Whether you’re just looking to get out of the house or you want to show your out-of-town family a good time, Northern Virginia and DC are full of events throughout Thanksgiving week. Watch a holiday movie on the Potomac, pet donkeys and horses on a local farm, or enjoy a festive tree lighting ceremony. These are the best events from November 24 to 30.
Out of Many, One: Portraits of America
Through January 4
Displayed in a gallery next door to the White House is 43 oil paintings painted by former President George W. Bush. The portraits celebrate 43 U.S. immigrants, and each painting is displayed with the story of the subject. Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream: 1503 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
Chick’s Picks Holiday Pop-Up Shop
November 24–25, November 28–December 14
For the 22nd year, Chick’s Picks is hosting its annual holiday gift pop-up shop, and this year the shop has expanded. Inside an 18,000-square-foot retail space in the Chantilly Crossing Shopping Center, more than 80 small artisans will gather with holiday decor, clothes, jewelry, books, gourmet gifts, and more. 14405 Chantilly Crossing Ln., Chantilly, free
Spirited Cocktail Competition
November 24–30
Solace Brewing has been hard at work creating a ton of holiday cocktails for the December menu, and it’s now hosting a competition for visitors to pick the best of the bunch. Purchase a cocktail flight and vote on your favorite to be featured at the brewery next month. Solace Brewing Company: 42615 Trade W Dr., Ste. 100, Sterling, free
Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work
November 25–July 12
Browse Anne Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses’ paintings of her recollection of her rural life in the 1940s postwar era. The exhibition is a collection of 33 of Moses’ most celebrated paintings that the Smithsonian and curators Leslie Umberger and Randall R. Griffey have been working on collecting since 2016. Smithsonian American Art Museum: G St. NW and 8th St. NW, Washington, DC, free
All Time Low: Everyone’s Talking! Tour
November 26
This genre-bending band blends pop, punk, emo, and alternative genres in hits like “Dear Maria, Count Me In” and “The Weather.” The Maryland natives are touring for their latest album Everyone’s Talking!, performing with special guests Mayday Parade, Four Year Strong, and The Paradox. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $85.45
Thanksgiving Eve Reunion
November 26
Looking to reconnect with your hometown friends that are back in town? Meet up at this reunion party with festive cocktails, trivia, and music from DJ Yazdan. Cheers to old and new memories with $2 house beers until 9 p.m., and enjoy a large pizza for only $8. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
Cincinnati Ballet The Nutcracker
November 26–30
Nothing is more festive than a performance of The Nutcracker. Step into a world of holiday cheer with intricate choreography, eye-catching costumes, and live music by The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. SW, Washington, DC, $53–$213
Alexandria Turkey Trot
November 27, 9 a.m.
Want to get a sweat going on Thanksgiving morning? Head to this 5-mile run in Del Ray, open to kids, walkers, and runners of all abilities. Organizers ask runners to bring two cans of nonperishable food to support the nonprofit ALIVE! It’s just one of many turkey trots happening in NoVA on Thanksgiving Day. 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $30; $25 for age 13 to 20; $15 for children under 13
The Sassy Ass Fall Finale
November 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Celebrate the end of the fall season and the start of the holidays at this local equine farm. Meet horses and miniature donkeys, browse through the farm’s new store, and enjoy empanadas from local food truck The Little Bean. Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee will be available, and the farm has also teamed up with Camp Messy Hands for a Letters to Santa station. The Sassy Ass: 14010 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro, $5
Mosaic Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa Firetruck Parade
November 28
Welcome the holiday season with a festive tree lighting ceremony, a firetruck parade, live music, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy live performances from George Mason University bands, the Vienna Singing Princesses, The Metropolitan Follies, and Izis de La Enfermera after grabbing a selfie with Santa. Mosaic District: 2911 District Ave., Fairfax, free
Reston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
November 28, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Reston’s annual holiday parade is back on the Friday after Thanksgiving, with a half-mile route along Market Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride into town on a horse-drawn carriage at the end of the parade, then return later for the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Market Street, Reston
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 28–29
Explore George Washington’s mansion on a candlelit tour while guides tell stories about 18th-century holiday traditions. Perfect to teach visitors about Virginia history, participate in 18th-century dancing, and play tavern games. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $32.80
Winter Wonderfest
November 28–December 30
Nationals Park’s newest winter event kicks off this Friday with tubing slides, train rides, putt-putt golf, and snowball throwing challenges. Stop by the hidden speakeasy for a Après Chalet hosted by Fireball, and grab a selfie at one of the many light displays and photo ops. Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capital St. SE, Washington, DC, $29.50
Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
November 29, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Browse the handmade creations from more than 80 artisans while enjoying Christmas music and delicious treats. Bring the whole family along for fun, festive children’s activities like holiday craft stations and games. Manassas Museum: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
Elf on the Potomac
November 30, 2–3:30 p.m.
Dress in your warmest coat, pack some blankets and pillows, and catch this holiday classic film on a jumbo screen with views of the Potomac River. Enjoy warm to-go food and beverages from local restaurants and stop by the Capital Wheel after the show for another beautiful river view. National Harbor: 150 National Plz., National Harbor, Maryland, free
Brandy & Monica: The Boy Is Mine Tour
November 30, 7 p.m.
Grammy Award–winning R&B singer-songwriters Brandy and Monica are co-headlining this national tour, named after their 1998 hit duet. Special guests Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and Jamal Roberts are also set to perform. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $164.35
Charles “Chip” Esten
November 30, 7:30 p.m.
This Alexandria native known for his roles on Nashville and Outer Banks is coming back to Virginia to tour his latest country album, Love Ain’t Pretty. The actor, musician, and singer-songwriter’s album features songs like “In a Bar Somewhere” and “Another Song About You.” The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $59.50
Feature image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
