Things to Do for Kids in Washington DC in November 2026
Maryland Emancipation Day at Josiah Henson Museum & Park
Bethesda, MD - FREE
Sunday, November 1, 2026
In commemoration of the adoption in 1864 of the Maryland state constitution that abolished slavery, Josiah Henson Museum and Park will offer free admission! Website
Día de los Muertos at the Wharf
Washington, DC - FREE
Sunday, November 1, 2026
The DC Wharf is hosting a Day of the Dead celebration with live music, street food, face painting, sugar skull decorating, an illuminated lantern procession, and more. Website
Pumpkin Chunkin' at Great Country Farms
Bluemont, VA
Sunday - Tuesday, November 1-3, 2026
Wondering what to do with those carved pumpkins after Halloween? Join in the Pumpkin Chunkin' fun at Great Country Farms and watch those orange faces fly! Website
Adams Morgan Porchfest
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Enjoy an afternoon of musical talent spanning a range of genres. Whether you've got an ear for bluegrass or a love of classic rock, PorchFest's music talent has a tune for you. Website
International Spy Museum's Parade of Trabants
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with everyone’s favorite Cold War car—the Trabant. Visitors can check out these vintage vehicles, do some graffiti Berlin-style, and try to fit in tiny spaces like those escaping East Berlin. Website
The Old Firehouse Center IGNITE: Gobble Gobble Cooking Demo
McLean, VA - FREE
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Get into the holiday spirit while learning how to make tasty seasonal treats and festive favorites! Bring the whole family to OFC Ignite, the newly reimagined monthly family play experience at OFC! Drop in to enjoy ping pong, board games, arcade games, refreshments, the Sensory Room, food, and more. Each Saturday, Ignite features a special theme. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Website
Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights
Vienna, VA
Daily, November 11, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail decorated with thousands of sparkling lights. The half-mile walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens features lighted nature themes and animated displays along a paved wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trail. Stay warm by sipping on a hot beverage (with or without spirits) while walking, and enjoy s’mores to finish out the evening. Website
DowntownDC Holiday Market at Gallery Place/Chinatown
Washington, DC – FREE
Daily, November 13 - December 23, 2026
With regional artisans, crafters, and boutique businesses of ethically produced goods, the DowntownDC Holiday Market brings a unique and festive shopping village to the heart of downtown DC. There's also a live stage featuring regional performers. Website
Ice! featuring Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (at Gaylord National Resort)
National Harbor, MD
Daily, November 13, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Visitors can experience the beloved ice! featuring Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Website
Bull Run Festival of Lights
Centreville, VA
Daily, November 14, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Bull Run Festival of Lights, Northern Virginia’s largest drive-through holiday light experience with 2.5 miles of lighted holiday and fairytale vignettes. At the end of the drive, enjoy a Holiday Village and carnival that includes a market and a petting zoo. Website
Wow in the World Presents: Make it WOW! (at GMU Center for the Arts)
Fairfax, VA
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Hosted by Mindy Thomas (Wow in the World) and Carly Q. Ciarrocchi (Who, When, Wow: Mystery Edition), this fast paced science-packed, laughter-inducing interactive game show features two teams of Wowzer contestants who—with the help of the live audience—turn their wildest (and weirdest) ideas into jaw-dropping inventions! Packed with trivia, challenges, music, laughs, and LOTS of creativity, Make It WOW! is more than a show—it’s an experience that will keep the whole family tinkering together long after the performance. Website
Ford's Theatre A Christmas Carol
Washington, DC
Various dates, Thursday, November 19 - December 31, 2026
Experience a reinterpretation of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story in historic Ford's Theatre. This version of Ebenezer Scrooge's story is a music-infused production, capturing the magic and joy of this Yuletide classic. Website
Enchant DC at Nationals Park
Washington, DC
Various dates, November 20-29, 2026
Daily, December 1-27, 2026
Celebrate the season with Enchant DC at Nationals Park! Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including immersive experiences, festive food and drinks, and a new light up maze! Website
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Wheaton, MD
Various dates, November 20, 2026 - January 2, 2027
Brookside Gardens transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with over one million colorful lights. The display includes original works depicting animals, flowers, and other natural elements, as well as computerized light displays complete with music and fog. Website
ZooLights at the National Zoo
Washington, DC
Daily, November 20, 2026 - January 3, 2027
This annual festive event features a variety of attractions including light shows, musical performances, inflatable slides, a train ride, and an outdoor market. ZooLights does not feature animals, and all indoor exhibits are closed. Attractions may not be open when temperatures are 35 degrees or below. Website
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Silver Spring, MD - FREE
Saturday, November 21, 2026
The streets are being overrun with turkeys, dinosaurs, penguins, and reindeer. No, the zoo hasn’t opened its gates – it's the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade! With marching bands, Bolivian dancing groups, floats, giant characters and balloons, and Santa, it is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area. Website
Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" The Musical at Imagination Stage
Bethesda, MD
Fridays - Sundays, November 21, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Get ready to grow your heart three sizes this holiday season as the world’s most famous “green menace” marches onto the stage. This spectacular musical adaptation brings Whoville to life with whimsical sets, toe-tapping songs, and the timeless story of a Grinch who discovers the true meaning of Christmas. From the classic animated film to the stage, this heartwarming production is a festive must-see for the whole family that will leave even the “grinchiest” audience members cheering. Website
Turkey Chase Charity Race (at YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase)
Bethesda, MD
Thursday, November 26, 2026
YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary are proud to invite you to the 44th Annual Turkey Chase Charity Race! Join the thousands of participants from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and worldwide who’ve raised millions of dollars for kids in the community. Available races include a 10K, a two-mile walk/run, and a 50-meter tot trot, which means the whole family can participate! Website
Reston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Reston, VA - FREE
Friday, November 27, 2026
The Reston Holiday Parade marches down Market Street in Reston Town Center. Featuring balloons, marching bands, antique cars, and more, the half-mile parade ends with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via horse-drawn carriage. Following the parade, kids can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Fountain Square at 6pm. Website