Things to Do DC

List: What to do in the Washington DC area for Thanksgiving week 2024

Events, free things to do, festivals and more fun ideas in D.C., Maryland and Virginia this week

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If you're spending the week of Thanksgiving in the Washington, D.C., area, you have endless holiday fun to enjoy.

Even on Thanksgiving Day, you can visit Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo and several holiday light displays.

Plus, many of our favorite ice rinks are open for the season. Check out the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden rink, The Wharf’s ice rink and the Washington Harbour rink on the Georgetown waterfront in D.C.

Other options include Rockville Town Square and Silver Spring’s Veterans Plaza in Maryland, or Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating at National Landing in Arlington. In Alexandria, The Winter Village at Cameron Run skating rink opens Friday.

Here's what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

The Wharf Ice Rink opens: Weds., noon to 8 p.m., The Wharf, $25 for adult admission with skates

"Season's Greenings" holiday exhibit: Thurs., Nov. 28 to Jan. 5, U.S. Botanic Garden, free

Light Yards: Open nightly, 5-10 p.m., through Jan. 1, The Yards DC in Southeast D.C., free

Native American Heritage Day —Honoring Zitkala-Ša with Hoop Dancer Starr Chief Eagle: Fri. at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall, free

Broadway Rave Feat. Ryan McCartan from Wicked: Fri., 9:30 Club, $20

Film with Live Orchestra: "Elf" in Concert: Fri., Sat. and Sun., The Kennedy Center, $34 to $99

DC Cocktail Week: Begins Fri., various restaurants in the District

The Black Market Creatives Showcase: Sat., 1-6 p.m., Anacostia Arts Center in Southeast D.C., free

Bridge District Holiday Tree Lot with free hot drinks: Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 and Dec. 7-8, Sandlot Anacostia, free entry

A Right Proper Makers Market & Beer Release: Fri., Right Proper Brewing Company in Northwest D.C., free admission

the charli parti: Sat., 10 p.m., 9:30 Club, $22

EU featuring Sugar Bear and The Chuck Brown Band: Sat., doors at 6:30 p.m., The Hamilton, $37.37 (including fees)

CityCenterDC tree lighting: Sat., 5-7 p.m., The Park at CityCenter, free

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show: Sat., doors 6:30 p.m., The Lincoln Theatre, $49 to $299

Qatar Grand Prix watch party at F1 Arcade: Sun., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 420 Penn Street NE, $43 (GA) or $131 (grandstand)

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" with Eric Byrd Trio: Sun., shows at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., The Hamilton, $19.49-$31.18

“A Christmas Carol”: Through Dec. 31, Ford’s Theatre, $37+

Frosted at Franklin Park: Illumination: Open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, 1315 I Street NW, free

Holiday caroling at the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.: Most nights through Dec. 23 from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.


What to do in Maryland

Winter Lights Walk & Wag: Mon, 6-9 p.m., Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, $10 per person (free for dogs and kids 3 and under)

Winter Lights Festival: Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, $15-$25 per vehicle

25th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Show: Noon to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15, Darnall's Chance House Museum in Upper Marlboro, $2 per person (free for kids 4 and under)

National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series: Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free entry

Commanders vs. Titans: Sun., 1 p.m., Northwest Stadium in Landover

Holiday Movies on the Potomac – “The Muppet Christmas Carol”: Sun., National Harbor, free

“A Hanukkah Carol” (or “Gelt Trip! The Musical”): Through Dec. 22, Round House Theatre in Bethesda, $50+


What to do in Virginia

Winter Wonderland in the Little City: Tues., 5:30 p.m., Founders Row in Falls Church, free

Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday: Fri., Alexandria, free to participate

Reston Holiday Parade and tree lighting: Fri., parade at 11 a.m. and lighting at 6 p.m., Reston Town Center, free

Holiday Tree Lighting + Santa Firetruck Parade: Fri., 6-9 p.m., Strawberry Park in Fairfax, free

Arlington Turkey Trot: Thurs., 8 a.m., Start Line at Lyon Park Community Center, $50 (adult)/$25 (children)

Winter Glow: Sat. and Sun. (Plus Dec. 15-19 and 23), Mount Vernon, $54 (adult)

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