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. Get out and vote at one of these polling stations around the District
With Election Day coming on November 5th, it is every Washingtonian’s civic duty to ensure they are registered to vote and when the time comes they exercise their right to vote for the candidate they see fit for office.
While your vote is obviously quite personal, taking the time to vote ensures that you did everything possible to support this country’s democratic process and elect the person you feel is best to lead our country.
2. Soak up the magic at the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Now open in Leesburg, VA, this year’s incredible Harry Potter woodland adventure is filled with new magical creatures and iconic moments from the Harry Potter universe! The experience is fit for all ages, making it an ideal destination for some family fun, but it also could be the perfect date night plan for that Harry Potter lover in your life.
Plus, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience just released a limited-time Black Friday deal that’s too good to pass up! For a limited time, visitors can save 25% on tickets to this epic woodland adventure. Plan your visit here.
3. Immerse yourself in the renowned art of Claude Monet
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in the art of your favorite artist? The Immersive Claude Monet Experience allows you to do just that!
This interactive exhibit uses floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase Monet’s most famous works and allow you to immerse yourself in the art.
4. Attend Washingtonian’s 2024 Whiskey & Wine Festival on November 7th
On Thursday, November 7th, 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 included in the price are unlimited tastings, tasty treats, a complimentary glass (while supplies last), and custom glass engravings.
The event will take place at Dock5 at Union Market, and you can use code ‘Whiskey’ today to get tickets 15% off!
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!
- Candlelight: Rings and Dragons
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More
- Candlelight: Ed Sheeran Meets Coldplay
- Candlelight: Best of Hip Hop on Strings
- Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on Strings
6. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Dine in the dark at Ambar Clarendon
Dine in the dark at The City Club of Washington
Dine in the dark at The Tower Club at Tysons Corner
Looking for an exciting surprise?
What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner?
Dining in the Dark lets you 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. Celebrate the anniversary of one of the most famous archeological discoveries
In November of 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed one of the most remarkable artifacts – a nearly perfectly preserved tomb belonging to King Tutankhamun. Today, over 100 years later, this magnificent finding continues to captivate the world.
This astounding D.C. exhibit is home to more than 1,000 reproduced objects from King Tut’s Tomb, displaying the artifacts just as they were found when they were first uncovered! The exhibit will only be in town until the end of December, so if you want to learn something new or check out a unique exhibit, now’s the time to do it. Get tickets here!
8. Celebrate the Washington Capitals’ 50th season by going to a game
The season just kicked off a few weeks ago but the celebration behind the Caps’ 50th season as a franchise will continue through the winter and into spring!
You’ll want to get your tickets in advance to avoid higher prices because seats this year are going to be in high demand.
If you’re lucky, later this season you might get to see our very own Alexander Ovechkin break the NHL scoring record this year in person!
9. Head to Dopamine Land before it closes at the end of the month
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 earlier this year and we are sad to see it go.
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. 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.
11. 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!
12. 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!
13. Head to the Adams Morgan Porchfest
A great way to start the month comes on the first weekend of November, on November 2nd will be the 2024 Adams Morgan Fall Porch Fest featuring 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.
14. 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)
15. 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!
16. 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!
17. National Gallery Night: To the District, with Love
On Thursday, November 14th this National Gallery Night is going to focus on Washington, D.C.’s incredible people and culture!
The music, treats, activities, and art of this event will all be highlighting D.C.’s incredible local artists.
18. 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 Cemetary 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.
19. Check Out The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
Formerly known as the Downtown Holiday Market, the ‘new’ DC Holiday Market is relocating to the Dupont Circle area for the first time this year!
The market will open on November 22nd and feature the same festive cheer and fun you may have come to expect.
The exact location will be at the 1500 block of 19th Street, NW where it will remain until its closing date of December 15th.
20. See the D.C. Holiday Lights
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.
21. D.C. Cocktail Week
The 2024 DC Cocktail Week will take place from Nov. 29th to Dec. 5th, with the best of D.C.’s local craft cocktails being available at discounted prices.
Across the Metropolitan region, you’ll be able to enjoy cocktails, mocktails, and bite pairings to go along with every order.
22.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.
23. 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.
24. Get tickets to ICE! at Gaylord National before the holiday rush
Opening on November 15th is one of the biggest carved ice experiences in the world with over 2 million pounds of ice that took around 12,000 hours to sculpt into the theme of this year’s scene: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
You can already buy tickets with various bundle options, but the prices are set for kids (ages 4 – 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.
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!