Thanksgiving Day is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re looking for traditional celebrations, outdoor adventures, festive events, or luxury dining, the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area offers a variety of ways to enjoy the holiday.
From Thanksgiving feasts at top restaurants to scenic outdoor activities and holiday parades, this guide highlights the best things to do in the DMV region on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
🦃 Celebrate Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C.
1. Attend the Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade
📍 Location: Downtown Washington, D.C.
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Kick off Thanksgiving with giant balloons, live performances, and festive floats at D.C.’s Annual Thanksgiving Parade. This family-friendly event includes:
- Marching bands from across the country
- Costumed performers and local celebrities
- Giant character balloons and themed floats
🎟️ Admission: Free
2. Explore the National Mall with Fewer Crowds
📍 Location: National Mall
🕘 Best Time: Morning or Afternoon
Take a peaceful stroll through Washington, D.C.’s most iconic landmarks, including:
- Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool
- Washington Monument
- World War II Memorial
🚲 Pro Tip: Rent a bike to cover more ground while enjoying the crisp autumn air.
3. Dine at a Luxury Restaurant for Thanksgiving Dinner
📍 Best Areas: Georgetown, Downtown D.C., The Wharf
Several high-end restaurants offer Thanksgiving specials featuring gourmet holiday menus. Top choices include:
- The Lafayette at The Hay-Adams – A luxurious dining experience with roasted turkey, truffle stuffing, and wine pairings.
- Blue Duck Tavern – Known for its farm-to-table holiday menu featuring applewood-smoked turkey and autumn desserts.
- Fiola Mare – An Italian-inspired Thanksgiving menu with a seafood twist.
🛎️ Reservations required – book early for the best seating.
4. Ice Skating at The Wharf
📍 Location: The Wharf Ice Rink
🕘 Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Glide across the ice at one of D.C.’s most scenic ice rinks. The Wharf’s rink offers:
- Beautiful waterfront views
- Festive holiday lights and music
- Nearby fire pits and hot chocolate stands
🎟️ Admission: $12 per person, skate rentals available.
5. Visit the Smithsonian Museums (Select Locations Open)
📍 Location: National Museum of American History, National Gallery of Art
🕘 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
While many museums close on Thanksgiving, some remain open for visitors. Explore:
- The First Thanksgiving Exhibit at the National Museum of American History
- Classic and modern art at the National Gallery of Art
🎟️ Admission: Free
🦃 Best Thanksgiving Activities in Maryland
6. Thanksgiving Brunch or Dinner in Annapolis
📍 Location: Annapolis, MD
Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with waterfront views at top-rated restaurants like:
- Chart House – Offering seafood and traditional turkey dinner options.
- Blackwall Hitch – Known for its Thanksgiving buffet with local Chesapeake flavors.
7. Go on a Thanksgiving Day Hike at Great Falls
📍 Location: Great Falls National Park, Potomac, MD
🕘 Best Time: Early morning
Get outside and enjoy the crisp autumn air with a scenic hike at Great Falls. Highlights include:
- Breathtaking waterfall views
- Family-friendly hiking trails
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
🎟️ Entry Fee: $20 per vehicle
8. Shop Early at Premium Outlets
📍 Best Locations:
- Arundel Mills (Hanover, MD)
- Clarksburg Premium Outlets (Clarksburg, MD)
Many outlets open on Thanksgiving evening for early Black Friday sales on designer brands, including:
- Coach, Michael Kors, and Gucci
- Electronics, home decor, and luxury gifts
🛍️ Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds!
9. Take a Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise on the Potomac River
📍 Location: Departs from National Harbor, MD
🕘 Time: Evening (varies by cruise)
Experience a gourmet Thanksgiving meal while cruising along the Potomac River. Features include:
- Three-course holiday dinner
- Live jazz entertainment
- Spectacular views of the D.C. skyline
🎟️ Reservations required – book early for the best seating.
🦃 Top Thanksgiving Experiences in Virginia
10. Experience Thanksgiving at Mount Vernon
📍 Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, VA
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Step back in time and celebrate Thanksgiving at George Washington’s estate. Special holiday activities include:
- Historic cooking demonstrations
- 18th-century Thanksgiving traditions
- Meet-and-greet with “George Washington” interpreters
🎟️ Admission: $28 per adult, $15 per child
11. Visit a Virginia Winery for a Thanksgiving Tasting
📍 Best Wineries:
- Stone Tower Winery (Leesburg, VA)
- Barboursville Vineyards (Orange County, VA)
- RdV Vineyards (Delaplane, VA)
Enjoy a relaxing day with wine tastings and Thanksgiving-inspired pairings in Virginia’s scenic wine country.
🥂 Pro Tip: Many wineries offer special holiday tastings with spiced wines and seasonal flavors.
12. Watch the Annual Reston Holiday Parade
📍 Location: Reston Town Center, VA
🕘 Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Kick off the holiday season with one of the best Thanksgiving parades in Northern Virginia. Expect:
- Giant character balloons
- Live performances and holiday floats
- Santa’s arrival to start the Christmas season
🎟️ Admission: Free
13. Take a Scenic Drive on Skyline Drive
📍 Location: Shenandoah National Park, VA
🕘 Best Time: Morning or early afternoon
Enjoy breathtaking fall foliage with a drive along Skyline Drive. Highlights include:
- Panoramic mountain views
- Scenic overlooks perfect for family photos
- Wildlife spotting (deer, black bears, and birds)
🎟️ Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle
🍁 Final Thoughts: Celebrate Thanksgiving in the DMV
Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia offers a perfect mix of tradition, luxury dining, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly events. Whether you’re enjoying a holiday feast at a top restaurant, taking in scenic views, or experiencing historic traditions, the DMV area provides endless ways to celebrate.
For more holiday guides and luxury travel experiences, visit CarValor for expert recommendations and exclusive DMV travel insights.
