McLean, VA November 2025

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ARTS + CULTURE

THREE HOUSES ON THE HILL ARTIST: ELLEN

DELANEY

FRIENDSGIVING

A Seasons of Thanks

November always invites us to pause and reflect on gratitude. As the days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and the holidays draw near, this season reminds us of the joy of gathering—around a table, with friends, with family, or simply in the company of those who make life brighter. It’s a month that encourages us to slow down just enough to notice the blessings, both big and small, that fill our days.

But along with the warmth of tradition, November also reminds us to extend our gratitude outward. It’s a time to look beyond our own celebrations and recognize that not everyone’s November is filled with plans or gatherings. In the spirit of community, let’s take a moment to reach out—a kind word to a neighbor, an invitation to a co-worker, or a thoughtful gesture for someone who may need it most. Small acts of kindness carry incredible meaning, especially during this season of thanks.

As we step into the holiday season, I feel especially thankful for the opportunity to share in the stories, connections, and spirit of McLean and Great Falls with you. Over these past months, it has been inspiring to see how our community supports one another, celebrates together, and embraces the values that make this area so special.

Here’s to gatherings that fill our hearts, gratitude that grounds us, and a season that reminds us of what truly matters.

Warmly,

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Purdy | suzanne.purdy@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Yankel Polak | yankel.polak@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

TRAIN SMARTER, FEEL BETTER

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

ADULT MARTIAL ARTS: HAPKIDO

business monthly

Certified Personal Trainer – Flexible Hours

Join the FLEXX Fitness team, a boutique-style gym dedicated to creating a supportive, friendly, and safe environment. We are seeking an experienced personal trainer to help clients of all ages and all fitness levels achieve their goals and develop lifelong wellness habits. Ideal candidates are adaptable, personable, and committed to providing exceptional care. Email  info@flexxfitnessgym.com with your resume. We’re excited to meet you and welcome you to our team of exceptional trainers.

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Rose Restoration, 40 Years and Counting!

Here at Rose Restoration, we take pride in being a locally rooted, family-owned business with over 40 years of experience, producing excellent craftsmanship and cherishing strong client relationships. When you choose us, you not only get the best from us, but you also get the most out of your time, value, and money. For more information on how we can restore your home's surfaces (countertops, tables, floors, patio, garage, front door, etc.), please visit  www.roserestoration.com and/or call 703-327-7676

Celebrating our 20th anniversary, Annandale OBGYN - Now Serving Reston

At our newest and 6th location, women in Reston now have access to the comprehensive OBGYN care our practice is known for. We provide a full spectrum of women’s health services, including prenatal care, delivery, gynecology, screenings, and preventive wellness. Our mission is to provide holistic healthcare, above the standard of care to support women at every stage of life. Call 703-642-7522 to schedule an appointment and connect with trusted providers in your community.

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H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts

The art of gratitude can be healing. It’s a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.

1. Five things that make you happy instantly:

2. Did you get any pleasant surprises today?

3. Did you do any acts of kindness today?

4. What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself?

5. Five personality traits you're grateful for:

6. Favorite song and how does it make you feel?

7. One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face:

8. List something good that caught your attention today.

9. What nice thing did another person do for you this week?

10. What's something you did for another person this week?

11. Three things you own that make your life easier:

12. How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant?

13. Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them.

14. What are you most thankful for in your life?

15. Name three of your significant accomplishments.

16. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited:

17. Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too?

18. What's your favorite holiday and why?

19. What friends are you most grateful for having in your life?

20. What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today?

21. What are you grateful for in your career?

22. Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active.

23. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for:

24. Three things you love about your town:

25. List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them?

26. What meals do you enjoy most?

27. Something you saw this week that melted your heart:

28. A time when someone went out of their way to support you:

29. A happy memory from childhood:

30. Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.

Creating a HOME NOT

GRATITUDE IN EVERY brushstroke

ELLEN’S JOURNEY FROM ARCHITECTURE TO ART
ARTICLE BY YANKEL POLAK

Walking into Ellen’s studio at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria feels like stepping into a world of soft light, vibrant colors, and quiet reflection. Her landscapes breathe with calm energy, holding both the familiar rhythms of rural America and the refined balance of an architect’s trained eye. This month, as we celebrate gratitude, Ellen’s story is one of transformation, persistence, and the deep sense of thanks she carries into her art.

Ellen’s path to painting was anything but direct. “I was an art minor in college, and was trying to figure out what I was going to do for a career,” she recalls. “I really wanted to do something creative, but something that was also a profession where I could make a living.” Architecture provided that structure, but fine art remained the undercurrent pulling at her imagination.

Eventually, that pull became impossible to ignore. “It was about 2014 and I wasn’t terribly happy in my job at the time. I had had some good art sales and was getting more confidence,” she says. Then came a defining moment: “The State Department approached me to buy one of the paintings as a gift from the White House… it was actually purchased by Barack and Michelle Obama to give as a gift.” “It was just one of those things that gave me that extra boost of confidence that maybe I could really do this.”

Her architectural background remains inseparable from her artistic voice. “As an architect, I really had to focus on composition, color, structure, balance… I always say that I look

at a painting not as painting exactly what I see in nature, but as more of a design exercise.”

Ellen sees landscapes as more than just vistas, they are also connections. “People make a connection to it and they see my landscapes… they’ll say to me, oh my god, this reminds me so much of where I grew up. And then I find out that they grew up in Oklahoma but I’ve never been to Oklahoma. I love the fact that they make their own connection with my landscapes.”

Shifting from architecture to art wasn’t without its challenges. “Obviously the big challenge is supporting yourself financially,” she reflects. What carried her through was the generosity of colleagues. “An architect friend of mine approached me and said, could you possibly work for me two days a week?.” Another firm soon reached out, offering similar part-time work. “I’m not sure what I would have done if that hadn’t come up because that was really what I needed to support myself financially… I’m thankful for that.”

“It just seems like the greatest thing that I can spend as much time as I want.” She credits her early painting teachers at the Torpedo Factory for encouraging her to submit to juried shows, and she remains deeply thankful for the supportive community of artists around her.

Her work often reflects that gratitude in subtle, quiet ways. Whether painting farmland in Iowa, redroofed barns at Sky Meadows, or the shifting light over the Potomac, Ellen’s landscapes hold an understated serenity. “The other thing that people comment on almost every day is this sort of peaceful calming atmosphere of these landscapes. I think especially in difficult times or turbulent times people just appreciate that.”

“There’s something really peaceful about landscapes, especially in turbulent times— it gives people a sense of calm.”

Gratitude, in fact, is a recurring theme in Ellen’s journey. “I’m really grateful that I have been able to pursue this passion,” she says.

As Northern Virginia moves into the season of Thanksgiving, Ellen’s work resonates, as an invitation to pause, to notice, and to give thanks. Her advice to others considering their own creative leap is as grounded as it is encouraging: “I think it can be a great idea following your passion. I found it was a life changer for me”.

For Ellen, gratitude isn’t only a reflection on the past, but a practice woven into her daily art.

THE BEST BUDDIES MISSION TO EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Molly and Best Buddies Young Leaders Council at basketball event

When Molly Whalen stepped into her role as State Director for Best Buddies Virginia and D.C., she brought with her a personal and professional mission: to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have every opportunity to thrive.

Schools play a central role in carrying the mission forward. In McLean and Langley, the Best Buddies chapters are considered among the strongest in the country. Each one is student-led, with young people with disabilities serving as leaders alongside their peers.

“THE TRUE STRENGTH OF OUR WORK IS KNOWING WE PASS IT FORWARD.”

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending isolation for individuals with IDD. Across Virginia and D.C., the program now serves more than 4,000 members through four pillars: friendship, employment, leadership development, and inclusive living.

“We want to make sure that people with developmental disabilities have the right to friendship, the right to meaningful work, and the right to lead,” Whalen says.

At the heart of Best Buddies is its friendship program, pairing people with and without disabilities for oneto-one connections. These aren’t casual meetups, they’re lasting relationships built on respect and mutual joy.

“Sometimes families think it’s just a way for students to get service hours, but that’s not the case,” Whalen explains. “You don’t get volunteer hours for being someone’s friend. This is about creating genuine, meaningful friendships.”

Best Buddies is also helping adults with IDD achieve something that can transform their lives: a steady job. Through its employment program, members are matched with competitive positions in law firms, theaters, corporations, and nonprofits.

Job coaches support the process from start to finish, from helping to prepare résumés to navigating interviews to learning new workplace routines. Once in place, the benefits extend far beyond a paycheck. “I’m a believer that there is a job for everyone,” Whalen says. “When somebody has a job, the doors are just all open for a full life. They can be connected. It’s just a really rich and productive life.”

Leadership development is another cornerstone of the organization. Best Buddies empowers participants with IDD to take the stage, sometimes literally, as advocates for themselves and others. Through training, workshops, and public speaking opportunities, members gain the skills and confidence

to influence their schools, workplaces, and communities.

“These programs are designed to elevate voices,” Whalen says. “The young people and adults we work with aren’t just participants—they’re leaders shaping the future.”

The fourth pillar, inclusive living, focuses on helping adults with IDD live full and independent lives. From learning daily living skills to exploring housing options, the program supports members in taking the steps that give them greater control over their futures.

Parents often worry about the “cliff”, what happens when school-based services end. Best Buddies works to bridge that gap by offering members the tools to live, work, and connect with others as they enter adulthood.

In a season dedicated to gratitude, Whalen points to the daily wins she sees in her work. A student making their first true friend. A new employee thriving in their first job. A young adult speaking confidently at an event. Each moment reflects the larger mission.

Four student leaders of the St Albans Best Buddies chapter at annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Indiana U

“YOU DON’T GET VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR BEING FRIENDS.”

“I tell the team I’m so grateful,” Whalen says. “The true strength of each of them, and our collective work, is knowing that the programs in the mission of Best Buddies grow stronger when we pass it forward.”

And for families who once feared an uncertain future, those programs are a reason to give thanks. “It’s really easy to be friendly to someone who’s different from you,” Whalen reminds. “It’s easy to give a smile. It’s easy to say hello. But we have to kind of make it intentional.”

All Best Buddies programs are free to participants. Best Buddies in VA & DC relies on donations and grants to fund local programs. To support: www.bestbuddies.org/vadc/donate

Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Members of the Best Buddies Va & DC staff at the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk on the National Mall
Best Buddies staff and job site partners Navy Federal Credit Union

Tips on meal prepping for less stress

Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Create Your Thanksgiving Menu

• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.

• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.

• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.

• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.

• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.

4-5 DAYS BEFORE

Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh

Groceries

• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.

• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.

• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.

2-3 DAYS BEFORE

Prep Meals & Set the Table

• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.

• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.

• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.

• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.

1 DAY BEFORE

Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks

• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.

• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.

• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.

• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!

• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON

crowd pleasing

comfort foods

Fall entertaining has never been easier than with these deliciously simple recipes.

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LANE & AMANDA STOUT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you plan to host family for holiday festivities or come together for a Friendsgiving you’ll need plenty of options to feed a crowd. Lauren Lane knows how to make everyone feel cared for and cozy. As a distinguished culinary influencer recently showcased on a Netflix cooking competition, Lauren has cemented her status as a prominent figure in the world of food and entertainment. We hope her recipes inspire you to slow down and gather around the table to feed the dreams of those you love. For tips on these comfort foods and more fall inspiration, visit Lauren-Lane.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

• 2 medium carrots, chopped in rounds

• 2 ribs celery, sliced in half moons

• 1 large (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and chopped in large chunks

• 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon, chicken flavor

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice

• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced

• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Fall Vegetable, Kale & Rice Soup

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large stock pot. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add in the chicken stock, carrots, celery, sweet potato, Herbes de Provence, bay leaf and Better than Bouillon. Stir to combine.

3. Add rice and bring to a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Add kale and mushrooms and stir gently until combined. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

5. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.

Fall Radicchio Brussels Sprouts Bacon Salad

DRESSING

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

SALAD

• 1 small head of butter lettuce, torn into pieces

• 1 small head radicchio, core removed and torn into pieces

• 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and very thinly sliced

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and finely crumbled

• 1 apple, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

• 2-3 ounces of goat cheese (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and black pepper and whisk to combine. Taste, add more salt and pepper as desired.

2. Add Brussels sprouts to a bowl and toss with a small amount of the dressing.

3. Arrange lettuces, Brussels sprouts, apples and shallots on a platter.

4. Top with bacon, nuts and goat cheese if using.

5. Drizzle with additional salad dressing, to taste.

Parmesan

Bread

Bites with Thyme Honey

INGREDIENTS

• 1 refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade pizza dough)

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (heaping)

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (use good quality Parmesan)

• Honey and a few sprigs of thyme for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Divide dough into 4 pieces.

3. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope shape. You’ll want it to be about 1 inch thick all the way around.

4. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 1-inch pieces.

5. Melt butter and add salt. Brush the tops of the bites with the butter mixture.

6. Dip the top of each piece of dough into Parmesan.

7. Bake for 15 minutes. They will be very lightly golden. Do not overbake or they will become hard.

8. Serve sprinkled with thyme leaves and honey. Garnish with sprigs of thyme.

Voted #1 in McLean, Island Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served young smiles for over a decade. From infants to teens, our gentle, personalized care makes every visit fun, friendly, and fear-free—for kids and parents alike.

10+ Years of Trusted Pediatric Care Specialized for Infants, Children & Teens State-of-the-Art, Kid-Friendly Office Compassionate, Experienced Team Join the families who trust us with their children’s smiles.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

McLean Antiques Show & Sale

McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101 | 9:00 AM

Discover fine antiques, art and collectibles, as well as the unusual from across the globe. Scores of reputable dealers can be found at this highly celebrated show of 49 years. The show features antiques, mid-century decorative accessories, furniture, folk art, porcelain, silver, jewelry, paintings and prints, glass, carpets, vintage clothing and much more.

NOVEMBER 7TH

Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Live In Concert

7750 CAPITAL ONE TOWER ROAD, TYSONS, VIRGINIA 22102 | 6:30 PM

This holiday season, discover one-of-a-kind gifts that give back. Strathmore’s Museums & Makers Holiday Market brings together the area's top museum shops and local artisans for three days of spirited shopping. Every purchase supports nonprofit museums and independent artists in our community, so your gift goes even further.

NOVEMBER 9TH

Creating Artwork with Layered Paper: Window with Flowers

McLean Project For The Arts | 1:00 PM

Learn a fun and playful paper art form in this workshop, where we'll create a charming window scene with a flower box, shutters, vines, etc. You'll use hundreds of kinds of paper to create a textured and unique piece of art. You'll rip, cut, manipulate and glue layers of paper to an 8” x 10” stretched canvas. Instructor: Ronni Jolles.

NOVEMBER 9TH

Essential Skills for Thanksgiving at Sur La Table Tysons

1711 International Drive Space 1010 McLean , VA 22102 United States | 1:00 PM

Prepare for the biggest meal of the year by mastering the essential techniques for Thanksgiving cooking! This skills-driven class will elevate your holiday cooking, ensuring you can confidently tackle any menu.

NOVEMBER 15TH

La Santa Cecilia at GMU Center for the Arts

4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 | 8:00 PM

Grammy-winning and Latin Grammy-nominated La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock, and world music. Named after the patron saint of music, La Santa Cecilia is composed of Jose ‘Pepe’ Carlos (accordion/requinto), Alex Bendaña (bass), Miguel ‘Oso’ Ramirez (percussion), and ‘La Marisoul’ (vocals).

NOVEMBER 16TH

Celebrate The Viola Music of Beethoven, Vaughan Williams and Mozart

The Barns - 1635 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 | 6:00 PM

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents a one-of-a-kind program that includes a pair of violas in every work, from Vaughan Williams’ haunting Phantasy Quintet to violist-composer Brett Dean’s gripping lament, to Mozart’s joyful and uplifting C-major quintet, one of six composed that truly put the viola quintet on the chamber music map.

Suzanne turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

McLean City Lifestyle

NOVEMBER 16TH

Shipgarten Fall Festival

7581 Colshire Dr, Tysons, VA 22102 | 1:00 PM

Come out to Shipgarten on November 16th from 1 – 6 pm for our Adult Fall Festival. Enjoy sampling a wide variety of drinks, apple cider donuts, compete in festival events for prizes, or take pictures in our photo booth- there’s something for everyone! Shipgarten is 100% dog friendly, whether on-leash or in our off-leash dog park!

NOVEMBER 23RD

Painted Leather Bag Workshop

McLean Project For The Arts, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean

Join us for a fun and creative session where you'll transform plain leather clutch bags into personalized, hand-painted works of art. Learn how to prepare leather surfaces, paint using artist-grade leather paints, and finish your piece with  professional sealer. Design a special gift or create something unique just for yourself!

NOVEMBER 26TH - 30TH

Cincinnati Ballet: The Nutcracker at The Kennedy Center

2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Cincinnati Ballet is back to enchant with its colorful, family-focused production of The Nutcracker. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a grand adventure—where no holiday is complete without a trip to the Land of Sweets!

NOVEMBER 27TH

Fairfax Turkey Trot 2025

Mantua Pool Fairfax, VA 22031 | 9:00 AM

Proceeds from the Fairfax Turkey Trot will be donated to   Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread).  For more than 30 years, Britepaths has provided help and hope to struggling residents in the Fairfax County area. Britepaths is a dedicated leader in developing sustainable solutions meeting the challenges of low-income working families through emergency assistance, financial literacy and one-onone mentoring.

NOVEMBER 29TH

Grammy Award-winning Chanticleer returns to the Center for the Arts

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus | 8:00 PM

The holidays shine brighter when Grammy Award-winning Chanticleer returns to Fairfax with Chanticleer Christmas. Welcome the "world’s reigning male chorus" back in this rich and varied program of both early works and holiday wonders. With 12 expressive voices ranging from countertenor to bass blended with precision, clarity, and breathtaking beauty, “it’s impossible to resist the voices of Chanticleer”.

DECEMBER 10TH

FLEXX Fitness Holiday Party

Flexx Fitness, 1356 Beverly Rd, McLean | 6:30 PM

Celebrate the season with FLEXX Fitness! Join us for our  holiday party open to all on Wednesday, December 10th at 6:30 PM. Enjoy raffles and door prizes, delicious food from local McLean restaurants, live music, and more. Don’t miss this festive evening of fun, food, and community!

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McLean, VA November 2025 by City Lifestyle - Issuu