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:
1-4. 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!
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
- Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi at Lisner Auditorium
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Lisner Auditorium
5. & 6. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Dine in the dark at Ambar Clarendon
Dine in the dark at Paraíso
Looking for an exciting surprise? What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner? Dining in the Dark allows you to pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat) that will stimulate your senses!
7. Immerse yourself in the renowned art of Van Gogh
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? The Immersive Van Gogh Experience allows you to do just that! The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase each artist’s famous works, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their art.
8. Boost your self-confidence with a trip to The Museum of Failure
Only in town for a limited time, the Museum of Failure is a must-visit this November if you haven’t already gone!
9. Experience the Titanic. The Exhibition
In this immersive experience, you can step right into history to learn about the stories of passengers, crew, and even the ship itself!
10. Enjoy the return of the Winter Lantern Festival
On November 24th, the Winter Lantern Festival is returning to Washington D.C. to help get you in the holiday spirit. This memorable experience celebrates traditional Chinese lantern festivals and makes for one of the most iconic picturesque events in all of D.C. throughout November.
11. Embrace the prehistoric at Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience
Have you ever wished you could interact with dinosaurs? Well, now is your chance! This exhibit features 80 prehistoric specimens and even a virtual aquarium so you can interact with these magnificent creatures from millions of years ago.
12. 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 ca n’t-miss for any self-proclaimed foodie in the DMV area.
13. 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!
14. Experience Shakespeare like never before
“All the world’s a stage,” and Drunk Shakespeare D.C. is hitting the stage like you’ve never experienced before! Grab a drink yourself and watch five classically-trained (and intoxicated) actors attempt to recreate some of Shakespeare’s most famous works to hilarious results!
15. Step into a dream at the LuminoCity Winter Light Festival
The perfect event that is fun for everyone, this holiday-themed light show is the ideal place to make memories that will last a lifetime with friends and family.
16. Adams Morgan Porchfest
A great weekend event to start the month of November, Adams Morgan Porchfest will feature almost 80 bands playing live music and feature a sizeable pedestrian zone, which means that you get to walk around and enjoy the weather before winter weather truly sets in.
17-33. Catch a show at your favorite local venue
- Capital One Arena: Romeo Santos (Nov. 5) Adam Sandler (Nov. 9), Doja Cat (Nov. 27), Dave Chapelle (Nov. 30).
- The Anthem: NEEDTOBREATHE (Nov. 10), Teddy Swims (Nov. 16), Lil Uzi Vert (Nov. 21).
- Echostage: Mk B2B Sonny Fodera (Nov. 4), Galantis (Nov. 9), RL Grime (Nov. 12), Gorgon City (Nov. 10), Men I Trust (Nov. 15), Apashe (Nov. 18), NGHTMRE (Nov. 22), Sanctuary (Nov. 25), Lil Tjay (Nov.30).
- 9:30 Kasabian (Nov. 15)
34. D.C. Beer Fest
Imbibe on seasonal beers from more than two dozen 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. 4 event!
35. Witness the magic of mentalism with Brian Curry
Looking for a unique show to see with friends or family? Brian Curry puts on a display of mentalism in this one-hour show that will have you questioning if he is a psychic, a magician, or just a really good liar.
36. National Gallery Night: Americana
National Gallery of Art brought back a fall favorite with the return of National Gallery Nights on the second Thursday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each month’s engaging program has its own theme—Nov. 10’s theme is “Americana”— and features a variety of interactive entertainment, including “live performances, art-making, music, and pop-up talks,” according to a National Gallery press release. National Gallery Nights are free events, attendees must register to attend, with registrations opening one week prior to each event at 12 p.m. at nga.gov/nights.
However, for the first time, the gallery also will release a “limited number” of tickets on its website at 10:00 a.m. on the day of each month’s event. A small number of tickets will be available at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m. the night of each event, as well, as available on a first-come, first-served basis.
37. Yoga at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Hoping to have one of the most memorable yoga sessions of your life? This is the plan for you. In a one-off event, the immersive Van Gogh experience is hosting a one-hour guided meditation and yoga session for you to relax and disconnect while being surrounded by some of Van Gogh’s most impressive works.
38. Downtown Holiday Market
D.C.’s stunning seasonal outdoor market is returning from Nov. 17-Dec. 23! Held outdoors over the course of two blocks— F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW—the Downtown Holiday Market gives Washingtonians the opportunity to patronize a number of local small businesses while they complete their holiday shopping! Feeling a little cold and hungry? A number of outdoor food and drink vendors are also on-site so you can sip hot chocolate or snack on an empanada as you shop!
39. D.C. Holiday Lights
D.C. Holiday Lights gets the city into the holiday spirit as it turns the various D.C. neighborhoods into twinkling wonderlands from Nov. 17, 2023-Jan.7, 2024! With eye-catching displays and a themed scavenger hunt, you can experience it all in different dazzling forms across each participating neighborhood!
40. Enchant at Nationals Park
Enchant at Nationals Park is true Winter Wonderland! Held from Nov. 24, 2023-Dec. 31, 2023), Enchant whisks you away with twinkling light tunnels, a Christmas Light Maze, ice skating, a Santa meet-and-greet, a holiday market so you can shop for your loved ones this holiday season, and so much more!
41. CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting
The end of November marks the transition into the holiday season, and in D.C., that means the CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting! Two days after Thanksgiving, on Nov. 26, CityCenterDC will usher in the season alongside sweet treats and live music!
42. Run a Turkey Trot for a good cause
Take part in the “Trot For Hunger” on Thanksgiving day to burn some calories for a good cause before you dive into your family feast. There is a 1-mile option for those who want to take the morning easy and a full 5K option for those who have the appetite for it.
43. D.C. Cocktail Week
Is this what they mean by “the most wonderful time of the year”?! D.C. is celebrating Cocktail Week from Nov. 28-Dec. 5, with the best of D.C.’s local cocktails at discounted prices. What could be better?!
44. 100th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting
Celebrate the Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting by entering the lottery to witness it in person on Wednesday, Nov. 30!
45-55. Museum exhibits
D.C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries, each boasting numerous must-see exhibits! Here are a few you want to be sure to catch this November:
- Hirshhorn Museum:
- National Portrait Gallery:
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Phillips Collection:
56. Check out the Drag Queen Christmas show
See all the stars of the iconic TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race perform in this seasonal classic show to get in the holiday spirit in a way you’ve never experienced before.
57. Plays and Musicals
Get in on the drama with these unmissable theatre events: