Thanksgiving in Washington, DC, is about more than just turkey and stuffing. It’s a day to give back to the community, burn off some calories before the feast, and experience the nation’s capital in all its holiday glory. However you plan on celebrating Thanksgiving in the city this year, DC offers countless ways to make this Thanksgiving memorable.
DC Turkey Trots
America’s Trot for Hunger (The Official DC Turkey Trot)
The largest Turkey Trot in Washington, DC, America’s Trot for Hunger takes place on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025, at Freedom Plaza. This beloved event, now in its 24th year, benefits SOME (So Others Might Eat), a DC-based nonprofit providing meals, housing, healthcare, and job training to those experiencing homelessness.
There are several trot options, including: a 5K Race, good for competitive runners and casual joggers alike; the Little Turkey 1-Miler, a family-friendly option for younger participants; a Virtual 5K, and a Pet Competition, aka the “Best Dressed Turkey” costume contest
After crossing the finish line, enjoy a family-friendly festival at Freedom Plaza with refreshments, music, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference to those in need.
Note: All participants must register and pay online in advance—no race-day registration available.
Other DMV Turkey Trots
If you’re based just outside DC, several neighboring communities host their own Turkey Trots:
The Alexandria Turkey Trot is held on Thanksgiving Day at 9am on Mount Vernon Avenue. This 5-mile race through historic Alexandria benefits ALIVE!, a local charity helping Alexandria families in need. The race is family and pet-friendly, with dogs welcome on short leashes. Participants are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food donations.
The Arlington Turkey Trot 5K is a festive run through Lyon Park and Ashton Heights that starts at 8am at Lyon Park Community Center. Proceeds support 10 local nonprofits serving Arlington residents. Registration includes a t-shirt and custom bib.
For those who prefer trails over pavement, The Capital Turkey Trot offers a 5K or 10K through Rock Creek Park, perfect for walkers, strollers, or anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. Everyone receives a finisher medal and race shirt.
Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give back to your community. Here are meaningful ways to volunteer in the DC area during the holiday week:
Everything But The Turkey
Since 1996, Everything But The Turkey (EBTT) brings together hundreds of volunteers to chop, mix, grate, and prepare thousands of servings of festive Thanksgiving dishes for people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in partnership with DC Central Kitchen.
Volunteer sessions are held on Sunday, November 23 from 4:30–6:00pm and Monday, November 24 from 6:30–8:00pm at the Edlavitch DCJCC. You can sign up to make green beans, coleslaw, savory stuffing, collard greens, yummy yams, or apple crumble—no cooking experience necessary. The goal is to make more than 12,000 servings of Thanksgiving-themed dishes.
All ages and backgrounds are welcome, with special programs for families with children under 8, a shift for young professionals, and dedicated teen tables. The cost is $22 per person (to offset ingredient costs).
Food & Friends Holiday Meal Delivery
Food & Friends aims to home-deliver more than 4,600 holiday meals to neighbors battling serious illnesses. You can help prep, package, or deliver medically-tailored roasted turkeys, dressing, pie, and other Thanksgiving favorites to households in need. Opportunities include kitchen shifts for meal prep and packaging and delivering meals to recipients. It’s free to participate, but registration is required.
Holiday Helpings
For 33 years, Bread for the City’s Holiday Helpings has brought comfort and dignity to families across DC, providing 17,000 culturally inclusive meal kits with turkey or chicken, sides, and seasonal produce.
Distribution runs from Monday, November 3 through Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at both Northwest and Southeast centers, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. While the main distribution happens before Thanksgiving, you can support the effort through monetary donations or by checking the organization’s website for volunteer opportunities.
Central Union Mission
Central Union Mission hosts a celebration lunch and bingo game on Thanksgiving for locals affected by poverty. This Northeast DC organization provides year-round hot meals, medical care, shelter, and job training. Contact the organization directly about Thanksgiving Day volunteer opportunities.
The Salvation Army – Safeway Feast of Sharing
The annual Safeway Feast of Sharing fills the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with hot meals, free health screenings, and live entertainment. Volunteer roles include kitchen aide, food preparer, language translator, clothing distribution aide, or post-event cleaner. Volunteer slots fill up fast, especially during Thanksgiving week, so register as early as possible.
Thanksgiving Day Activities
After the run or volunteer shift, there’s plenty to see and do in DC on Thanksgiving Day:
Monuments
The National Mall and monuments are always accessible, offering a peaceful place for a post-dinner stroll with stunning views of the memorials illuminated against the autumn sky. Walk the National Mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial for a memorable Thanksgiving Day activity.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
On November 28–29, George Washington’s former estate offers tours guided by candlelight where visitors can hear about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia and the build-up to the American Revolution. Seasonal activities include greeting Aladdin the Christmas Camel, dancing in the greenhouse, and enjoying spiced cider.
Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park
Beginning November 28, Nationals Park transforms into a winter wonderland with activities including a 100-foot tubing slide, Northern Lights Experience, winter train ride, LED see-saws, putt-putt challenge, curling lanes, snowball speed throw challenge, and sculpture garden. There’s even a 21-and-over area with a hidden speakeasy.
Folger Frost Fair
Inspired by frost fairs held in London from the 1600s–1800s, the Folger Frost Fair runs from November 28 through January 4, 2026, as a month-long winter festival with holiday music, decorations, walk-up tours, seek-and-find games, holiday gift shopping, and craft stations.
DC Holiday Market
The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle runs from November 14 through December 23 on the 1500 block of 19th Street NW, hosting 30-plus small businesses with artisanal goods, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts, and unique gift items, plus festive decor and local performers. Free admission makes this a perfect post-Thanksgiving shopping destination.
Getting Around DC on Thanksgiving
Metro: The metro makes discovering DC easy, and Metrobus also provides quick, affordable access to every corner of town. Check holiday schedules in advance, as service may be modified on Thanksgiving Day.
Walking: Many Thanksgiving activities are concentrated around the National Mall and downtown, making walking a great option for getting around.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available, though expect surge pricing during peak hours.
Parking: If driving, arrive early as parking near popular locations fills up quickly.
DC Thanksgiving Tips
Book Everything Early: From turkey trot registrations to restaurant reservations to volunteer spots, popular options fill up fast
Layer Your Clothing: November weather in DC can range from chilly mornings to mild afternoons
Bring Donations: Many turkey trots collect food donations for local charities—check with the organization you’re running with beforehand.
Stay Hydrated: Whether running or volunteering, bring water and stay hydrated throughout the day
Embrace the Spirit: Thanksgiving in DC is about community, gratitude, and giving back—approach the day with these same values in mind and an open heart.
Thanksgiving: More Than Just Turkey
This Thanksgiving, DC offers countless opportunities to make memories, give back, and celebrate in style. Whether you’re running for a cause, volunteering to help those in need, exploring the nation’s monuments, or enjoying a festive meal with loved ones, the capital provides a perfect backdrop for a meaningful holiday.
However you choose to spend your DC Thanksgiving, you’ll be part of a community coming together to give thanks, support one another, and celebrate all that makes the nation’s capital special during the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving from Washington, DC!
