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Thanksgiving Weekend in DC: ZooLights, Bluey's Big Play, and More Fun Things To Do with Kids

Bluey fans will delight in seeing Bluey’s Big Play. Photo by Darren Thomas
Bluey fans will delight in seeing Bluey’s Big Play. Photo by Darren Thomas
11/22/22 - 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 together with family, and there are loads of holiday events kicking off around DC to help you create magical memories. Enjoy dazzling Christmas lights shows like ZooLights at the National Zoo and the Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park. Take in a festive holiday parade in Reston. Or check out the popular (and free) holiday display at the US Botanic Garden.

If you're not quite ready for Christmas—or simply need a break from all the holiday madness—check out Disney's Frozen in Concert or Bluey's Big Play. However your family celebrates, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend together!

Don’t miss our lists of family-friendly holiday volunteering opportunities near DC, the best holiday and Christmas events near DC for kids and families in 2022, and the best things to do in Washington, DC in November with kids.

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See dazzling acrobatics at Cirque: Sprit of Christmas at the Gaylord National. Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
See dazzling acrobatics at Cirque: Sprit of Christmas at the Gaylord National. Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in DC

America's Trot for Hunger

Washington, DC - Thursday, November 24
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 9:40am, and a Little Turkey one-miler begins at 9:15am. Proceeds help end homelessness and poverty in DC. The fun begins at 8am and includes live music and games for kids. READ MORE

Bluey’s Big Play at The Kennedy Center

Washington, DC - Tuesday - Sunday, November 22-27
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time-out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans. Adapted from the children's television series, Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation featuring the Heelers brought to life through puppets. READ MORE

Kansas City Ballet: The Nutcracker

Washington, DC - Wednesday - Sunday, November 23-27
Kansas City Ballet’s seasonal tradition, The Nutcracker, returns to the Kennedy Center Opera House. The company’s production promises grandeur, laughter, and a snowfall of holiday magic as audiences relive their favorite moments. READ MORE

Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden

Washington, DC - Thursday, November 24 - Monday, January 2, 2023 (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

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Columbia, MD - Thursday, November 24 - Sunday, January 1, 2023
The Symphony of Lights drive-thru light show is back for the holidays with one mile of beautiful light displays and holiday music. On November 27, December 6 (dogs welcome), and December 31 (fireworks), families can walk through the light display for an additional fee. READ MORE

Reston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Reston, VA - Friday, November 25
Now in its 31st year, 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. READ MORE

Mosaic Holiday Tree Lighting & Firetruck Parade

Fairfax, VA - Friday, November 25
Head to Mosaic District's Strawberry Park for its holiday tree lighting. Families can see Santa arrive on a fire truck, meet him, and watch Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. READ MORE

NSO Pops: Disney’s Frozen in Concert

Washington, DC - Friday & Saturday, November 25 & 26
Journey back to Arendelle as the National Symphony Orchestra performs the score of Disney's Frozen while audience members watch the film. This award-winning film dazzles with the live music of the NSO, conducted by Steven Reineke. READ MORE

Festival of Trees

Lutherville-Timonium, MD - Friday - Sunday, November 25-27
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 and kicks off the most wonderful time of the year.  READ MORE

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

Mount Vernon, VA - Fridays & Saturdays through December 17
Visit with Martha Washington and other 18th-century residents of Mount Vernon in a 45-minute candlelit tour of the historic area at Mount Vernon, followed by a reception with live music, cider, and cookies. READ MORE

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Washington, DC - Various dates through December 30
This annual festive event features a variety of attractions including light shows, musical performances, inflatable slides, a train ride, and an outdoor market. ZooLights is free but timed passes must be reserved in advance. READ MORE

The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker

Washington, DC - Wednesdays - Sundays through December 30
Watch the classic ballet with 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

Enchant Christmas

Washington, DC - Friday, November 25 - Sunday, January 1
Enchant Christmas includes a giant light maze, a magical ice skating trail, a kids' play place, live music, and a Christmas market and eatery. Kids can also have professional photos taken with Santa and enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Washington, DC - Friday, November 25 - Sunday, January 1, 2023
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

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Gaithersburg, MD - Friday, November 25 - Saturday, December 31 (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

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas

National Harbor, MD - Friday, November 25 - Saturday, December 31
This Broadway-style Christmas show featuring dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts centers around Noel, a child dismayed and distressed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Trying to recapture her lost love of the season, she is visited by spirits who bring back the true meaning of the season in energetic, dreamlike chapters. READ MORE

CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting

Washington, DC - Saturday, November 26
NBC 4 anchor Eun Yang emcees the lighting of the 75-foot holiday tree at The Park at CityCenter, one of the largest in the city, with more than 150,000 lights and 4,500 ornaments. Guests can also enjoy live music, face painting, balloon art, and treats. READ MORE

Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

Manassas, VA - Saturday, November 26
The Old Town Manassas Christmas Market features unique gift items from over 60 local artisans and shops, baked goods, and more. READ MORE

A Visit With Santa

Chantilly, VA - Saturday, November 26
Visit with Santa in front of an open-hearth fire at Sully Historic Site and make an ornament for the tree at home. READ MORE

Georgetown GLOW

Washington, DC - Saturday, November 26 - Sunday, January 22, 2023
The eighth edition of GLOW returns to winter this year. Set against the backdrop of Georgetown, GLOW is the area's only free, curated outdoor public light art experience.  READ MORE

The Queen's Cartoonists Holiday Hurrah!

Fairfax, VA - Sunday, November 27
This fun and festive performance shows projected clips of holiday-related cartoons and films while musical ensemble The Queen's Cartoonists play live. The show includes traditional holiday songs, jazz arrangements, and classic cartoon characters such as Betty Boop, Bugs Bunny, and Popeye. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Kennedy Center Opera House
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Prince William Street Commuter Lot
George Mason University Center for the Arts