There’s nothing quite like spending the holiday weekend in a new city or exploring the one you live in. You may spend weeks planning for Thanksgiving day between preparing meals and decorating your home for dinner guests, and then it’s over, and the weekend arrives. We want to help you figure out your next move, so our team at Koons Tysons Toyota compiled a list of fun things to do on Thanksgiving weekend in Washington, D.C. Your holiday weekend is sure to be a memorable one this year.
Run For America’s Trot for Hunger
On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 24, lace up your running shoes and run for America’s Trot for Hunger. This year is the 21st annual race, and the funds from the race benefit families and elders in the city. The funds go towards helping those in need gain access to food, health care, employment training, and long-term programs for comprehensive substance abuse disorders.
The morning check-in for the race begins at 8 a.m., then at 9:15 a.m. is the Little Turkey One Miler for children 10 and under. For everyone else, the 5k race starts at 9:40 a.m. When you cross the finish line, you can enjoy some celebratory activities with your friends and family members, like a family-friendly festival, live entertainment, and various tastings.
Participate in the run virtually if you can’t make it to the in-person race on Thanksgiving Day. When you take part in the race virtually, you can still raise money for the cause by completing the 5k at your own pace between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. Run the race through your neighborhood or a local park. You can submit your times, though you aren’t eligible for a prize if you complete the race virtually.
Address: 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Skate at the Washington Harbour Ice Rink
The Washington Harbour Ice Rink opens for the season on Nov. 11, just in time to enjoy over the Thanksgiving weekend. Grab your friends or family members and go ice skating while you experience the rink’s views overlooking the river. The venue offers skate rentals and skating lessons if you’re looking to learn a little more about the skills while there. There are no concession stands at the rink, but the facility is in Georgetown, which offers plenty of dining establishments close by for you to indulge in after a long day of skating in the chilly air.
General hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving week hours: Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Address: 3050 K St. NW, Washington, D.C.
See the Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra
The Kansas City Ballet presents its annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra on Nov. 23 to Nov. 27. Get into the holiday spirit before or after the Thanksgiving holiday by enjoying the classic ballet performance of The Nutcracker. You can choose the day and time you want to see the show by visiting the Center’s site. The ticket prices range from $49 to $189. You and your loved ones won’t want to miss the grand performance.
Hours: Varies by show times.
Address: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Go Black Friday Shopping at Washington Square
Once you’ve finished dinner on Thanksgiving night, get to bed early so you can go Black Friday shopping with your loved ones at Washington Square. To help get the best deals and check off your holiday list, schedule time to go shopping during the Thanksgiving holiday to help save your wallet from too much damage. Even if you don’t purchase anything during your outing, it’s fun to look at the various store displays and spend more time with good company.
Hours: Varies by the stores’ Black Friday hours.
Address: 1050 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
View the Zoo Lights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
When in the city for the holiday weekend, stop by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to view the beautiful, glowing lights in the evening. Opening weekend is Nov. 25, so it’s the perfect time to take a walk through the zoo to look at them. Based on years past, you can enjoy multi-colored lights snaking up the trees and other zoo fixtures. The zoo light exhibit closes on Dec. 30. You can find more information on the zoo’s website once the opening weekend gets closer.
General hours: Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Zoo light hours: Monday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Volunteer at the DC Central Kitchen
People often refer to the holidays as the season of giving, so give back this Thanksgiving weekend by volunteering at the DC Central Kitchen. The nonprofit seeks to help those in need by providing them with food, job training, and job creation. Get your family or friends involved to help in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day. This time of year, kitchens can become overwhelmed by many individuals arriving to eat. Help make sure everyone gets something to eat and the kitchen can run as smoothly as possible. Consider donating if you can’t physically volunteer in the kitchen.
To get involved, visit the nonprofit’s website to sign up for the waitlist. The list notifies you when the kitchen is looking for extra help. If you don’t have any cooking experience or skills, it’s okay, it’s not required. When working in the kitchen, you’ll likely complete tasks such as cutting, chopping, peeling, and preparing food. The only skills the DC Central Kitchen requires are hard work and a good attitude. Additionally, you must at least be 12 years old to volunteer.
Hours: May vary based on the day.
Address: 425 2nd St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Did we miss a classic Thanksgiving activity to enjoy on the holiday weekend? Contact us, and we’ll make sure to put it on the list for all locals, travelers, and newbies in town to enjoy. Visit us at our team at the Koons Tysons Toyota dealership in Vienna, Virginia, before heading east. The drive is about 35 minutes from Virginia to Washington, D.C., and a quick oil change may help ensure a smooth trip for you and the family. Or you can book a rental car from us while you explore the surrounding areas.
Corn Harvest by Aaron Burden is licensed with Unsplash License
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