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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in DC: Parades, Holiday Lights, and More Things To Do

Kick off the holiday season with a ride on the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Photo courtesy of the B&O Railroad
Kick off the holiday season with a ride on the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum. Photo courtesy of the B&O Railroad
11/25/25 - By Stephanie Shipman

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 with family and for all of the magical moments families will make at holiday events around DC. From Christmas lights displays like Merriweather Symphony of Lights to a festive holiday parade to taking a ride on The Polar Express, there is an activity for your entire family.

Lots of Nutcracker shows also start this week, and Santa will soon follow! Your kids can get ahead on their lists with a breakfast with Santa at B&O Railroad Museum.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our DC events calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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It's time for light shows, like the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival! Photo courtesy of the Gaithersburg Government
It's time for light shows, like the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival! Photo courtesy of the Gaithersburg Government

Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in DC

Light Yards

Washington, DC - Daily, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - Friday, January 2, 2026
Free
Light Yards is back with another family-friendly art installation at Yards Park. This year’s holiday light installation, Swinging Bells, invites guests to become part of the artwork by prompting animated light displays and amplifying the cheerful sound of holiday bells through swinging. READ MORE

Cincinnati Ballet: The Nutcracker® (at The Kennedy Center)

Washington, DC - Wednesday - Sunday, November 26 - 30, 2025 (except November 27)
Full of warmth and holiday cheer, Cincinnati Ballet is back to enchant with its colorful, family-focused production of The Nutcracker. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a grand adventure, where no holiday is complete without a trip to the Land of Sweets! READ MORE

America's Trot for Hunger (at Freedom Plaza)

Washington, DC - Thursday, November 27, 2025
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 8:30am, and a Little Turkey one-miler begins at 7:30am. Proceeds help end homelessness and poverty in DC. READ MORE

Season's Greenings at US Botanic Garden

Washington, DC - Daily, Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026 (except December 25)
Free
Celebrate the holiday season in the US Botanic Garden's annual holiday display, with the Conservatory full of poinsettias, holiday decor, and DC landmarks made from plants. In the outdoor gardens, find festive lights and decor and a model train show. This year, G-gauge model trains will chug through displays of dinosaurs made from plant parts, including T-rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and more, plus living plants whose ancestors lived alongside them such as cycads, ferns, and magnolias. READ MORE

Festival of Trees (at Maryland State Fairgrounds)

Lutherville-Timonium, MD - Friday - Sunday, November 28 - 30, 2025
Festival of Trees is a three-day holiday celebration benefiting the patients, students, and programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Hundreds of designer-decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses will be on sale throughout the Cow Palace, which will be converted into a dazzling winter wonderland. Visitors can also enjoy holiday vendors, kids' rides, carnival games, face painting, craft making, and food trucks. READ MORE

Northern Virginia Ballet's The Nutcracker (at Hylton Performing Arts Center)

Manassas, VA - Friday, November 28, 2025
Kick off the holiday season with the Northern Virginia Ballet’s traditional and family-friendly production of The Nutcracker. Featuring guest artists and company dancers, the performance includes exquisite costuming and Russian-produced sets. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Gaithersburg, MD - Daily, Friday, November 28- Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (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

Gingerbread House Contest and Show (at Darnall's Chance House Museum)

Upper Marlboro, MD - Fridays- Sundays, November 28 - December 14, 2025
Darnall’s Chance House Museum hosts an amazing display of edible gingerbread houses. Visitors can vote for their favorite entries in the Viewer’s Choice Competition. READ MORE

Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)

Olney, MD - Various dates, Friday, November 28 - Monday, December 29,2025
The largest light show in the DC and Baltimore areas, Winter City Lights is one of the most technologically advanced Christmas light experiences in the US. It includes a 1.5-mile-long trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, a 52-foot-high programmable Christmas lights tree and light show, an eight-lane snow tubing ride, 14 bonfires, and more. READ MORE

Holly-Days at Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD - Various dates, Friday, November 28, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo. This festive event includes holiday crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and more.  READ MORE

Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park

Washington, DC - Various dates, Friday, November 28 - Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities on the field, including a tubing slide, curling lanes, a train ride, LED seesaws, putt-putt and snowball speed-throw challenges, a Northern Lights experience, a sculpture garden, and more. Grown-ups can enjoy a 21-and-over area with a hidden speakeasy.  READ MORE

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Upper Marlboro, MD - Daily, Friday, November 28, 2025 - Thursday, January 1, 2026
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

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at B&O Railroad Museum

Baltimore, MD - Various dates, Friday, November 28 - Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Whether you’re starting a family tradition, planning a festive date night, or celebrating with friends, The Polar Express Train Ride brings the spirit of Christmas to life—for all who believe. This adventure includes live performances, hot chocolate and a sugar cookie, a special moment with Santa presenting the First Gift of Christmas, and continued magic at the North Pole with holiday crafts, cozy s’mores, and festive shopping. READ MORE

Mosaic Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Fire Truck Parade

Fairfax, VA - Friday, November 28, 2025
Free
Head to Mosaic District's Strawberry Park for its holiday tree lighting. Families can enjoy live music and see Santa arrive on a fire truck and meet him. READ MORE

Reston Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Reston, VA - Friday, November 28, 2025
Free
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. Following the parade, kids can meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Fountain Square at 6pm. READ MORE

CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting

Washington, DC - Saturday, November 29, 2025
Free
CityCenterDC's larger-than-life tree lighting features live performances, a curated holiday art tree installation, sweet surprises, and a limited-edition charitable commemorative ornament. READ MORE

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Columbia, MD - Various dates, Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Saturday, January 3, 2026
The Symphony of Lights drive-thru light show is back for the holidays with one mile of beautiful light displays and holiday music. READ MORE

The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker (at The Warner Theatre)

Washington, DC - Tuesdays - Sundays, November 29 - December 28, 2025 (except December 25)
This classic ballet has 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

Holly TrolleyFest at the National Capital Trolley Museum

Colesville, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 - December 21, 2025
The National Trolley Museum presents its annual Holly TrolleyFest. Families can ride the street cars, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a holiday model railroad display, do crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

Manassas, VA - Saturday, November 29, 2025
Free
The Old Town Manassas Christmas Market features unique gift items from over 60 local artisans and shops, baked goods, and more. READ MORE

Ravel Dance Company presents The Nutcracker (at Capital One Hall)

Tysons, VA - Saturday, November 29, 2025
The Ravel Dance Company presents the beloved holiday tradition The Nutcracker. Featuring lavish costumes and magical dancing, the show is a treat for ballet lovers of all ages. READ MORE

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (at Capital One Hall)

Tysons, VA - Sunday, November 30, 2025
This acclaimed holiday tradition is live in theaters again this Christmas season. The show includes larger-than-life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. The international cast features stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique.  READ MORE

National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show

National Harbor, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 - December 21, 2025
Free
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show series. The market offers something unique every day with a rotating selection of talented artisans and crafters, along with an array of delectable holiday sweets and desserts. Come immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy delightful treats. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at B&O Railroad

Baltimore, MD - Sunday, November 30, 2025
Our favorite guest, Santa, is visiting the B&O, and he is hungry! Join him for a breakfast buffet to welcome the holiday season. Bring out the family for a delicious meal, a visit with Santa (and a special gift for every child), special photos, and a train ride!  READ MORE
Take your pick of holiday light shows this Thanksgiving weekend, like Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens. Photo by Tony Ventouris via Montgomery Parks
Take your pick of holiday light shows this Thanksgiving weekend, like Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens. Photo by Tony Ventouris via Montgomery Parks

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Places featured in this article:

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center