Spending the Holidays away from home with loved ones is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday, and Washington, District of Columbia, offers a plethora of exciting opportunities for you to participate in memorable occasions and pursuits during your time away.
These ten items will help you get the most out of your time spent in this iconic American city, whether your goal is to enjoy some of the most delicious cuisines in the country or to see some of the most significant historical sites in the United States.
1. Zoolight DC
The National Zoo hosts an event called Zoolight DC every year for the family to come and enjoy a stroll through the zoo while listening to live music, making arts and crafts, interacting with animals, playing games, listening to stories, taking wagon rides, and much more! During the winter holiday season, attendees will have the opportunity to have a fully comprehensive experience of nature. As you make your way through the grounds of the zoo with your loved ones and friends, you may watch the animals come out for feeding time, listen to a story being read on the outdoor stage, or pause at one of the numerous photo chances along the way.
At each location, you will be greeted by staff members who will offer activities that are appropriate for different age groups, ensuring that there is something enjoyable for everyone. Additionally, keep your eyes open for some fairly charming animal characters like the Snow Bunny and the Jolly Elf who are sure to make this event even more cheerful. These creatures are guaranteed to make an appearance at this event. The event is free to attend for anyone who has already paid to enter the National Zoo. If you would like to remain in the area over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, you can find nearby lodging at locations such as the Washington Marriott Wardman Park (which is only two miles away from the National Zoo), the Embassy Suites Washington D.C. Convention Center (which is four miles away from the National Zoo), or the Hotel Lombardy (7 miles away from the National Zoo).
2. Holiday Market At Union Market
November is a time for family, friends, and holiday cheer. Union Market hosts their annual Holiday Market from November 16th through December 23rd, with food, wine, artisans’ gifts, live music, and more! Spend the day browsing local vendors or stopping by for a glass of wine with friends. Catch a few tunes as you shop while sipping on an espresso martini (or two) at Lighthouse Bar & Grill. Wrap up your day with one of several dinner events hosted by Union Market restaurants including Jaleo, Honey Pig BBQ, and Daikaya Ramen Bar.
3. Reston Town Center Holiday Parade
Reston Town Center do host an annual Holiday Parade. The parade is open to the public and will include floats, bands, cheerleaders, clowns, dancers, stilt-walkers and more! Spectators can also enjoy other festive activities such as face painting, balloon twisting, arts & crafts with Santa’s helpers. The annual Reston Holiday Parade is a one-of-a-kind procession that travels along Market Street for an hour and a half and also celebrates the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. The parade takes place on the day following Thanksgiving, no matter the weather, as it has been a tradition every year. Rides on the Mini-Train will be available until 4:30 p.m. after the procession. At six o’clock, the Clauses will be back for the lighting of the tree in Fountain Square. Following that, from six in the evening until ten at night, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides down Market Street. Charities in the community will benefit from the money raised by the carriage rides. Also, keep in mind that the world-famous Ice Skating Pavilion will be open throughout the whole holiday season.
4. U.S. Botanic Gardens
The U.S. Botanic Gardens is an oasis of greenery on the National Mall with a diverse collection of plant life from all over the world. With everything from desert cacti to a 4,600-year-old cypress tree, this botanical treasure is perfect for a stroll while taking in one of the most beautiful spots in Washington, DC.
5. Embrace The Black Friday Sales In Washington DC: Tyson Corner Center, Tyson’s II, City Center, Tanger Outlets (National Harbor), Pentagona City Mall
Retailers have some of their busiest periods of the year throughout the Holiday season as customers search for the ideal gift at a competitive price. If you need to finish your holiday shopping, Washington, DC, has many locations where you can discover the ideal item without spending a fortune. among which some are mentioned above.
6. Learn History: American History Museum, Native American Museum, African American History Museum
The American History Museum, the Native American Museum, and the African American History Museum are all located close to one another on the National Mall, making it easy to visit all three. During your trip, you will have the opportunity to not only learn about the varied parts of our country’s history but also to investigate the rich heritage of the country’s many different populations.
7. Volunteer At A Soup Kitchen
Volunteering at a soup kitchen is a great way to spend your time while giving back to the community. It’s also a great way to make new friends, which makes it easier when you’re living abroad for the first time and may not have many people around you. Volunteering also allows you to learn about other cultures and traditions as you prepare food for those who may be less fortunate than yourself. You can visit any of these places to volunteer over Thanksgiving: The District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH), the Samaritan Women’s Thrift Store, Martha’s Table, or DC Central Kitchen.
8. Attend A Concert Or Catch A Play At A D.C. Theater: The Kennedy Center Opera House, The Hamilton Theater, The Warner Theater, Ford’s Theater
Attending a concert or catching a show at one of the many theaters here in the nation’s capital is a great way to spend some time with your family during Thanksgiving week. The Kennedy Center Opera House, The Hamilton Theater, The Warner Theater, and Ford’s Theater are all performing arts venues that have something on stage for everyone.
9. Go Ice Skating At The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Ice skating at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, no matter what your skill level may be. The Gaylord National Resort welcomes visitors to an elite experience in the center of the National Harbor from its position on the banks of the Potomac River. A short drive from Old Town Alexandria and Washington, D.C., the resort is close to National Harbor’s restaurants and attractions, including The Capital Wheel, MGM National Harbor, and Tanger Outlets. It is the ultimate retreat thanks to its freshly refurbished guest rooms and suites, 19-story indoor garden Atrium, renowned steakhouse, an award-winning spa, and rooftop lounge. The ideal location for both pleasure and business travelers, Gaylord National offers year-round resort entertainment and a wide range of eating options. The venue offers 1,886 lovely guest rooms, 110 magnificent suites, and over 546,000 square feet of versatile conference space for anyone organizing or attending their upcoming event. You may make life-long experiences at Gaylord National, which is in a great location with plenty of dining and entertainment options.
10. Turkey Run’s And Trots : Arlington Turkey Trot, Alexandria Turkey Trot, Gingerbread Man Mile
On the day of Thanksgiving, participants can choose to run or walk in the Arlington Turkey Trot, with the revenues from the event going to the Arlington Food Assistance Center. The Turkey Trot in Alexandria is a community event open to people of all ages. After the race, participants will have the opportunity to dress up in costumes and enjoy a day filled with games, activities, food, and live entertainment. Families that are interested in taking part should get in touch with the Participating Organization that is located closest to them as soon as possible to complete the registration process. On the morning of Thanksgiving, the Gingerbread Man Mile will take place in Washington, DC. This event has become an annual tradition that provides runners and their families with the opportunity to participate in this merry event while also supporting wonderful charities such as the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
