Your Guide to DC in November 2025

Maybe it’s my introverted personality, but November is actually one of my favorite months in D.C. Summer transplants are gone, things quiet down, and soup starts appearing on menus again — what’s not to like? Here are the ways we’ll be entertaining ourselves this month and embracing the shorter days.

Become the Crafty Friend

The D.C. crafters come out this time of year, and it’s about time you joined them. (And by them I mean me.) Join a club like the craft club at Solid State Books or Creatives Club DC. Or you can take a one-time class at Looped Yarnworks or Merry Pin. The MLK Library also always has free crafting classes.

Find Local Art at the Umbrella Art Fair

From Nov. 21 - 23 this massive art fair is returning to D.C. with over 100 artists from around the DMV. It’s the perfect way to get familiar with and support the local arts scene, or pick up some pieces for your home. Plus, it's totally free to attend!

Support the (Crazy) Champs Running the Taco Bell 50K

Hundreds of participants will run the Taco Bell 50k this Nov. 29th. Participants run 31 miles in the DMV, stopping at nine Taco Bell locations and eating at least one menu item at each. Puking means instant disqualification. And Pepto is not allowed. I’ll be spectating.

Drink By a Fire

Oooo ya, now we're talkin’. What’s the point of fall if you’re not sipping a little bevy by the fire? We’ve got a whole collection of D.C. bars with fireplaces. Or you can host your own bonfire in Rock Creek Park. Or, if you really want to go crazy, head to a winery in the burbs for a firepit accompanied by some of our favorite local wines.

Pretend You’re In ‘The Holdovers’

Being in D.C. the week of Thanksgiving always reminds me of being on a college campus during break. It’s empty in the best way and I highly recommend staying if you can swing it. Go to all your favorite normally-overcrowded cafes, enjoy no lines at Trader Joes, revel in empty buses, and snap up open reservations. It feels like “type-A” D.C. finally gets a breather, and I love it.

Listen To Local Tunes

One of our favorite D.C. bands Kids Table is performing at Songbryd on Nov. 21. The six-piece band is a mix of folk and rock that screams cozy fall morning. I mean, one of their most popular songs is literally called “Fall.” Their new EP “We Can’t Go Back in Time” is going to be on constant repeat for me this season.

Join a Book Club

Book clubs in D.C. come in all shapes and sizes, spanning topics from queer manga to Gilmore Girls to socialist science fiction. There are ones for all reading commitment levels (I know some of you are just there for the wine 🫢), and it's a great way to beat the winter blues. Here’s how to find your perfect book club.