From glittering light shows to neighborhood parades and open‑air markets, the D.C. area is gearing up for a packed Thanksgiving weekend. As relatives fly in, college students return home and visitors head for the nation’s capital, the region offers far more than a plate of turkey and a TV full of football. NBC4 Washington’s “The Weekend Scene” has gathered more than a dozen ideas for enjoying the long holiday — from classic turkey trots and parades to winery day trips, historic tours and early‑bird holiday shopping. Here’s a fresh look at what to do across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia this Thanksgiving weekend.
Family fun: turkey trots, parades and holiday lights around D.C.
This extended weekend brings an entire menu of family‑friendly traditions: crisp morning runs, small‑town parades and after‑dark light displays that turn parks into glowing wonderlands.
Set your alarm for Thanksgiving morning and join neighborhood turkey trots from Arlington to Silver Spring. Many races now include kids’ fun runs, stroller‑specific start waves and contests for the best themed costumes, so even non‑runners can get in on the fun. A growing number of these events also support local food pantries, asking participants to bring canned goods or other nonperishable donations along with their race bibs.
By late morning and into the early afternoon, community parades roll through local main streets with school marching bands, colorful floats, vintage cars and oversized character balloons. These hometown processions give families a front‑row view of all the pageantry without the gridlock and crowd sizes of major city parades, making them ideal for younger children.
Once the sun goes down, parks, fairgrounds and town centers across the region light up. Drive‑through holiday light shows offer tunnels of color and animated displays you can enjoy without leaving the car — a hit with toddlers, grandparents and anyone who prefers to stay cozy. Walkable light trails transform wooded paths into glowing corridors synchronized to soundtracks of holiday favorites, complete with hot chocolate stands, snack huts and photo backdrops.
Many venues are offering extended hours, timed entry windows and discounts for children to help spread out the crowds and keep evenings mellow. Planning ahead for tickets and parking is recommended, especially for headline events that typically sell out.
- Neighborhood turkey trots with kids’ races, costume themes and charity drives.
- Community parades showcasing school bands, civic groups and local heroes.
- Drive‑through light shows perfect for families with young kids and multigenerational groups.
- Walkable light trails featuring snack kiosks, hot beverages and festive photo spots.
| Event Type | Best For | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Trot | Active families, morning people | Thanksgiving morning |
| Parade | All ages, stroller‑friendly | Late morning to early afternoon |
| Light Display | Evening outings, photo seekers | After sunset all weekend |
Inside D.C.: holiday markets, ice skating and festive pop‑ups
Across the District, plazas, parks and rooftops are turning into seasonal playgrounds for visitors and locals alike. Timed with the Thanksgiving break, Washington’s holiday programming is designed to be walkable, social and easy to pair with sightseeing.
In downtown D.C., European-style holiday markets showcase local artisans, small‑batch food producers and specialty importers. You’ll find handcrafted jewelry, winter accessories, regional treats and plenty of hot drinks to keep your hands warm while you browse. Many markets now include dedicated zones for kids’ crafts or cookie‑decorating, making them a low‑key daytime outing for families.
Just a short walk away, outdoor rinks invite visitors to enjoy ice skating under skyline views. Some rinks host DJ nights, themed music sessions and occasional skating performances, turning an ordinary lap around the ice into an event in its own right. Skate rentals, lockers and warming areas are typically available on site.
For an evening with a bit more sparkle, check out rooftop pop-ups and “winter lodge” bars. These spots lean into over‑the‑top décor — think oversized ornaments, faux snow and shimmering light installations — and serve seasonal cocktails and mocktails with sweeping views of the city. Reservations are often recommended, especially on holiday weekends.
Along the river, waterfront promenades are hosting seasonal festivals with live music, artisan stalls, fire pits and occasional fireworks or drone shows. With the latest travel surveys showing that more Americans are prioritizing experiences over gifts, these open‑air spaces are increasingly popular stops for groups who want to combine dining, shopping and sightseeing in one place.
- Downtown holiday markets highlighting small businesses, cocoa and coffee bars, and handmade gifts.
- Outdoor ice rinks with skyline views, special‑theme skate sessions and on‑site rentals.
- Rooftop pop-ups offering seasonal drinks, photo‑ready décor and city panoramas.
- Waterfront promenades with artisan vendors, fire features and family‑friendly performances.
| Spot | Highlight | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Market Hub | Independent makers & live carols | Afternoons |
| City Center Rink | Evening skating with city lights | Evenings |
| Waterfront Alley | Street food stalls & fire pits | Twilight |
| Rooftop Lodge | Festive cocktails & skyline views | Late night |
Virginia escapes: winery tastings, small‑town charm and nearby outdoor adventures
If you’re ready for a quick change of scenery, Virginia offers an array of easy getaways within a short drive of downtown D.C. Rolling hills in Loudoun, Fauquier and the Shenandoah region are dotted with wineries and tasting rooms that stay busy through Thanksgiving weekend. Many are keeping patios open with fire pit seating, offering mulled wine or seasonal sangrias and scheduling live acoustic sets throughout the afternoon.
Charming small towns are also in full holiday mode. Expect tree lightings, artisan craft fairs and parades that feel like they’re straight out of a movie set — but remain comfortably within day‑trip distance of the Beltway. Local shops and galleries typically extend hours, and many cafés roll out special brunch menus to capture the long‑weekend crowds.
For travelers who prefer fresh air, Virginia’s nearby mountains and rivers provide plenty of room to roam. The Blue Ridge and Shenandoah areas offer late‑fall hikes with sweeping views, while riverside bike paths and scenic overlooks are ideal for low‑key outings between bigger gatherings. Family‑friendly farms round out the options with hayrides, petting zoos and seasonal treats ranging from kettle corn to hot cider doughnuts.
- Wine country tastings with heated patios, reservation‑only cellar tours and local cheese pairings.
- Main street celebrations featuring local bands, makers’ markets and pop‑up galleries.
- Outdoor adventures including Blue Ridge hikes, riverside biking and panoramic overlooks.
- Family-friendly farms offering hayrides, animal encounters and classic fall snacks.
| Destination | Approx. Drive from D.C. | Weekend Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Middleburg, VA | 1 hour | Holiday market & boutique winery tastings |
| Leesburg, VA | 50 minutes | Historic downtown stroll & nearby vineyards |
| Shenandoah Valley | 2 hours | Scenic hikes & rustic tasting rooms |
Maryland moments: historic tours, waterfront festivals and Black Friday alternatives
Across Maryland, communities along the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac are ushering in the holidays with a blend of history, waterfront views and locally focused shopping.
Historic districts in Annapolis, Frederick and along the C&O Canal are opening their doors for special seasonal programming. Think candlelit mansion tours guided by costumed interpreters, live period music echoing through restored rooms and steaming cups of hot cider served alongside tables of regional crafts. Many of these events are timed specifically for the Thanksgiving weekend, offering a quieter alternative to crowded malls.
On the water, destinations from National Harbor to coastal towns on the Eastern Shore are staging illuminated boat parades, dockside concerts and outdoor igloo lounges. Strings of lights, projected animations and decorated vessels turn harbors into glowing backdrops — especially striking on clear, chilly nights.
At the same time, many Maryland communities are leaning into “shop small” initiatives as an antidote to traditional Black Friday lines. Instead of queueing up at big‑box stores, visitors are encouraged to explore independent boutiques, art galleries and cafés that give each town its character. Open‑air markets and maker fairs highlight Maryland‑made foods, art and home goods, with local tourism groups emphasizing that every purchase helps keep dollars in the community.
- Historic home tours with candlelight, costumed guides and live string ensembles.
- Harbor light displays featuring decorated boats, light projections and waterfront music.
- Artisanal markets celebrating Maryland‑made gifts, snacks and beverages.
- Family activities such as carriage rides, outdoor story hours and harbor‑side games.
| Area | Highlight | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Annapolis | Candlelit historic tours | Colonial, intimate |
| National Harbor | Illuminated boat parade | Lively, waterfront |
| Frederick | Shop‑small main street stroll | Festive, local |
The conclusion
Whether you’re entertaining out‑of‑town visitors, hoping to launch a new family tradition or simply making the most of an extra day off, the Washington, D.C. region offers no shortage of options this Thanksgiving weekend. From twinkling light displays and outdoor ice rinks to winery escapes, museum events and small‑business shopping, the area is packed with ways to mark the start of the holiday season.
Full details — including schedules, ticketing information and any weather‑related updates — are available on our website and NBC4 apps. However you decide to spend the long weekend, bundle up, plan ahead and stay with News4 for everything happening across the Washington area.
