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Thanksgiving Day Weekend in DC: Parades, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do

Kick off the holiday season with a ride on the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Photo courtesy of the B&O Railroad
Kick off the holiday season with a ride on the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Photo courtesy of the B&O Railroad
11/26/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

We can't believe Thanksgiving weekend is already here! This year, we are grateful for meaningful time with family and for all of the magical moments families will make at holiday events around DC. From Christmas lights displays like Merriweather Symphony of Lights to a festive holiday parade to taking a ride on The Polar Express, there is an activity for your entire family.

LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield, Virginia, kicks off its Holiday Bricktacular on Friday. LEGO lovers won't want to miss seasonal activities, decorations, and more ways to build memories.

If you're not quite ready for Christmas—or simply need a break from all the holiday madness—check out Sesame Street Live! Say Hello in Tysons, Virginia. However your family celebrates, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend together!

More Things To Do near DC this Week with Kids:

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It's time for light shows, like the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival! Photo courtesy of the Gaithersburg Government
It's time for light shows, like the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival! Photo courtesy of the Gaithersburg Government

Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in DC

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGO Discovery Center Washington DC

Springfield, VA - Daily, November 30 - December 30, 2024 (except December 25)
Build the best memories at Holiday Bricktacular! Families can enjoy a winter wonderland of activities, festive decorations, and more at LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC.    READ MORE

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® (at The Kennedy Center)

Washington, DC - Wednesday - Sunday, November 27 - December 1, 2024 (except November 28)
Full of warmth and holiday cheer, George Balanchine’s beloved classic The Nutcracker returns in a whimsical production from Philadelphia Ballet (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet). Marvel at the magic of swirling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanted toys. READ MORE

America's Trot for Hunger (at Freedom Plaza)

Washington, DC - Thursday, November 28, 2024
The annual Trot for Hunger 5K presented by SOME (So Others Might Eat) is the largest Turkey Trot in the DC area and the only one in the District. The 5K starts at 8:30am, and a Little Turkey one-miler begins at 7:30am. Proceeds help end homelessness and poverty in DC. READ MORE

Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden

Washington, DC - Daily, November 28, 2024 - January 5, 2025 (except December 25)
Free
The US Botanic Garden's popular holiday display returns this year with both indoor and outdoor displays. The garden-wide "Season's Greenings" features G-gauge model trains in the outdoor gardens, while the Conservatory features DC landmarks made of plants, holiday decor, and more. READ MORE

NSO Pops: Elf™ in Concert (at The Kennedy Center)

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, November 29 - December 1, 2024
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf™ in Concert! READ MORE

Festival of Trees (at Maryland State Fairgrounds)

Lutherville-Timonium, MD - Friday - Sunday, November 29 - December 1, 2024
Returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds, the Festival of Trees is a three-day holiday celebration benefiting the patients, students, and programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute. It includes gorgeously decorated trees and gingerbread houses, holiday entertainment, visits with Santa Claus, artisan vendors, and a silent auction.  READ MORE

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Gaithersburg, MD - Daily, November 29 - December 31, 2024 (except December 25)
The popular drive-thru winter lights display at Seneca Creek State Park includes more than 450 illuminated displays and beautiful lighted trees. READ MORE

Gingerbread House Contest and Show (at Darnall's Chance House Museum)

Upper Marlboro, MD - Fridays- Sundays, November 29 - December 13, 2024
Darnall’s Chance House Museum hosts an amazing display of edible gingerbread houses. Visitors can vote for their favorite entries in the Viewer’s Choice Competition. READ MORE

Holly-Days at Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD - Various dates, November 29 - December 31, 2024
Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo. This festive event includes holiday crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and more.  READ MORE

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Columbia, MD - Various dates, November 29, 2024 - January 4, 2025
The Symphony of Lights drive-thru light show is back for the holidays with one mile of beautiful light displays and holiday music. READ MORE

The Nutcracker (at The Puppet Co. Playhouse)

Glen Echo, MD - Thursdays - Sundays, November 29 - December 31, 2024
The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park presents its 36th annual performance of The Nutcracker, featuring the familiar story of Clara and the nutcracker prince with some nursery rhyme spin. READ MORE

The Polar Express™ at the B&O Railroad Museum

Baltimore, MD - Fridays - Sundays, November 29 - December 22, 2024 (also on December 12, 18, & 19)
Climb aboard The Polar Express™ at the B&O Railroad Museum for a Christmas memory you’ll cherish forever. Experience this beloved holiday tradition with a magical train ride to the North Pole, while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies served by singing chefs and receive the First Gift of Christmas from Santa. When you arrive at the North Pole, you will delight in a winter wonderland complete with dancing elves, holiday crafts, a sleigh ride, photo ops with Old St. Nick, s'mores by the firepit, and delicious treats at the Candy Cane Café.  READ MORE

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Upper Marlboro, MD - Daily, November 29, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Watkins Regional Park brings a little twinkle to the holidays with a drive-thru event featuring dazzling displays of more than 2.5 million lights throughout the park, culminating in a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree. READ MORE

Mosaic Holiday Tree Lighting & Fire Truck Parade

Fairfax, VA - Friday, November 29, 2024
Free
Head to Mosaic District's Strawberry Park for its holiday tree lighting. Families can see Santa arrive on a fire truck and meet him. READ MORE

Reston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Reston, VA - Friday, November 29, 2024
Free
The Reston Holiday Parade marches down Market Street in Reston Town Center. Featuring balloons, marching bands, antique cars, and more, the half-mile parade ends with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via horse-drawn carriage. Following the parade, kids can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Fountain Square at 6pm. READ MORE

Winter Glow at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA - Various dates, November 29 - December 23, 2024
Visit Mount Vernon for an enchanted evening of festive lights and an 18th-century holiday experience. See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, and meet holiday guest Aladdin the Camel. Visitors can also roast s’mores, play an “I Spy” game to search for General Washington hidden among the lights, and chat with people from Washington’s world to learn about 18th-century holiday traditions. READ MORE

CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting

Washington, DC - Saturday, November 30, 2024
Free
CityCenterDC's larger-than-life tree lighting features live performances, a curated holiday art tree installation, sweet surprises, and a limited-edition charitable commemorative ornament. READ MORE

The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker (at The Warner Theatre)

Washington, DC - Tuesdays - Sundays, November 30 - December 29, 2024 (except December 10 & 25)
This classic ballet has a historic twist this holiday season in one of DC's most iconic theaters, the Warner Theatre. The Washington Ballet's adaptation is set in 1882 Georgetown, with characters that include George Washington, Harriet Tubman, King George III, and others.  READ MORE

Holly Trolley Fest

Colesville, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, November 30 - December 22, 2024 (also on December 20)
The National Trolley Museum presents its annual Holly Trolley Fest. Families can ride the street cars, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a holiday model railroad display, do crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Northern Virginia Ballet's The Nutcracker

Manassas, VA - Saturday, November 30, 2024
Kick off the holiday season with the Northern Virginia Ballet’s traditional and family-friendly production of The Nutcracker. Featuring guest artists and company dancers, the performance includes exquisite costuming and Russian-produced sets. READ MORE

Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

Manassas, VA - Saturday, November 30, 2024
Free
The Old Town Manassas Christmas Market features unique gift items from over 60 local artisans and shops, baked goods, and more. READ MORE

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello at Capital One Hall

Tysons, VA - Saturday, November 30, 2024
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside favorite furry friends, all while following Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide-and-seek. Put on some dancing shoes and head to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street. READ MORE

Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair

Silver Spring, MD - Sunday, December 1, 2024
Free
Veterans Plaza hosts a festive celebration featuring seasonal artisans, delicious treats, and the joyful spirit of the season.  READ MORE

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (at Capital One Hall)

Tysons, VA - Sunday, December 1, 2024
This acclaimed holiday tradition is live in theaters again this Christmas season. The show includes larger-than-life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. The international cast features stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique.  READ MORE

Celebration of Lights at Great Falls Village Field

Great Falls, VA - Sunday, December 1, 2024
Free
Great Falls celebrates the beginning of the season at its annual Christmas tree lighting. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, performances by local school choirs, a petting zoo, and pony rides before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to light the tree at 5pm. Children are then welcome to share their holiday wishes with Santa. The evening closes with a live Nativity. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Silver Spring Veterans Plaza
Great Falls Village Centre