Asia After Dark: Diwali Festival

Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, illuminates the Smithsonian after hours on a Friday night. Visitors are welcome inside the museum to explore family-friendly arts and crafts, talks and tours on South Asian art and a variety of music and dance performances. At 7:30 p.m., the museum’s plaza will transform into a dance floor, with vibrant projected lights and music and beats by DJ MAIYA. November 6

Adams Morgan PorchFest

One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest will feature nearly 100 artists playing an array of genres, including classic rock, funk, go-go, rap, reggae, blue grass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan. November 7

Czech Christmas Market

Tis the season to be jolly! The Embassy of the Czech Republic brings the magic of the season to its annual Czech Christmas Market. Discover handcrafted ornaments, glassware, Bohemian garnet, crystal and beaded jewelry and unique gifts while savoring Czech pastries, traditional cuisine, mulled wine and fine Moravian wines. Enjoy children’s Czech Christmas carols, take selfies with live animals and explore the wonders of The Christmas Star with astrophysicist Václav Pavlík through astronomy, live science demonstrations and children’s workshops. November 7

DC Beer Fest

Nationals Park will be packed with more than 80 craft breweries in attendance as well as local food trucks, live music and much more. Two sessions are available (one from 12-3 p.m., the other from 5-8 p.m.) to give all the beer aficionados out there a couple of options. VIP tickets can also be purchased. November 7

Remember Me: Picturing African Americans in Early Photography

Featuring approximately 70 works from the National Gallery’s collection (many on view for the first time), this remarkable exhibition reveals how Black Americans embraced photography to define themselves, celebrate their communities and challenge stereotypes during the 19th and early 20th centuries (before, during and after the Civil War). November 7 – March 14

National Gallery Nights: Gratitude

The final edition of the National Gallery of Art's fall slate of after-hours events welcomes you to create tokens of appreciation as the season of giving gets under way, build a communal mosaic, write poetry and dance the night away to the beats of DJ Chan Don. Lottery for registration opens on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. and closes at 12 p.m. on Nov. 5. November 12

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle

Opening just before Thanksgiving through mid-December, the 1500 block of 19th Street NW hosts 30-plus small businesses with artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items, plus festive decor, local performers and beloved holiday treats. November 12 - December 23

DowntownDC Holiday Market

This year's edition of the DowntownDC Holiday Market will occupy the street and sidewalk on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Now in its 21st year, its bright lights bring Penn Quarter and Chinatown to life, providing a holiday spark to the neighborhood. The spacious, open-air village is free and open to the public, kicking off the season just ahead of Thanksgiving (closed on Thanksgiving Day) and closing just before Christmas. November 13 - December 23

Handwork: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery

This installation of objects from Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection showcases the practice of making things by hand. Its presentation is part of a program at the Renwick Gallery to investigate the meaning and relevance of craft in American culture. In a year that DC has dedicated to exploring what the humans of this country make, and, therefore, what makes this country human, take time to treasure this most connected and connecting medium. November 13

A Christmas Carol

In this time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital, acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters. November 19 - December 31

Zoo Lights

Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. On a given night, you'll find live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Note that timed passes are required. While you won't be able to see any live animals, proceeds go directly to animal care and conservation science at the National Zoo. November 20 - January 3

Seasons Greetings

The free Season's Greenings celebration at the U.S. Botanic Garden  is a beloved annual tradition in the nation's capital. The exhibition features G-gauge model trains circulating through plant-based creations (perfect for kids), plus thousands of poinsettias and incredible miniature landmarks like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Gallery of Art's East Building, all made from organic materials. Throughout the Terrace Gardens and Bartholdi Gardens, visitors are met with string lights, festive evergreens and a magical experience worth a visit year after year. Tickets are not required. This year's theme? National parks and historic places, including Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Inn, George Washington's Mount Vernon and many more. November 26 - January 3

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

Take to George Washington's former estate for a tour guided by candlelight. Hear of holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia, learn about the build-up to the American Revolution and enjoy the estate's array of seasonal activities, including greeting Aladdin the Christmas Camel, dancing in the greenhouse and spiced cider. November 27-28

The Nutcracker

DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District. November 28 - December 27