Seven things to do around DC in November
With Halloween long over and the Christmas season just beginning, many people wonder what to do during their Thanksgiving break, besides stuffing themselves with turkey. You might just want to lay in bed and escape from all the relatives, but there are lots of things to do in the DMV in November that are worth your while. Here are seven things to do this month in DC.
1. Holidays at the National Harbor – Nov. 16 – Jan. 1
The National Harbor’s holiday season is full of fun activities, amazing ice sculptures, and lots of sights to see. The National Harbor is also home to the Capital Wheel and lots of shops and trendy restaurants. The holiday celebrations feature two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, ice slides, and a huge lit-up tree. And best of all, it’s free!
2. National Sculpture Garden Ice Skating – Nov. 16 – March 2019
Starting Nov. 16, the National Sculpture Garden becomes home to an ice skating rink! Located in the middle of the garden, the rink is surrounded by Christmas lights, a cafe that serves hot drinks and snacks, and, of course, beautiful sculptures on all sides. It is $9 for adults and $8 for children, students, and seniors; rental skates are $4.
3. Downtown Holiday Market – Nov. 23 – Dec. 23
Located at 8th and F Streets NW, in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the holiday market is open daily for a month between 12:00 and 8:00 pm. With more than 180 vendors every day, the market has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, a cute date idea, or just something to do when you’re bored, the holiday market is a great spot in DC to visit. It also features live music from practically every genre and hot coffee and donuts to enjoy while you walk around. It’s free to visit, but most people don’t come away from it without finding a great piece to take home.
4. Zoolights – Nov. 23 – Jan. 1
Head to the National Zoo during November and December for a spectacular display of lights and fun. Half a million lights illuminate the zoo paths, and though it may be cold, there is hot chocolate and coffee along the way. Also featured are special nights like “Snowless Tubing,” live performances, and opportunities for holiday shopping. Entry is free.
5. “Pulse” by Rafael Lozano Hemmer – Nov. 1 – April 28
In the Hirshorn Museum’s biggest interactive exhibit yet, Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano Hemmer puts together three of his exhibits to cover the entire second floor of the museum. He uses heart-rate sensors to create kinetic and audiovisual experiences from visitors’ own data. The first part records people’s fingerprints and heart rates, then combines the last 10,000 users’ data into a massive lights display. The second part features water – sensors turn your pulse into ripples on water tanks, creating patterns that will be reflected on the gallery walls. The third and final installation features hundreds of clear light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, pulsing with the heartbeats of past visitors. You can add your heartbeat to the installation by touching a sensor, which transmits your pulse to the first bulb. It’s free and indoors, so a great choice if you want to stay out of the cold.
6.“Astroworld” by Travis Scott – Nov. 29
Travis Scott will play his new album “Astroworld” on Nov. 29 at the Capital One Arena. The venue is centrally located with little parking, so you might want to carpool, take an Uber, or walk. The arena seats upward of 20,000 people, so it should be a good show, and it is right in Chinatown, with lots of places to eat both in and around the venue. Tickets are upward of $55 and selling fast.
7. Wizards Game – Nov. 2 – Apr. 10
If you want a night of fun, sports, and food, you should check out a Washington Wizards game! Great for a big or small group, tickets range anywhere from $6 to $200, and all games are located at the Capital One Arena.
