County)
Festivals
Experience three unforgettable days of storytelling, creativity, and culture in one of America’s most historic and vibrant waterfront cities. Just minutes from Washington, D.C., the Alexandria Film Festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world to celebrate the power of film.
November 13–15 | 500 East Alexandria Avenue Alexandria
Fall for the Park 5K & Flannel Fest
A new fall-themed event at Blooms Park. The 5K begins at 9 a.m., followed by Flannel Fest + the farmers market, with food trucks, shopping, fall décor and community activities.
November 14 at 9:00 AM | Blooms Park, 9701 Manassas Dr Manassas Park
Every year from November until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car. This year, don’t miss the carnival at the end of your drive for holiday shopping, a petting zoo, and more festive fun!
November 14 – January 4 (times vary) | 7700 Bull Run Dr Centreville
Celebrate Virginia Cider Week! With a special tasting event on the grounds of historic Lloyd House and on Queen Street in Old Town Alexandria. Hosted by the Office of Historic Alexandria in partnership with the Virginia Association of Cider Makers, this event includes cider tastings, a souvenir cider cup, live music, tavern games, and a little history
November 21 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington St. Alexandria
Join your friends for Loudoun County’s premier wine event!
With your ticket, enjoy complimentary tastings from different local wineries, where you’ll meet the passionate vintners behind Loudoun’s finest wines.
November 21st & 22nd 12:00 PM – 5:00 P | Old Farm Winery at Hartland 23583 Fleetwood Rd Aldie
Join us for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration with the Alexandria Turkey Trot.
Enjoy 5 beautiful, flat, and fast miles through the charming heart of Del Ray.
Perfect for families, and even your furry friends are welcome!
November 26 at 9:00 AM | Starts and ends at George Washington Middle School 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria
Tree Lighting
Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center Tree Lighting
Featuring a traditional Christmas tree lighting and an open-air European-style Christmas market with seasonal food, drinks, and local vendors.
November 20 at 5:00 PM | Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge
Join the City of Alexandria for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Enjoy Santa’s arrival aboard the King Street Trolley, the lighting of the tree, festive music, and holiday cheer.
November 21 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | location TBD (check the City of Alexandria Calendar for final venue updates)
Historic Occoquan Tree Lighting
Mayor Earnie Porta will lead the community tree lighting ceremony. Featuring roaming carolers, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, late-night shopping at local boutiques, and a free shuttle service from the Old Bridge Road / Route 123 commuter lot.
November 21 at 6:00 PM (Holiday Firelight and activities from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM) | Town Hall, 314 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Reston Town Center Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Celebrate the season at the Reston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, one of Northern Virginia’s favorite holiday traditions. Enjoy an exciting parade filled with festive marching groups, live entertainment, holiday activities, and the lighting of Reston Town Center’s iconic holiday tree.
Reston Holiday Parade: 11:00 AM
Tree Lighting: 6:00 PM
November 27 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM | Reston Town Center 11900 Market St, Reston
Join us at Mosaic to welcome the arrival of the holiday season with a merry and bright tree lighting.
Bring your family and friends to experience Santa as he spreads holiday cheer. Visitors can meet and greet Santa in the Target lobby after the tree lighting ceremony.
November 27 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Mosaic 2905 District Ave. Fairfax
Holiday Markets
Fun for browsing antiques, vintage finds and local vendors.
November 14 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 1900 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria
Holiday Shoppe
A good early holiday-shopping opportunity, especially if you’re looking for local vendors and gifts.
November 20th & 21st | 3510 James Madison Hwy. Haymarket
In partnership with URBN Market, join us for two festive weekends of holiday cheer. Stroll, sip, and shop from 65+ local artisans as our Holiday Market fills the streets with festive finds, handmade gifts and community cheer
November 21st & 22nd 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 2905 District Ave. Fairfax
Hundreds of artisans and lots of gift-shopping opportunities.
November 21st & 22nd (hours vary) | Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run Fairfax
Thanksgiving Day Dining
Trummer’s Restaurant — Clifton
Thanksgiving prix fixe menu is listed at $90 adults / $39 children 12 and under.
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse — Reston
$85 adults / $40 children under 12. Traditional turkey dinner, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce. Their regular dinner menu is also available.
The Simon — Reston Station
$85 adults / $35 children 12 and under. Three-course prix fixe with an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey, ham or salmon.
Peking Gourmet Inn — Falls Church
They are already accepting Thanksgiving reservations for November 26, 2026. Great choice if you want something different from turkey.
Chima Steakhouse — Tysons Corner
Brazilian steakhouse plus a Thanksgiving menu with turkey, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and cornbread. $42 salad bar + Thanksgiving menu or $72 full rodizio + Thanksgiving menu.
Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant — Mount Vernon/Alexandria
Thanksgiving buffet is scheduled for November 26, with reservations available. Estate admission isn’t required just to dine at the restaurant.
Founding Farmers — Tyson’s & Reston
Thanksgiving prix fixe menu is listed at $49.95 adults / $24.95 children 12 and under.
