After the final pieces of pie have been polished off and the leftovers have been wrapped up, Thanksgiving is over and it’s officially time to jump into the holidays. There are plenty of fun, festive events happening around NoVA on Thanksgiving weekend that will be sure to have you feeling jolly. Plus, they’re great for entertaining out-of-town guests and keeping kids busy through the long weekend.
ZooLights
Friday to Sunday November 24–December 17; December 21–23; December 26–30
The Smithsonian National Zoo’s holiday tradition begins on Thanksgiving Day. Over half a million lights will illuminate the zoo with fun, themed installations. There will also be live music, treats, and holiday shopping. Be aware: This is the first year the event is not free. 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $6
Enchant Christmas in Washington, DC
November 24–December 31
Another brilliant, light-filled celebration will take place at Nationals Park starting Thanksgiving. Visit Enchant for an immersive light walkthrough, a holiday shopping village, an ice-skating trail, and visits with Santa. Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC, tickets starting at $32 for adults, $24 for kids
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 24–25; December 1–2, 8–9, 17
George Washington’s Mount Vernon will have guided candlelight tours so visitors can learn about holiday traditions in 18th century Virginia. Visitors will see themed Christmas trees, greet Aladdin the Christmas camel, and enjoy ginger cookies and spiced cider. $38 for adults, $30 for kids
Reston Town Center Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
November 24, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Head to Reston Town Center to enjoy the annual holiday parade at 11 a.m. It lasts approximately one hour. At the end of the parade, welcome Sana and Mrs. Claus. The Christmas tree on Market Street will be lit at 6 p.m. Reston Town Center: 11900 Market St., Reston, free
Plaid Friday in Alexandria
November 24, 6 a.m.
Ditch the big stores and shop small with Plaid Friday in Old Town Alexandria. Over 50 businesses will open early and offer discounts. From 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. merchandise is 30 percent off, then 20 percent off from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 10 percent off for the rest of the day. Locations vary
Old Town Manassas Christmas Fair and Holiday Craft Show
November 25, 10 a.m.
Ready for holiday shopping? There will be over 80 artisans and crafters presenting their work on the lawn of the Manassa Museum. Find art, jewelry, and body and hair care. Manassas Museum: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
Joanne Shaw Taylor
November 25
The No. 1 Billboard Blues Artist is coming to NoVA with her band for one night only. Taylor is known for her modern blues-rock style and guitar skills. The singer-songwriter is set to perform tunes from her newest album, Nobody’s Fool, along with hits from her critically acclaimed discography. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, capitalonehall.com, starting at $33
Holiday Carriage Rides
November 26, December 3, 9–10, 16–17, 23–24, 30–31
Explore downtown Middleburg with a horse-drawn holiday carriage ride. The rides are 15 minutes long, with a scenic trip around town and time for a photo. There is space for up to four guests on each carriage. The Middleburg Museum: 8 N. Madison St., Middleburg, $40
Ballet West: The Nutcracker
Through November 26
Don’t miss the chance to see the holiday classic performed by Ballet West. Be transported into a festive world, complete with dancing snowflakes, a Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and grand set design for a magical holiday experience. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, kennedy-center.org, starting at $119
A Canadian Brass Christmas
November 26, 4 p.m.
This exuberant brass quintet will perform a mix of classic holiday tunes, pop favorites, and their own original arrangements. It’s sure to be an entertaining, high-energy show full of holiday cheer. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $36–$60, half-price for youth grade 12 and under
Feature image courtesy Enchant Christmas
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