29 Best Things to Do in DC November 2024 with Kids: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Holiday Lights

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See the National Zoo in a whole new light at ZooLights. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo

November doesn't disappoint with Diwali, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and the official start of the holiday season.

Two words - Pumpkin Chunkin'. November launches with this two-day annual event at Great Country Farms where pumpkins go flying. I can't think of a better post-Halloween event to please everyone.

Want to keep it exciting in early November? Head down to Navy Yard for Side Yards, where you can watch aerialists, sword swallowers, magicians, and many more circus acts. My family loves this event, though be warned—your kid might want to try something new after seeing these acts.

Holiday light shows kick off this month, including Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights in Virginia and the Gaithersburg Winter Festival of Lights in Maryland. I 10/10 recommend getting tickets for one or more of the fabulous light displays in the area. Some you can walk, some you drive, but all will thrill your family.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family in November, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day, as we're always adding more events.

25 Best Things to Do in Atlanta November 2024 with Kids

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Immerse yourself in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, and more cheer at Stone Mountain Christmas. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain

November brings plenty of things to do, as Atlanta gears up for holidays from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas. Don't miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Atlanta this November!

November in Atlanta means lots of fall fun with outdoor festivals like Lawrenceville Harvest Festival and Chastain Park Arts Festival. Kids have a chance to see their favorite Sesame Street characters in Sesame Street Live: Say Hello at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, November 16. Then suddenly, it's holiday time with tree lightings and popular events like Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden and Stone Mountain Christmas. We are especially excited about this year's Georgia Festival of Trees because it features the return of our old friend, The Pink Pig! 

Our Atlanta Fall Guide is full of ideas for family fun in November like farm destinations and cool getaways. We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so check it often. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters! 

30 Best Things to Do in Orlando November 2024 with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

If you haven't experienced Christmas at Gaylord Palms, add it to your calendar this season, including the return of the iconic ICE! Photo courtesy of Marriott International

November brings plenty of things to do in Orlando, as we gear up for holiday events from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Orlando this month!

We are so excited to kick off the holiday season this November with amazing light displays at Leu Gardens' Dazzling Lights, Asian Lantern Festival, and Magic of Lights Daytona. Festive celebrations will also light up the theme parks, including SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration, Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Jollywood Nights, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Plus, families can continue enjoying the best of fall with fantastic fall festivals, such as Lake Eola's Fall Fiesta in the Park, Oviedo's Great Day in the Country, and Orlando's Fusion Fest.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters!

Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley November 2024 with Kids

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Strike a pose with the stunning decorations in Santa's Village at American Christmas in Mount Vernon. Photo by Jody Mercier

November brings loads of things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley as the area gears up for holidays from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving—and then it's full steam ahead to the holiday season!

November kicks off the season of holiday celebrations with the opening of Christmas exhibitions and light shows, including Holiday Lane at American Christmas, the Westchester Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru, and the return of the Polar Express-themed train ride through the Catskills.

Other kid favorites this season include holiday train shows such as the Holidays on the Hill Train Show at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 

20 Best Things To Do on Long Island November 2024 with Kids

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LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year, setting up this season's show, titled Sweet Dream, at Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity

November brings plenty of things to do as Long Island gears up for holidays, from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas.

Holiday light shows illuminate Long Island this November. Cuddle up in the car and roll through the Jones Beach Magic of Lights Show in Wantagh or the Riverhead Holiday Light Show starting in mid-November. Or get out and wander Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on foot for the LuminoCity Festival.

Meanwhile, Disney fans can catch Disney on Ice Let's Dance at the UBS Arena in Elmont. And Sayville Falls brings something new to Long Island this winter with a walkthrough Holiday Light Show & Winter Garden, where visitors can rent an igloo!

Read on for our expertly curated list of the best ways to pack your calendar this month on Long Island. 

Best Things to Do in New Jersey November 2024 with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm

November brings loads of things to do in the Garden State as New Jersey gears up for holidays that include Veterans Day and Thanksgiving—and then it's full steam ahead to the holiday season!

If you're hoping for a mellow month following Halloween's sugar high, that's just not going to happen! Holiday performances take the stage this busy month, like Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical and A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage. Plus, holiday lights illuminate the season at favorite holiday light shows like the PNC Arts Center Magic of Lights, Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms, and the new 2024 LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival: Wonder Journey

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.