Thanksgiving Weekend in the Washington, D.C. Area

If you are spending Thanksgiving in the Washington, D.C. area, there are plenty of places you can go to enjoy a great meal, a festive event, or even an afternoon of volunteering for a local community this year.

Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday season in the Capital Region with many wonderful seasonal activities and events across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Here are some fun things to do in the capital region during your holiday trip.

• Thanksgiving Dinner at Restaurants in the Washington, DC Area: Let someone else do the cooking this year! Here are some suggestions of nice restaurants that serve Thanksgiving dinner in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Enjoy a festive holiday meal with all the trimmings.
• Thanksgiving Dinner To Go: Pick up delicious dishes professionally prepared and spend the day with your guests, not stuck in the kitchen. Find out where to find turkey, side dishes and desserts specially prepared to go in the Washington, D.C. area.

• Black Friday in the Washington, D.C. Area: On the day after Thanksgiving, many Washington, D.C. area retailers open their doors early to attract shoppers with special deals and bargains for the holiday season. Some shopping malls and large retailers even open at midnight, so check their schedule before heading over.

• Volunteer for Thanksgiving: Find a variety of charitable organizations that need volunteers to prepare, serve and clean up holiday meals for the poor. Lend a helping had to your community. 
• Turkey Trots in the Washington, D.C. Area: A variety of organizations sponsor trots, runs and walks for fun or to raise money for the needy. Enjoy an active jaunt before your holiday feast. 

• Reston Town Center Holiday Parade: The Reston community kicks off the holiday season with a full day celebration including a holiday parade, visits with Santa, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and more on the day after Thanksgiving each year.
• Six Flags America - Holiday in the Park: The amusement park offers a holiday celebration featuring millions of glittering lights, holiday entertainment, seasonal treats, Santa’s Village, and many popular rides.
• Holiday Shows in the Washington, D.C. Area: Throughout the holiday season, you will find a wonderful lineup of live performances in D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Find "A Christmas Carol," "Season's of Light," "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," and a variety of unique holiday shows.