This week sees bright lights turn on across the region, including the openings of ZooLights at the National Zoo and the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens. Holiday markets abound, including the 2025 debut of the DowntownDC Holiday Market, and international offerings from Ukraine and Finland. “But it’s not even Thanksgiving!” you cry? Fine: There’s a Thanksgiving parade, too. “Wicked” fans have multiple opportunities to sing and celebrate the release of the musical movie’s part 2, “Wicked: For Good.” You can take a turn on the ice at the National Gallery of Art, cheer for the Washington Spirit as the team heads to the NWSL title game, explore works by hundreds of artists at the Umbrella Art Fair, or watch architects and designers create sculptures out of canned goods to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank.
Thursday, Nov. 20
The Night Run Club’s Turkey Trot
Most Turkey Trots happen the morning of Thanksgiving, allowing runners to work up an appetite for the big meal. But if you’re too busy cooking or traveling — or maybe you’d just rather sleep in — check out the Night Run Club. This D.C.- based evening run club for women is hosting its first Turkey Trot fundraiser for local nonprofit Bread for the City. The run is open to all runners of all speeds, and the meetup spot is at the Jefferson Drive entrance of the Smithsonian Metro stop. Runners are requested to wear bright clothing and are invited to help out by making a donation online or bringing gently used winter clothing and canned food to add to a donation bin. 7 p.m. Free; reserve a spot online.
‘Friends’-giving Trivia at Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo Drafthouse is hosting an evening event that goes way beyond your run-of-the-mill “Friends” trivia night: Every question in this “Friends”-giving trivia session is related specifically to the sitcom’s classic Thanksgiving-themed episodes. Stream episodes like “The One With the Football” or “The One With All the Thanksgivings” to prepare, and you can compete by yourself or with a team of up to eight “Friends” fanatics. 7 p.m. Free; reserve a spot online.
Karaoke For Good: A Wicked Night of Singing at Metrobar
For the sake of other theatergoers, get your belting out before you settle in for a public showing of “Wicked: For Good.” The open-air bar in Northeast is hosting a karaoke night inspired by the movie — but other Broadway and pop songs are also welcome. Rather dance it out? Come back on Friday at 7 p.m. for Metrobar’s movie-inspired “low-key musical rave.” 7 p.m. Free.
Birthday Bash at Her Diner
It has already been a year since Her Diner, the queer-inclusive brunch and bar spot, opened in Adams Morgan. To celebrate, the diner is hosting a birthday party featuring drag from Mia Vanderbilt, Citrine and other queens, plus DJs and a happy hour all night long. It also announced new weekly specials (including the Monday night-only “Girl Dinner,” with a Caesar salad, fries and martini). Come early on Thursday for the inaugural Corks and Forks night, where you can get $10 pasta and $25 wine bottles. 10 p.m. Free.
‘Home, History Holidays’ at The People’s House
Believe it or not, the first president to celebrate Christmas at the White House was Benjamin Harrison, in 1889. The White House’s festive traditions have come a long way since then: Learn about the impact made by first lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s decorations, the first menorah in the Executive Residence, and other stories in “Home, History, Holidays.” It’s a temporary exhibition at the People’s House, the immersive high-tech museum run by the nonprofit White House Historical Association. A week before the exhibit opens to the public, you can take a sneak peek at an after-hours party with seasonal cocktails and snacks. 6 to 8 p.m. $15.
Winter Lantern Festival at Tysons II
Neighborhood holiday displays might not be lit up yet, but this lights extravaganza in Tysons is already aglow, thanks to hundreds of Chinese lanterns illuminated by LEDs. Take a stroll through the glowing setup at Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, with food and drinks available from local vendors. The family-friendly festival also includes live performances by Chinese acrobats among the sea of fantastically shaped lanterns. Thursday to Sunday through mid-December, then daily, from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 20. $18.99- $27.99.
Friday, Nov. 21
ZooLights at the National Zoo
As the government shutdown stretched on, some people wondered whether the National Zoo would have time to set up the holiday ZooLights display. Not to worry: Crews began setting up the popular attraction in September and have been working “fast and furious” in the past week to finish the job. Although you won’t see any zoo residents while traversing paths lit by a million twinkling LED lights, you will meet more than 100 giant, glowing animal-shaped lanterns depicting a wide variety of species, some of which are animatronic. Pandas and elephants are prominent, of course, but you might not expect to come face to face with a komodo dragon, a porcupine with bristling quills or a bald eagle flapping its wings. New attractions this year include a sparkling kid-friendly maze, with photo ops hidden at dead ends, and a heated lounge with adult beverages, located through a lighted arch behind the Elephant House. Ice carvers work their magic on Friday nights, and choral groups and musicians perform Saturday and Sunday. Kids can ride the carousel, or roast s’mores outside the Elephant House, and older ZooLights fans might like to know that Dec. 17 is “Date Night,” with admission limited to those 21 and older. Through Jan. 3. $9; free for children younger than 2. $19 for Date Night, which includes one alcoholic beverage. $30 for parking. Some activities, including the maze, carousel and train rides, have additional fees.
DowntownDC Holiday Market
The decades-old DowntownDC Holiday Market got a much-needed glow-up last year as Brooklyn-based organizers the Makers Show took over the market, adding new shopping, food and drink options and changing the layout of the booths, located in two long aisles on F Street NW outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This year features more additions, with over 100 vendors selling their wares over four-plus weeks, including at least 20 making their debuts. New food offerings include Kat’s King of Steaks, a cheesesteak operation from Daikaya chef Katsuya Fukushima, to go with Mason jars full of hot cocoa from S’mores N’More and mulled wine at a cocktail bar run by Dirty Habit. Live entertainment returns, with bands and singers performing at various times Thursday through Sunday. Through Dec. 23. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Free.
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
More than 1 million lights decorate the flower beds, trees and paths at Brookside Gardens, where visitors can wander through rainbow tunnels, jump on color-changing lights and find a flock of twinkling flamingos next to a lake. The walking tour, with 25 stops, is about half a mile long. Through Jan. 4. $13.99 Sunday through Thursday, $16.99 Friday and Saturday; free for children age 5 and younger. Tickets are sold only online.
Umbrella Art Fair
More than 35,000 square feet of vacant downtown office space turns into an art gallery during this year’s Umbrella Art Fair, which is headed to International Square on K Street NW. This is the art pop-up’s fifth year, and visitors can expect to check out works by more than 100 artists from D.C. and beyond. Adjacent food hall the Square will be open for all of Umbrella, so you can refuel with a meal or drink after perusing the show. Keeping checking the event’s website and social media for news about talks, performances and other programming during the Umbrella Art Fair, because some events may require a separate RSVP. Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Free; RSVP online.
Union Market Tree Lighting
The giant Christmas Tree outside Union Market is switched on with a musical performance by the New Samaritan Baptist Church and festive drink specials from the Suburbia cocktail trailer. Discounts from nearby businesses are available. 6 to 8 p.m. Free.
Frosted at Franklin Park
Take a detour on your way home (or to happy hour) to wander through Franklin Park and you’ll be surrounded by thousands of holiday lights: icicle arches, giant snowflakes and stars, and other glowing photo ops. 4:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily through Jan. 4. Free.
THEARC’s Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) in D.C.’s Ward 8 aims to give away more than 1,300 turkeys and fixings ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and volunteers are needed to help with tasks like packing boxes, welcoming visitors and handing out turkeys. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free; reserve a volunteer spot online.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Montgomery County’s answer to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade sends 12-foot inflatable turkeys floating down Ellsworth Drive, Fenton Street, Georgia Avenue and Silver Spring Avenue in the heart of Silver Spring. This annual tradition features dancers, musicians, floats and a glimpse of Santa Claus to get kids pumped up for that big holiday coming up in December. 10 a.m. to noon. Free.
Washington Spirit NWSL Championship viewing parties
For the second year in a row — and the third time in five years — the Washington Spirit are heading to the NWSL’s title game. And if the sold-out playoff games at “Rowdy” Audi Field have taught us anything, it’s that you have way more fun cheering for the team when surrounded by supporters who are just as loud. The team has organized official viewing parties for Saturday’s match against Gotham FC at Franklin Hall, near 14th and Florida Avenue NW; Astro Beer Hall at the Village at Shirlington; and the Denizens Brewing Co. taproom in Riverdale Park. Unofficial parties are popping up all over, including at the Roost, As You Are, A League of Her Own and Jackie Lee’s. No matter where you go, early arrival is key: Franklin Hall, which is offering a DJ and drink specials, was packed well before kickoff in 2024. Kickoff is Saturday at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Electric Snappy’s Tree-Tacular at Electric Cool-Aid
Last year, Electric Snappy’s became one of our favorite holiday bars because, as far as we know, it’s the only full-time Christmas tree lot in D.C. that shows “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on TVs while playing holiday tunes and selling bourbon-spiked hot apple cider or rich hot chocolate topped up with Chambord. What else would you expect from a collaboration between Petworth neighborhood spot Snappy’s Small Bar and low-key Shaw frozen cocktail garden Electric Cool-Aid? “Drinking in a Christmas tree lot” might seem like an out-there concept, but close your eyes, inhale the fresh scent of pine needles and sap, and you’ll be singing “Holly Jolly Christmas” in no time. Look for pop-up vendors, movie nights and other events throughout the season. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free.
‘Wicked: For Good’ debut party at JR’s
The Dupont Circle LGBTQ+ bar hosts a celebration of movie musical “Wicked’s” second installment, with $9 shots — the green “Gravity” or a very pink “Popular.” Drag queens Vagenesis and Citrine star as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, and a DJ pumps out show tunes between “Wicked”-themed performances. 9 p.m. Free.
Punk Rock Flea Market and Food Drive at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church
Find a gift for the punk rocker in your life — or something cool for yourself — at this annual market held at Mount Pleasant’s St. Stephen Church. This year offers new market merch, plus the usual array of art, vintage clothes, knick knacks, tattoos, records, many (many) band tees and more. Howard Wuelfing, author of the new zine collection “Descenes and Discords: An Anthology,” will sign copies for the duration of the market. Entry is free, but make sure to bring canned goods for the food drive. Noon to 5 p.m. Free.
Finnish Christmas Bazaar at River Road Unitarian Church
Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola is the patron of Bethesda’s long-running Finnish Christmas Bazaar, which features vendors selling new Nordic art and clothing, vintage Finnish glassware and homeware, plenty of candy, and fresh baked goods. Proceeds benefit educational organizations in Finland and the U.S. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family
There are two good reasons to go to the annual Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar, which fills the church hall and cafeteria of the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Brookland. The first option is to go browse traditional Ukrainian goods: lavishly decorated pysanka Easter eggs, holiday ornaments, religious icons, traditional clothing, and vintage books, records, dolls and collectibles. The other is to skip the shopping and head straight for the lunch line, where you’ll find pierogi, kovbasa, borscht and other homemade Ukrainian treats to snack on. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free.
‘10×10 Invitational’ exhibit opening at Pyramid Atlantic
The annual 10×10 art show at Hyattsville’s Pyramid Atlantic Art Center has two rules: Works must measure exactly 10 inches by 10 inches, and they must be sold for $60. After that, anything goes — you’ll find prints, sculpture, drawings and mixed media competing for space on the walls. The completed gallery is stuffed with more than 380 pieces of art created by 223 artists, all of which are for sale to raise money for the nonprofit arts center. The opening reception features DJ Corey Castle and light refreshments, although the exhibit remains on display in its entirety through Dec. 4. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Free; RSVP required for opening reception.
Bed by 10pm at Soundcheck
If you’re going to see Finnish trance DJ Darude celebrate the 25th anniversary of his megahit “Sandstorm” at Soundcheck on Friday night, plan on it being a late night. But if you’re an elder millennial who wants to go out dancing but can’t bear the thought of going to a club where the doors don’t even open until 10 p.m.? Ugh. Maybe you should go to Soundcheck on Saturday, instead. Bed by 10pm gives you the full 5 hours of dancing to retro ’80s, ’90s and ’00s club tunes — starting at 3 p.m. instead of 10. You can even get dinner afterward, while all the young people are waiting for the opening DJ to come on. 3 to 8 p.m. $30.
Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary’s Thanksgiving With the Turkeys
Turkeys are friends, not food — and certainly not dinner — at this Poolesville animal sanctuary’s annual Thanksgiving potluck dinner party. You’ll commune with the turkeys that call this 400-acre refuge overlooking the Potomac River home, and meet other rescued animals that live at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary. Bring a vegan dish (either savory or sweet) to share with the group, and after dinner, watch as Poplar Spring’s pigs enjoy their own meal of donated Halloween pumpkins. Noon to 4 p.m. $12.51 for online tickets; free for children under 12.
Project GiveBack at University of the District of Columbia
The University of the District of Columbia is home base for Project GiveBack’s 31st annual Thanksgiving food distribution event. Early risers can sign up to unpack and organize food beginning at 5 a.m., and other volunteer opportunities include assembling food baskets, making deliveries and cleaning up. This year’s goal is to provide grocery baskets to 5,500 families. Wear warm layers, because much of the volunteering activity takes place outside in a covered parking lot. 5 a.m., 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. volunteer slots. Free; registration required online
Sunday, Nov. 23
Canstruction at the National Building Museum
Cans of tuna fish, tomato sauce and cut green beans are transformed into works of art during the annual Canstruction competition in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum. Dozens of teams from D.C. architecture and design firms construct sculptures using canned goods, which are on view for a week before being donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. This year’s theme is “World Architecture,” which should make the competition even tougher than last year’s “Construction Tools and Equipment.” Drop-in activities are held throughout the week (see the museum’s calendar), and visitors are encouraged to bring a donation of a canned good to vote for their favorite sculpture. Through Dec. 1. Free.
Falling for Myself Market at Femme Fatale
Shop size- and gender-inclusive vintage and upcycled fashion, try treats from D.C. croissanterie Toimoi Bakery, dance to live DJs, browse work by local artists, sit for a tarot reading or browse for your next read at a pop-up new and used books shop — the Connecticut Avenue shop is hosting about three dozen vendors in all. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Puzzle Swap at Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library
Looking to refresh your puzzle collection before the cozy winter hibernation season begins? Bring your gentle used puzzles to the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library and swap it for something new to you, and meet other puzzle enthusiasts as you search. For puzzlers in Northeast Washington, there are upcoming swaps at Takoma Park Library (Dec. 2) and Northeast Neighborhood Library (Dec. 14). 2 to 4 p.m. Free.
‘The Grinch’ at National Harbor
Who says outdoor movies are just for summer? Bundle up the kids and head to National Harbor for “The Grinch” on a giant LED screen as part of the “Holiday Movies on the Potomac” series. Pick up a picnic at a nearby restaurant, and there’s plenty of room to run around if younger viewers get antsy before the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes. Sunday at 2 p.m. Free.
Everything but the Turkey at the Edlavitch DCJCC
The Edlavitch DCJCC has the Thanksgiving sides covered for its long-running Everything but the Turkey program, where volunteers gather to make yams, green beans, stuffing, collard greens and more as part of a partnership with DC Central Kitchen. The multiday affair invites you to help with all the chopping, mixing and grating before these dishes will be distributed to those in need by DC Central Kitchen. Pick and choose among volunteer sessions, whether it’s part of the setup crew; a session with hundreds of fellow volunteers; or programs just for teens or young professionals age 21 to 45, which is followed by a happy hour. The program for young families is sold out. Various times through Monday. $10-$22 donation requested to help offset the cost of supplies. Advance online registration required.
Last call for Shakers
The latest LGBTQ+ bar closing its doors on Ninth and U streets is Shakers, the divey, drag-forward bar across from 9:30 Club. It’s too late to catch Season 3 of Mx Shakers, the bar’s eight-week drag competition, live on its stage, but there’s still time to grab one last drink and say goodbye. After Sunday, the building that houses Shakers will change hands to the owner of Kiki, a neighboring LGBTQ+ bar, who intends to keep the space dedicated to the community. 2 p.m. to midnight. Free.
Karaoke: For Good at As You Are
This karaoke night isn’t just for “Defying Gravity” and “Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked.” Queue up any Broadway song you want to belt, from the “Hamilton” soundtrack to the “Aladdin” score to … something from “Glee”? 7 p.m. to midnight. Free.
Monday, Nov. 24
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink opens
There are plenty of outdoor ice rinks in the D.C. area, but when it comes to atmosphere, skating in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden is in a class of its own. Where else can you twirl around the ice within view of major sculptures by Alexander Calder and Tony Smith, or be surrounded by the monumental facades of the National Archives and the National Gallery of Art? After uncertainty caused by the government shutdown, the rink is ready to welcome visitors of all abilities. Tickets include two 45-minute sessions on the ice, with a 15-minute resurfacing session in between. Head to the Pavilion Cafe for hot cocoa afterward. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, through March 1. $15; $12 for ages 12 and younger and 60 and older, military servicemembers and students. $7 skate rental. Free lockers (first come, first served).
Washingtonian Problems Holiday Party at Bar Japonais
Washingtonian Problems has evolved from a social media account full of memes about living in D.C. to a forum for local residents to share videos and commentary documenting their experiences throughout a tumultuous year. The group puts a bow on 2025 — for now, anyway — with its annual Friendsgiving party, allowing natives and transplants to laugh and gripe in real life at Bar Japonais. Tickets include one drink, passed appetizers, a tote bag and a raffle ticket. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. $20.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
‘To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes’ at Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library
Some epitaphs note familial relationships, great accomplishments or religious texts. Not the ones author Rosie Grant documents in her new cookbook, where she explores recipes engraved on headstones from around the world. Like her best-selling book, her talk at the Mount Pleasant Library explores memories, tastes and traditions. Books will be available for purchase at the event. 6 to 7:30. Free.
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