In Town for Thanksgiving? 12 Things to Do in DC to Get Out of the House During the Holiday Break

Some people look forward to eating and falling asleep with a game or Netflix movie on TV after their Thanksgiving feast. But not everyone is eager to stay in--call it the white meat vs. dark meat dilemma. Whichever you prefer, there are plenty of happenings for singles, couples, besties and families to indulge in during the break.

1. Give Back: The urge to volunteer has a funny way of striking just as we’re about to carve the turkey, head to the mall or trim the tree. If you're looking for ways to be of service this holiday season (and beyond), here are some volunteer organizations in DC that would love your help.
2. Visit the Newseum Before it Closes: After more than 11 years and nearly 10 million visitors, the museum announced earlier this year that it’s closing on Dec. 31, 2019, so if you haven’t been yet, want to go again or simply want to show your support, there’s no better time. You can tour any day and come back the next day for free! Open Thanksgiving Day.
3. Ice, Ice Baby: Bundle up and hit the ice at ice skating rinks around the city.  The rinks at National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour are popular (and crowded) options, so head to Canal Park where the locals go instead. And new this year is the skating trail at Enchant Christmas, located at National Park, where you'll have up-close views of awesome holiday light displays. Bonus: You can bring your own skates and skating is included in the cost of admission.
4. It's Not Too Late for a Fall Hike: Unseasonably warm temperatures have given us a late burst of autumnal color, so get out and enjoy a walking through a carpet of crisp leaves. Our fall guide has the best spots to check out fall foliage. Or just grab your sneaks and burn off some calories  while exploring a new part of the city.
5. Spend the Day at the Smithsonian:  Visit one of the Smithsonian museums you haven't been to before or visited in a while, and discover something new. Take advantage of the lack of crowds to browse renowned works of art, learn about history, and appreciate different cultures at your leisure. Pay a visit to the National Museum of the Native American  on November 29 for Native American Heritage Family Day to recognize the contributions of Native Americans to all aspects of American life with interactive dancing, games, storytelling, hands-on activities and make-and-takes, as well as music and dance presentations throughout the day. Smithsonian museums will be open on Thanksgiving.
6. See Art, Underground: Dupont Underground, a vibrant underground art space in Dupont Circle, might be going six feet under, but for now, they're hosting the World Press Photo Exhibition, a powerful exhibition of the best visual journalism of the past year that's been seen by 4 million people in 100 cities around the world. 
7. Venture Forth and Visit a Non-Smithsonian Museum: Smithsonian museums aren't the only museums in town, as you'll notice from number two on this list. But wait, there's more! The National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Bible Museum are a few more examples; this list includes 61 more. Be sure to check hours before heading out.
8. Shop Small on Black Friday:  Sleep in and skip the mall madness this year--grab your shopping list and check out the area's holiday markets and pop-up shops instead for unique gifts, live entertainment and in some places, mulled wine, to keep your retail spirits high. Not only will you find one-of-a-kind items, you'll also get to meet the makers behind the products and help support local entrepreneurs. Win-win-win!
9. Experience Kennedy Center--for Free: Take a guided tour of Kennedy Center and learn about the highlights the historic events that led up to the establishment of the national cultural center, see works that have been donated to the Center, and  the stunning Israeli Lounge. And you might luck out and get a peek inside the Presidential Box, too! Tours of the new art expansion space, the REACH, are also available. You can also take in a free performance at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage every evening at 6 p.m. Acts include everything from performances by the National Symphony Orchestra to poetry slams.
10. Take a Self-Guided Tour of DC's Past: The story of DC's past is highlighted by heritage trail marker erected by Cultural Tourism throughout the city's diverse neighborhoods. Embark on a self-guided to appreciate the history and wonder of the nation's capital and its landmarks. Each trail sign combines stories, historic photos, and maps, all at your own pace. 
11. Indulge at DC's Wineries and Distilleries: Raise a glass and unwind while enjoying fantastic river views at District Winery – DC’s first urban winery.  Or try a DIY distillery crawl in Ivy City, DC’s unofficial distillery district, with four within walking distance from one another. There’s Green Hat, One Eight, Republic Restoratives, and Jos. A. Magnus. And throw Atlas Brew Works in the mix for good measure. If you hit them all and are somehow still thirsty, bounce around to some of the city’s other top shelf distilleries, like Cotton and Reed, District Distilling, or Don Ciccio & Figli.
12. ​Start Crossing Holiday Events Off Your List: Now that you've recovered from the Thanksgiving -itis, it's officially time to kick-off the holiday celebrations into high gear! Season's Greenings at the US Botanic Garden (Nov 28) and  Zoolights (Nov 29) mark their return, plus there a whole host of festive happenings, with a twist to keep you in good cheer.

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