November 2-3: Day of the Dead Celebration in Arlington
Celebrate el Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday honoring the memory of deceased relatives, at the Arlington Arts Center. Friday-night festivities, from 7 to 9, are geared toward families, with a mariachi band, altar decorations, food, crafts, and storytelling. On Saturday from 1 to 4, children ages 10 to 14 can attend a workshop where they can make masks, decorate sugar skulls, and participate in storytelling. All events are free, but space in the Saturday workshop is limited to 30 people. Reservations are required for both nights; call 703-248-6800.

November 6-9: Museum Shop Around at Strathmore
Check a few Christmas gifts off your list by heading to the Mansion at Strathmore, where nonprofit organizations sell arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, toys, books, CDs, plants, and more.

November 7-9: National Ski and Snowboard Expo
Head to the Dulles Expo and Conference Center to check out the latest gear and gadgets for snowboarding, skiing, cross-country touring, and snow-tubing. Friday 2 to 8pm, Saturday 10 to 8, Sunday 11 to 5; $10 admission includes a magazine subscription to Ski, Skiing, or Snowboarding.

November 11: Veterans Day Festivities
To honor our country’s veterans, there are wreath-laying ceremonies, storytelling, speakers, color-guard presentations, and more at monuments and memorials throughout the area. Some not to miss:
• Alexandria Black History Museum. A program to honor African-American veterans featuring speakers, music, and dramatic presentations; 11 AM to 2pm.
• Arlington National Cemetery. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns; 11 AM.
• Mount Vernon. Free admission for active-duty or retired military all day. Activities include a free patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus the Harmony Heritage Singers at 11 AM and a wreath-laying by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.
• Navy Memorial. A ceremony with the US Navy Ceremonial Band, the ceremonial guard, and color guard; 1pm.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Ceremony starts at 1pm.
• Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Storytelling from 9 to noon and 2 to 4.
• World War II Memorial. Two wreath-laying ceremonies at 11 and 4.

November 14-16: Historic Alexandria Antiques Show & Sale
More than 40 antique dealers convene at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Alexandria to show and sell furniture and decorative accessories, glass, ceramics, textiles, folk art, jewelry, and more. Friday 11 to 8, Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday noon to 5. There’s also a preview cocktail party on November 13 for $150 a person.

November 21: National Museum of American History Reopens
After two years of being closed for renovations, the National Museum of American History finally reopens—just in time for holiday visitors. Stop in and check out the new digs, including the state-of-the-art display chamber for the flag that inspired our national anthem.

November 21-December 7: DC Sales-Tax Holiday
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, DC suspends its 5.75-percent sales tax on select items for two weeks.

November 22: Governor’s Ball With Patrick Henry at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Take a trip back to 1786 and celebrate Virginia governor Patrick Henry at a ball in his honor. The evening will feature English country dancing, live music, dessert, gaming, and a cash bar. Period costume is optional, but “after 5” attire is encouraged. A preball reception will be held from 7 to 8pm; the ball starts at 8. Tickets to the reception and ball are $75; ball-only tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door.

November 22: Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade
Silver Spring hosts a Thanksgiving parade on Georgia Avenue, which features music, dancers, and entertainment for the family; 9:30 AM.

November 28: Holiday Parade in Reston
Reston begins gearing up for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving with a full day of holiday activities. At 7:30 AM, run with professional track star—and local hero—Alan Webb. (Register for the run here.) A Macy’s-style holiday parade will march down Market Street at 11 AM, with giant balloons, dancers, bands, and more to celebrate the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who’ll arrive in a horse-drawn carriage. From 12:30 to 4:30, kids can visit with Santa, and at 6 take part in a tree lighting and holiday sing-along. End the day with a horse-drawn-carriage ride around Reston Town Center from 6:30 to 10. The ride costs $5 a person; under age six is free.

November 28-December 14: Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Learn about George and Martha Washington’s Christmas traditions with a tour of their candlelit home, which includes a peek at the rarely seen third floor. You’ll also meet historical characters including Martha herself. On the grounds, there’s a campfire and carol-singing. Open from 5:30 to 9. Tickets on sale beginning November 1.

November 28-December 30: Zoo Lights
Visit the National Zoo during its annual holiday-light season to see thousands of lights and animated exhibits throughout the grounds. The displays feature many of the zoo’s animals, and there are activities and entertainment for the whole family. Tickets are required and will be on sale later this year.

Visiting in a different month? Check out our City Schedule for events happening throughout the year. This article is part of Washingtonian.com’s Visitors’ Guide. For more articles like it, click here.