Happy Thanksgiving week!

This week should be all about spending time with loved ones and appreciating everything you are lucky to have in this beautiful life.  It is also a great time to give to those who are not as fortunate.

If you have people in town and need some fun activities to do this weekend, we have you covered. With Thanksgiving Eve parties, turkey trots, post-Thanksgiving Day events, a holiday market, and a beer and wine festival, there is no shortage of fun things to do to get in the holiday mood.

We hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you!

Wednesday, November 21

– The night before Thanksgiving is a popular night in The District to go out. Many bars and clubs will host “Thanksgiving Eve” parties to celebrate the right way before the big feast. If you’re wanting to know where these parties are happening, Ozio Rooftop Lounge will celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with a huge lineup of DJs and drink specials all night long.

– Grab your best friends and head to The Park for Friendsgiving, one of the best pre-Thanksgiving parties in the area. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. This party will give you and your friends something else to be thankful for!

– Blackfinn Ameripub in Merrifield, Virginia will also host their annual Thanksgiving Eve party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Awesome food, drink features, and a DJ will be at the event. The best part of Thanksgiving Eve is, it happens to fall on Wine Wednesday. Therefore, enjoy ½ off all whiskey and bottles of wine!

– Have fun, while also helping others at Bowlero Bethesda’s “Party on the Lanes.” The night begins at 6 p.m. and is dedicated to SOME (So Others Might Eat), an organization that supports those in the area who are homeless and in need. A $22 ticket includes one game of bowling, shoes and musical entertainment from DJ Majestic.

Thursday, November 22

– Want to burn off some carbs before you load up on carbs? There are numerous Turkey Trot races going down around the DMV. Check them out here and get your holiday run on.

– If you’re sticking around DC and don’t feel like cooking (or if you burn the food you are cooking), here are some of our favorite restaurants serving Thanksgiving Dinner. Here are even more.

– Need a place for a post-Thanksgiving meal celebration? Tysons Biergarten is open all day long from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. All Thanksgiving Day NFL games will be shown on 17 HDTVs and two projectors. We have a hard time imagining you’ll get hungry after turkey time…but, the kitchen is open until 1 a.m., just in case!

– Popular food options on Thanksgiving Day are sometimes not ideal for vegans and vegetarians. The Veg Society of DC will host a Thanksgiving Gala at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in DC, to bring together vegans and vegetarians to enjoy healthy food options in a comfortable environment. The Gala will feature a speaker, Dr. Ruby Lathon, who is a certified holistic nutritionist. There will also be exhibitors, door prizes, a silent auction fundraiser, and live music!

– If you want to get a good workout in for a good cause before celebrating Thanksgiving, SOME’s annual Trot for Hunger will take place at 9 a.m. at Freedom Plaza. Each participants’ registration fee will go towards food, clothing, and healthcare to 10,000 people in the area that are in need. The timed 5k race is $45, and the untimed race is $40.

Friday, November 23

– Would you rather spend your Black Friday having fun instead of hunting for deals? Our Black Friday alternatives list has plenty to keep you entertained.

– The annual day after Thanksgiving, Reston Town Center Holiday Parade will be held at 11 a.m. The parade marks the beginning of the holiday season and will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, musical acts, dancers, and antique cars. Later in the night, you can take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and experience a tree lighting and holiday music sing-a-long at 6 p.m.

– Zoo Lights opening night will commence at 5 p.m. at The National Zoo. ZooLights features live musical performances, winter treats, and holiday shopping. The zoo will completely transform into a DC winter wonderland, and finish off with a musical light show. The spectacle is free, and for those who are looking for something more action packed – the zoo will also have snowless tubing!

Saturday, November 24

– In partnership with Think Local First DC, DC Brau will host its 5th annual Holiday Market on Saturday, from 1 to 6 p.m. The brewery will turn into a marketplace for crafters and will be full of holiday shopping opportunities for customers. There will also be food trucks, live music, games and activities, and of course – beer. VIP tickets are $10, but general admission is free!

– There have been many beer and wine festivals this Fall, but if you haven’t made it to one, this weekend is your chance. Tysons Biergarten will put on a craft beer. wine and cider festival from 3 to 7 p.m. More than 40 beers and wines from local breweries will be offered. Tickets are $20 online and include 10 tasting tickets and the option to purchase $1 additional tasting tickets.

– Saturdays are boring without music. The White House Band will play a show at Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia at 2 p.m. The band performs a variety of music including jazz, pop, and rock. The band’s members are former DC military band musicians, and many of their pieces have been played at The White House for different presidents and their guests. General admission tickets are $20.

Sunday, November 25

– You don’t want to keep your house blandly decorated for the holidays. Spice it up with some holiday decorations! Head to Botanologia in Falls Church, Virginia to learn how to create your own holiday wreath. You will receive enough material to make one wreath for yourself, and to gift another. The workshop begins at 10 a.m., and tickets are $75.

– Join visionary vintner and proprietor of the Boisset Collection, Jean-Charles Boisset at Morton’s Steakhouse (Bethesda) Sunday afternoon for a tasting experience. Boisset is one of the most influential people in wine and will guide guests through a one of a kind wine tasting experience. This is a great opportunity to find that perfect wine to share with friends and family over the holidays. Tickets are $65 and the event begins at 12 p.m.

Monday, November 26

– You’ve probably heard of Cyber Monday, but have you heard it’s a chance for you to double your dollar with DC Fray!? That’s right, winter league registration is in full swing and if you spend $15, you’ll get $30 credit added to your account to be used towards future DC Fray leagues and events! This is a ONE DAY DEAL ONLY. See full details and claim your deal here.

– Are you an animal and yoga lover? The Animal Welfare League of Arlington will host “Goat Yoga” Monday night, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. As you participate in a yoga class, four small goats from Walnut Creek Farm will roam around to help you relax and find happiness. Tickets are $35.

– If you are tired of your typical lunch routine and want to spend your lunch hour meeting and collaborating with different people, grab “A Seat at the Table” at Bar Deco. This event will allow you to talk business and community with other individuals, over a casual drink. The event is from 12 to 2:30 p.m and tickets are $10.

– Another fun combination yoga class – Bend and Brew. A 60-minute yoga class will take place at Mad Fox Brewing Company in Falls Church, Virginia. Similar yoga classes have participants drink after, but not this one! You will get to sip on a flight of 4 beers while finding your flow. The class is from 5 to 6 p.m., but happy hour goes until 7 p.m.! Tickets are $25.

Tuesday, November 27

– We love a themed trivia night!  Pinstripes Georgetown will host Game of Thrones Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. Brush up on your enemies’ strengths and strategies, and grab three of your most trustworthy friends to join your team. Reserve a spot for your team here.

– Kathleen J. McInnis, author of The Heart of War: Misadventures in the Pentagon will share crazy and interesting stories about the Pentagon at Sine Irish Pub and Restaurant from 5 to 7 p.m. Come learn about the craziness and successes the Pentagon has experienced while sipping on a beer and eating nachos. You can RSVP here.

What are your Thanksgiving plans? If you make any special Thanksgiving dishes you are proud of, please make us jealous by sharing a picture of it with us on social using #FrayLife #DCFray.

With the holidays coming up it never hurts to save a buck. Check out DC’s best budget-friendly options in our DC on a Dime: November edition.

View More Articles By Briana Florez

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