The weekend is almost upon us and Washingtonians are getting ready to make plans for how to spend their limited free time in one of the best cities in the country. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in (and around) D.C. this weekend, perfect for the long Thanksgiving holiday!
1. See amazing holiday flora and fauna displays at the U.S. Botanic Garden
The Garden’s amazing Season’s Greenings exhibit is back this weekend, showcasing model trains traversing through amazing displays of holiday greenery throughout the garden. Find out more on the Botanic’s website here.
When: – , G-gauge model trains circulate from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Where: 100 Maryland Avenue SW
2. Start checking things off our list of the best things to do this holiday season in D.C.
And be sure to check it twice! We’ve updated our guide to the best things to do in D.C. this holiday season, from tree lightings to holiday markets to pop-ups and more. Lots of dates and locations have finally been announced, so be sure to check it out!
3-5. Speaking of holiday markets, do some shopping
D.C.’s most beloved holiday markets are reopening, and Thanksgiving weekend makes the perfect time to get some shopping done early (especially with local businesses!).
- Downtown D.C.’s holiday market in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood has returned for its 20th year! There will be live music performances all weekend long, over 100 vendors, and special additions like raclette, rainbow s’mores, The Winter Chalet by Dirty Habit for cocktails, and more. Get all the details at DowntownDC.org.
- The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle on 19th Street, NW is now open this week as well! With a new name this year, the DC Holiday Market boasts over 30 small businesses including the popular Migue’s Mini Donuts and Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts. Find out more at DCHolidayMarket.net
- The National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series kicks off this Saturday, November 30, so pop by their selection of rotating vendors before you catch the tree light show (see #9)!
Find out all the details on hours and addresses at our holiday market guide.
6. Feel the magic at the newly opened Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
A woodland trail inspired by the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series just opened in Leesburg, VA. Inspired by the wizarding world, the Forbidden Forest will take guests through a magical woodland trail filled with curious creatures and characters from both popular series. It’s the perfect post-Halloween, pre-Christmas outdoor activity. Get tickets for the Forbidden Forest Experience here.
Where: Morven Park, Leesburg, VA
7. Take advantage of Black Friday deals for the best events around D.C.
There are some awesome deals going on for Black Friday — so take advantage and grab tickets to the most exciting events so you can back your winter schedule!
- Get 20% off Candlelight concerts
- 20% off Neon Brush: A Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Experience
- 20% off Dining in the Dark at Tysons Corner or in Arlington
- 15% off A Very Sinatra Christmas Special at the Washington Hilton
- 10% off on Candlelight gift cards
8. Purchase a Christmas tree at this pop-up market
Nall’s Produce will take over the Plaza behind Union Market for weekends through December 22, offering all the trees and wreaths you could want! Then head over to the holiday market to shop from local vendors.
9. Have a drink at D.C. Cocktail Week
D.C. Cocktail Week returns this year on Friday, November 29, celebrating “local cocktail culture through delicious cocktail and bite pairings at over 100 restaurants and bars across the Metropolitan region.” Stop by one of their participating bars/restaurants, or participate in a fun cocktail class!
When: November 29 – December 5
10. Take the family to see Claude Monet’s stunning paintings in 360°
D.C.’s highly-rated immersive Monet experience is the perfect activity if you have extra time with family this weekend and don’t know what to do! See the stunning paintings spin around you in their vibrant colors. Tickets are here.
Where: Rhode Island Center, 524 Rhode Island Ave NE
11. Check out ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
This beloved animal-tastic holiday tradition is BACK for its 16th year, also starting this weekend! Taking place outdoors on zoo grounds, admire amazing light displays of lantern animals and their glowing surroundings, alongside glittering decor, holiday treats and train rides.
See full ZooLights schedule here:
- Week 1: Friday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, Nov. 24
- Week 2: Friday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 1
- Week 3: Friday, Dec. 6 – Sunday, Dec. 8
- Week 4: Friday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 15
- Week 5: Thursday, Dec. 19 – Monday, Dec. 23
- Week 6: Thursday, Dec. 26 – Monday, Dec. 30
- Week 7: Friday, Jan. 3 – Saturday, Jan. 4
12. Go to the movies
It’s basically a classic Thanksgiving pastime to bundle up and head to the movies post-meal, and luckily this year there are tons of great releases. Check out the best flicks to see this Thanksgiving weekend here:
- Wicked
- Gladiator II
- Venom: The Last Dance
- The Wild Robot
13. Visit National Harbor for their Christmas tree light show & fireworks display
Though Thanksgiving hasn’t hit us quite yet, that hasn’t stopped the Christmas trees from going up! National Harbor in Maryland had their official lighting ceremony earlier this month, so the 60-foot wonder is up and ready! Check out their lighting every evening, and the fireworks every Saturday — more details here!
Where: 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD
14. Plan your December visit to Union Market’s gigantic rooftop “Snowglow” Dome
As D.C.’s rooftops start to winterize for the season, Hi-Lawn atop Union Market may take the cake for best transformation! Starting this December, they will unveil a 50-foot spherical dome resembling a giant snow globe, with a state-of-the-art light show within and themed cocktails and food. And though it doesn’t open until next month, tickets are now on sale! Find out more details about Snowglow at the Dome here.
Where: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC..
15. Check out ICE! at the Gaylord National Resort
After you’re done seeing the National Harbor Christmas Tree (see #1), head over to the Gaylord National Resort to witness the exquisite hand-carved ice sculptures depicting nostalgic holiday imagery, made with over two million pounds of ice. There’s also ice skating, “winter” tubing down a big frozen slide and more — find out everything about ICE! here.
Where: 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD
16. Learn about ancient Egypt at this new exhibit dedicated to the Pharoah Tutankhamun
This fascinating exhibit about King Tutankhamun and ancient Egypt has been taking D.C. by storm.
Featuring over 1,000 reconstructed items exactly how they were initially discovered when Tutankhamun’s tomb was first uncovered, the exhibit is both educational and visually compelling. Grab tickets today!
17. Unleash your inner maker at one of D.C.’s craft classes
Feeling crafty this weekend? Featuring painting, jewelry, candle-making, and beyond, these hands-on creative classes will unleash your inner maker (and reduce your screen time).
Take a look at some of our favorite DIY classes and workshops here.
18. Take a trip to the real-life Squid Game experience in NYC
Netflix’s Squid Game took the world by storm not long ago and with season 2 of this hit show slated coming out in December of this year, you’re not going to want to miss out on this incredible event happening right by Penn Station in Midtown, Manhattan! Hop on a quick AmTrak ride and complete five heart-racing challenges, followed by a Korean-inspired night market and pop-up Squid Game shop packed with limited edition merch.
Where: Midtown, Manhattan, NYC