Things to Do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County: November 2022

Now in its 35th season, the Virginia Film Festival continues to be one of the leading regional film festivals in America, hailed for its mission to educate, engage, and foster inclusive conversations in an open dialogue. A five-day festival including artist panels, conversations, Q&As, and screenings, the 2022 line-up features big names including Jonathan Majors, Chrissy Metz and so many more. Plan your Virginia Film Festival experience here, and we’ll see you at the movies!

See artists in action during this special event. Over two days, 21 studios will be open, featuring 39 artists and artisans showcasing their talents. Be inspired by their creativity, and don’t forget to ask questions! This event comes at the perfect time of year, as we’re all looking to shop local. What better gift than that of a handcrafted one-of-a-kind item. This event is free and open to the public! Visit the Artisans Studio Tour website for complete information.

Enjoy a delicious craft cider at one of our local Virginia cideries during Virginia Cider Week! Did you know that cider apples have been grown in Virginia since the mid 1700s? In fact, the Albemarle Pippin became a major export crop after Queen Victoria was gifted a basket of apples in 1838. Thomas Jefferson also dabbled in cidermaking and pursued the cultivation of several cider apples at his own orchards at Monticello. Read more here.

The tradition of cidermaking in Virginia is strong, especially in the Charlottesville area. Plan a visit to enjoy tasting the modern versions of this centuries old Virginia tradition in Albemarle County at a few events below!

Albemarle CiderWorks
November 11 – Cider Smackdown: Attack of the Crab Apple featuring a number of Virginia Cideries facing off in a blind tasting of their Crab Apple Ciders. Meet and greet the makers and see who wins bragging rights!
November 12 – Heirloom Apple Tasting

Castle Hill Cider
November 13 – Cider & Seafood event featuring a Meet the Cider Maker talk on the art of blending

Potter’s Craft Cider
November 19 – Harvest Hoedown Dance Party

Check our calendar of events for more events to be announced!

Gather your family and friends to experience a magical outing like no other in the Charlottesville area. The illuminated lakeside stroll reveals one whimsical theme after the next, weaving together the beauty of light and nature with each passing step. Eleven sections of the trail combine to create a true delight for the senses. Complete the experience with delicious bites and libations from one of the on-site vendors including kettle corn, wood fired pizza, and hot cocoa bar. Special event weekends in November include:

November 18 to December 24 – Photos with Santa (additional charge)
November 18 to 20 – SPCA Dog Weekend (the only weekend pups are allowed on the trail!)
November 25 – Winter Wander Fireworks at 8pm

Three home games in a row – WaHooWa to that! November in Virginia is truly perfect football weather and we can’t wait to cheer on the Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Be sure to visit the Mobile Visitors Center which is parked at UVA Alumni Hall for the tailgate event prior to each home game. Food and beverages are available to purchase, and you can chat about the best in seasonal activities with one of our knowledgeable travel specialists!

Just because Fall is making its annual transition to winter, doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Several markets are shifting hours and staying open to continue to provide the best of the season’s harvest and local handcrafted goods.

Market Central at Ix Art Park
Saturdays 9am to 1pm beginning November 5th

Charlottesville City Market at Water Street
Saturdays 8am to 1pm
*Holiday Market begins November 26th

Fall Market at Castle Hill Cider
Sundays through November 11am to 5pm

Scottsville Farmers Market
Saturdays through November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to the various markets, shopping for both local and big box items is a breeze in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The holiday season is fast approaching and finding the perfect gift is on everyone’s mind. Whether you’re on the hunt for local, handcrafted, boho, modern, or simply a great deal – there is a store for you! While the main shopping locations include the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, The Shops at Stonefield, Barracks Road Shopping Center, and 5th Street Station, there are a wide variety of shops throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Looking for something specific? Start with the Shopping page on our website to look at all the options! And don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from the folks you meet throughout your travels to Charlottesville and Albemarle County, or stop by our mobile visitors center to talk to our travel specialists. Locals always have the best suggestions!

It's never too early to start planning! Winter is a beautiful time to visit Charlottesville and Albemarle County! Upcoming holiday events include "Magic on the Mall" and the Grand Illumination on the Downtown Mall, Lighting of the Lawn at UVA, the Nutcracker at the Paramount, and more to be announced! December through March is considered off-season for the Charlottesville area – making it a great time to visit. Lower rates on accommodations, shorter wait times for restaurants, and an overall quieter experience is just what the doctor ordered for a calm wintry getaway. There’s something special about walking into a local winery and hearing the crack of the fireplace and feeling the warmth and coziness of the tasting room. Spending a few extra moments mulling over menu options with a restaurant server. Or just taking time to see how the day plays out without concrete plans in place. Winter may just become your favorite travel season!