Thanksgiving is all about bringing loved ones together, and the DMV has plenty of ways to do it, some of which may or may not include a turkey! Check out the day’s lineup of family-friendly happenings:
Lace up your skates and hit the ice! Ice skating is the perfect way to burn off that Thanksgiving feast; just check the weather before you head out to one of these rinks:
- District Wharf ∙ Washington, DC
- Harris Pavilion ∙ Manassas
- National Landing ∙ Arlington
- Reston Town Center ∙ Reston
- Sculpture Garden @ the National Gallery of Art ∙ Washington, DC
- & many more…
Get your twinkle fix on Thanksgiving night! These holiday light displays are already glowing, whether you’d rather stroll under a starlit sky or cruise from the comfort of your car:
- Nov 11-Jan 3, 2027
Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights ∙ Vienna - Nov 14-Jan 3, 2027
Bull Run Festival of Lights ∙ Centreville - Nov 14-Jan 3, 2027
Cameron Run Bright Nights ∙ Alexandria - Nov 20-Jan 3, 2027
ZooLights @ National Zoo ∙ Washington, DC - & many more…
You never know what the weather will bring to the DMV, but if the temperature’s right and you’re up for an adventure, try hitting up one of these parks or trails:
Great Falls Park
Wander along one of the nation’s first canals, see the Great Falls of the Potomac, enjoy a hike along Mather Gorge’s dramatic clifftops, and more at this National Park. Three overlooks are just a five- to ten-minute walk from the visitor center and parking lots.
NOVA Parks’ Trails
From paved routes to earthen paths, NOVA Parks boasts more than two dozen trails throughout Northern Virginia.
Start the day with a little friendly competition! Kick off Thanksgiving morning with one of these Turkey Trots and fun runs for the whole family:
- Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day 10K, 5K, 2K ∙ Ashburn
- Nov 26: Virginia Run Turkey Trot ∙ Centreville
- Nov 26: Fairfax Turkey Trot ∙ Fairfax
- Nov 26: Burke Lake Turkey Trot ∙ Fairfax Station
- Nov 26: Turkey Day 5K ∙ Reston
- & many more…
Settle in with one of these new flicks for a range of ages, hitting theaters and streaming around Thanksgiving:
Steps
PG ∙ Streaming on Netflix: Nov 20, 2026
Steps flips the Cinderella story, giving the “evil” stepsisters their turn in the spotlight. Blamed for magical chaos at the Royal Ball, Lilith accidentally turns her sister into a frog and must team up with Cinderella and a troll to save the kingdom and prove villains deserve happy endings too.
Way of the Warrior Kid
PG-13 ∙ Streaming on Apple TV: Nov 20, 2026
Middle schooler Marc is battling self-doubt and relentless bullies. When his injured Navy SEAL uncle moves in for the summer, Marc learns the discipline, resilience, and inner strength to transform his confidence.
Hexed
PG ∙ In Theaters: Nov 25, 2026
Sixteen-year-old Billie Doe’s hidden powers send her hurtling out of suburbia and into Hexe, a realm of witches. With her cautious mom and a surly three-eyed cat in tow, Billie uncovers family secrets that could change the witching world forever.
Hershey
PG ∙ In Theaters: Nov 26, 2026
Hershey tells the true story of Milton Hershey, the candy maker who bounced back from bankruptcy to build the world’s most famous chocolate empire. At its heart is his love story with his wife, Kitty, who inspired their boldest dream: leaving their fortune to help America’s orphans.
These special destinations are open on Thanksgiving Day.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA
Did you know Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year? Open to the public since 1860, it’s the former plantation estate and burial place of our first president. Save by purchasing admission online in advance.
National Zoo
Washington, DC
Take a walk with some wildlife at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Say hi to the bears, elephants, and tigers, and even meet a monkey or two! Admission’s free, but you’ll need to reserve an entry pass online.
Washington Monument
Washington, DC
Ride the elevator to the observation level for sweeping views of the National Mall, the US Capitol, and beyond. Tickets are required for everyone ages 2 and up and go quickly, so reserve yours online ahead of time.
Season’s Greenings @ US Botanic Garden
Washington, DC
Be among the first to see the Botanic Garden’s beloved holiday display, which opens on Thanksgiving Day. Model trains chug past more than 35 national parks and historic places, while inside the Conservatory, DC landmarks re-created from dried plant materials are surrounded by poinsettias. Admission’s free, and no tickets are required.
Smithsonian Museums
The holidays are a great time for a museum day, and these free Smithsonian museums are open on Thanksgiving:
- Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Timed entry passes req’d for select exhibitions - Air & Space Museum
Timed entry passes req’d - Museum of American History
No passes req’d - Museum of African American History & Culture
Timed entry passes req’d - Museum of Natural History
No passes req’d - Air & Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly ∙ No passes req’d; parking is fee-based
See the full list of Smithsonian museum hours.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
