As we head into November and toward Thanksgiving, we’re thankful to live in such a culturally diverse city brimming with art, music, food, and endless things to do! Washingtonians gearing up for all the new month has to offer can rejoice: Secret D.C. has rounded up the top things to do in Washington, D.C., this November:
1. Head to the immersive Bubble Planet experience to unleash your inner child
Bubble Planet Washington, D.C.
Bubble Planet is headed to D.C., so if you love museums that double as photo ops, you’re going to love it!
This interactive exhibit has 10 different rooms, all with different themes, colors, and sights. Bubbles ranging from soapy baths to smoke-filled orbs to balloons will allow you to float through a magical story that you likely haven’t experienced before.
Get your tickets here!
Where: Rhode Island Center
524 Rhode Island Ave NE, 20002
2. Head out to one of the small town getaways near Washington, D.C. that come alive in the fall
It’s not controversial to say fall is one of the best seasons for travel around Washington, D.C., so we put together a list of 10 destinations near the District that are perfect for a fall getaway.
3. Check the opening day of the Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park
Opening on November 28th, the incredibly exciting Winter Wonderfest event will be taking over the field at Nationals Park!
The event has something fun for everyone, including:
- 100’+ Tubing Slide
- Northern Lights Experience
- Winter Train Ride
- LED SeeSaws
- Putt-Putt Challenge
- Curling Lanes
- Snowball Speed Throw Challenge
- Sculpture Garden featuring Local Artists
- 21+ area with a hidden speakeasy
- …and more!
4. Attend Washingtonian’s 2025 Whiskey, Wine, and Fine Spirits Festival
On Thursday, November 13th, the people behind one of the District’s most popular magazines, Washingtonian, are hosting a Whiskey, Wine, & Fine Spirits Festival that is sure to be a good time!
The tickets for the event start at $80 per person, but unlimited tastings, tasty treats, a complimentary glass (while supplies last), and custom glass engravings are included.
5. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind.
You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight.
With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
6. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Looking for an exciting surprise?
What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner?
Dining in the Dark allows you to choose a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat), which will stimulate your senses.
7. Check out the Winter Lantern Festival to experience some jaw-dropping visuals
Located in Tysons, VA, this year the Winter Lantern Festival is truly a can’t-miss experience that is perfect for date night, a night out with friends, or even a family-friendly evening.
The display features hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns powered by vibrant and powerful LED lights to create a stunning visual experience that will immerse and captivate you!
8. Attend a Capitals game to see Ovechkin play in his final season in the NHL
The season is already underway, and the Capitals have gotten off to a hot start.
Still, Washingtonians have a handful of home games to get to see Alex Ovechkin play before his final season with the Capitals comes to an end and he retires from the NHL.
9. Head to Dopamine Land before it closes
If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the Dopamine Land in D.C. yet, this is your sign to do so!
The hit exhibit has been one of our favorite recommendations since it popped up.
The space is fun for all ages and filled with a series of happiness-inducing installations to take fun photos and goof around with your friends or family! Snag tickets here.
10. Get tickets to ICE! at Gaylord National before the holiday rush
One of the biggest carved ice experiences in the world is now open at Gaylord National Resort with over 2 million pounds of ice that took around 12,000 hours to sculpt into the theme of this year’s scene: “The Polar Express”.
You can already buy tickets with various bundle options, but the prices are set for kids (ages 4 to 11) at $32 on the weekend and $27 during the week, while prices for adults (12+) are set at $41 on the weekends and $36 during the week.
11. Take part in a satisfying Foodie Tour of Georgetown
Georgetown is one of the most iconic neighborhoods around Washington D.C., complete with cute local businesses, impressive embassies, notable residents, and of course, hidden culinary gems. This event is a can’t-miss for any self-proclaimed foodie in the DMV area.
12. Get a private tour of two beloved Smithsonians
It isn’t a recreation of “Night at the Museum” but it’s a close second! You and seven others can experience a private or semi-private tour, complete with a private guide, of the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery of Art. Over five-and-a-half hours, plus a lunch break, you’ll get to see some of the most renowned works these museums have to offer!
13. Head to one of the biggest oyster festivals in the nation, just 2.5 hours from the District
Whether you consider yourself an oyster fan or just looking to have some good old-fashioned fun, the official oyster festival of the state of Virginia is a can’t-miss event that you’ll want to save in your calendar.
14. Head to the Adams Morgan Porchfest
A great way to start the month comes on the first weekend of November, on November 1st, the 2025 Adams Morgan Fall Porch Fest will feature dozens of live bands, family-friendly events, and a large pedestrian area to check out!
It’s also a great way to check out this unique neighborhood when it’s all decked out for the occasion.
15. Catch a show at your favorite local venue
- Capital One Arena: Playboi Carti (Nov 11), Brandy & Monica (Nov 30)
- The Anthem: Ty Myers (Nov 1), Of Monsters and Men (Nov 3), Halsey (Nov 4), Turnpike Troubadours (Nov 7), The Wombats (Nov 11), Wale w/ Jeremih (Nov 14), Gunna (Nov 20), All Time Low (Nov 26),
- Echostage: James Hype (Nov 1), Duke Dumont (Nov 7), Odd Mob (Nov 14), Reggaeton Rave (Nov 15), Big Gigantic + Gramatik (Nov 22),
- 9:30 Hippie Sabotage (Nov 1), Hot Mulligan (Nov 2 & 3), Minus the Bear (Nov 4 & 5)
16. Head to the D.C. Beer Fest at Nationals Park
Imbibe on seasonal beers from dozens of craft breweries as you make your way through Nationals Park, stopping at food trucks, dancing to dueling pianos, a DJ, and some great cover bands at the Nov. 8th event!
17. Grab a Thanksgiving meal to remember from one of these spots
From funky reimagined Thanksgiving deals at Nobu to traditional turkey at Bourbon Steak, there are more than a few spots around the District to have yourself a fun Thanksgiving meal that will make for lifelong memories!
18. National Gallery Night: Art Under the Stars
*This event will potentially be canceled as a result of the Federal Government Shutdown*
On Thursday, November 13th this National Gallery Night is going to focus on “The Stars We Do Not See”, displaying the largest curation of Australian Indigenous Art ever shown outside Australia.
Washingtonians interested in attending this event can register for a chance to win free tickets between 10 am on November 3rd and noon on November 6th.
19. Take a tour of the Arlington National Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard during the changing of the seasons
As the DMV area transitions from fall to winter, the somber scenes make for an excellent opportunity to visit the Arlington National Cemetery to witness the ceremonial changing of the guards and learn about the 400,000+ servicemen who have been laid to rest there.
While the scenes may be triggering to some, it is an experience that we wholeheartedly recommend to everyone, regardless of how long they are going to be in town.
20. Check Out The DowntownDC Holiday Market
The market will open on November 21st and feature the same festive cheer and fun you may have come to expect, and will be open until December 23rd.
The exact location will be on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW.
The closest metro stop will be the Gallery Place – Chinatown station on the Red, Yellow, or Green lines.
21. See the holiday lights around the District
There is a long list of spots around the District that are lighting things up this holiday season, some starting as early as mid-November!
If you hope to get into the spirit of the holiday season a little early this year, checking out one of these displays might just be what you need.
22. Head to Easton, MD, to attend its annual Waterfowl Festival
The annual event that the small town of Easton hosts every fall raises funds for conservation efforts to protect and support the local aquatic birds native to the region.
While the nature of the event draws a large crowd of outdoorsmen, there are several events that are full of family-friendly fun that everyone can enjoy!
23.Run a Turkey Trot for a good cause
There are a few turkey trot options around the District that you can take part in this year if that’s your speed.
The best part is that while you work up an appetite with a morning run, you’ll also be supporting a good cause! Exactly which cause you will be supporting will depend on which Turkey Trot you plan to run, but the good news is that there are a few options.
24. Head to one of D.C.’s shopping malls to partake in Black Friday
It may be chaotic, but it also feels a little bit like a tradition to many!
Heading to one of D.C.’s shopping malls on Black Friday might just be the best way to save big on those highly desired items ahead of the holidays this year.
25. Take on one of these stunning hiking trails to see some of the incredible nature around the District
Whether you want to catch the last of the fall foliage when the season starts to shift into winter, or you just want to get some outdoor exercise in before it gets too cold, there are some incredible hikes for you to choose from in the DC area!