Whether you’re a local or visiting the nation’s capital, Washington, DC is brimming with holiday events, artistic exhibitions, festive dining, and seasonal shopping. Here’s a curated guide to make the most of DC’s holiday season.
Brunch and Festive Dining in DC
Olio E Più – 699 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Indulge in an Italian-inspired brunch with limitless mimosas and signature cocktails every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Enjoy brunch or a special Italian-style Thanksgiving meal, featuring dishes like Tacchino Arrosto (Italian-style roasted turkey) and Crostata Tatin Di Zucca. OLIO E PIÙ
La Grande Boucherie – 699 14th Street NW, Washington, DC
Elevate your brunch experience with French elegance and bottomless mimosas for $30. Or reserve a Thanksgiving dinner with a Parisian twist, showcasing traditional flavors combined with French culinary techniques, like Pumpkin Tatin with caramelized puff pastry and vanilla mascarpone. La Grande Boucherie.
LINCOLN
Join on Thursday, November 28, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM, for a Thanksgiving feast celebrating seasonal flavors. Dine-in for $71 per adult and $32 per child (12 and under), or enjoy takeout packages for an at-home celebration. Lincoln Restaurant DC
Bidwell – Union Market
Experience a sustainable Thanksgiving with slow-roasted, all-natural turkey and aeroponic rooftop greens. Dine-in on November 28 from 2 PM to 7 PM for $65 per adult and $30 per child under 12. Thanksgiving To-Go options are also available, with pick-up on November 26–28. Call 202-547-0172. Bidwell Restaurant
Seasonal Events at Tysons Corner Center
Tysons Corner Center is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive installations, live performances, and unique shopping experiences. Here are some highlights:
Holiday Kick-Off Celebration: November 15, 6–8 PM
Enjoy holiday performances, complimentary s’mores, fireworks, a market featuring local artisans, and giveaways.
Pet Nights with Santa: November 18, 25, December 2 & 9
Get a festive photo of your pet with Santa on Mondays from 6–8 PM.
Location: Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, VA. Tysons Corner Center | Events
Concerts and Special Events
Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert
Experience the magic of live music alongside the thrill of Spider-Man with a live orchestra and DJ. Shows run November 8 at 7:30 PM, November 9 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Broadway at The National
Folger Consort’s Annual Holiday Concerts
The Folger Consort’s annual holiday concerts—a cherished DC tradition since 1977—returns this season with eleven performances of A Mass for Christmas Eve: Baroque Music for the Season. Join the Consort at the Elizabethan-styled Folger Theater from December 6–15 to enjoy Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit pour Noël and selections by composers Vivaldi, Torelli, Potts, Warlock, and Tarney. A Mass for Christmas Eve | Folger Shakespeare Library
Fidelio – Presented by Washington National Opera
Beethoven’s Fidelio comes to life in DC this November, offering an uplifting story of love and resilience. Fidelio | Kennedy Center
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Signature Theatre, Arlington
A hilarious, Tony Award-winning musical comedy that’s perfect for the holiday season. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum — Signature Theatre
David Cross Live – Warner Theater
Known for Arrested Development, David Cross performs his stand-up comedy at the Warner Theater this November. David Cross – Warner Theater Washington, DC
Six – National Theatre
Catch this hit musical featuring the six wives of Henry VIII, blending history with modern pop. SIX – Broadway at The National
Shopping and Dining Offers
Plaid Friday in Alexandria: November 29
Plaid Friday brings together over 50 local businesses in Alexandria to encourage shoppers to support independent retailers, offering exclusive deals and festive shopping experiences. plaidfridayALX.com
Westfield Montgomery’s Holiday Kickoff
Beginning November 7, Westfield Montgomery in Bethesda, MD, hosts events like their Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa’s Workshop, and Brunch with Santa on November 10 and 17. Westfield Montgomery
Segra Field Holiday Market: Saturday, November 16, and Sunday, November 17
Times: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. both days. This event is FREE to attend and will feature various local vendors, food trucks, and yard games on the field! For $30, you can book a time slot for pictures with Santa. For more information regarding the Segra Field Holiday Market, booking your photos with Santa, or becoming a vendor, visit the official event page.
Beloved DC Holiday Market – Now in Dupont Circle
The DC Holiday Market, in a new location at Dupont Circle (1500 block of 19th Street, NW), will open on Friday, November 22, and run through December 15. This festive market showcases over 30 small businesses, local artisans, unique gift items, live performances, and treats like Migue’s Mini Donuts and Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts. Hours are 12 PM to 8 PM on weekdays and 11 AM to 8 PM on weekends (closed on Thanksgiving Day). DC HOLIDAY MARKET
DowntownDC Holiday Market – Penn Quarter-Chinatown
Wrap up something special at this year’s DowntownDC Holiday Market, celebrating its 20th year with a fresh setup by The Makers Show. Open daily from November 22 to December 23, 12 PM – 8 PM (closed on Thanksgiving). Location: F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets NW). DowntownDC Holiday Market – DowntownDC Holiday Market
Cheesetique Wine Expo – Del Ray, Alexandria
On November 10, from 3 PM to 5 PM, sample dozens of holiday wines and enjoy cheese & charcuterie samplers at Cheesetique in Del Ray. $20 per ticket includes a 10% discount on six bottles or 15% on twelve. Cheesetique Del Ray (Alexandria)
Dining for Thanksgiving in DC
DC restaurants are stepping up their Thanksgiving offerings with both dine-in and to-go options:
Blue Duck Tavern
A Thanksgiving feast featuring regional favorites like cider-brined turkey and pumpkin cheesecake. Dine-in or take-home options available. Washington, D.C. Georgetown Restaurant | Blue Duck Tavern
Modena
Enjoy Italian-inspired Thanksgiving with dishes like Butternut Squash Agnolotti and Smoked Heirloom Turkey Breast at this downtown DC favorite. Modena Modern Italian Cuisine
SABABA
Cleveland Park’s SABABA offers a unique Thanksgiving menu with Israeli flavors, including Turkey Mansaf and Fried Brussels Sprouts with sweet labne and cranberries. Sababa – Modern Israeli Restaurant in Washington, DC
Paraíso Taqueria
Paraíso Taqueria in Capitol Hill is celebrating National Nacho Day on November 6 with its signature nachos, inspired by bold Mexican flavors, available for $12. Paraiso Taquería y Mezcalería
The Golden Age
Located in Dupont Circle, The Golden Age hosts Jazz Nights every Sunday evening. Guests can sip classic cocktails and enjoy live jazz in homage to Duke Ellington. The Golden Age
Immigrant Food – Ballston Location
Immigrant Food’s Ballston location offers Trivia Nights every Thursday starting at 7 PM, with happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM. Compete for gift cards and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Immigrant Food
Carmine’s – Dine-In or Take Home
For a family-style feast without the stress, head to Carmine’s in Penn Quarter. They’re offering an EIGHTEEN-pound turkey with all the fixings, perfect for six to eight people. Dine in or take it to-go—ideal for watching football and enjoying Thanksgiving at home. Cost: $325 for six to eight people (only $36.87 per person for eight). Let Carmine’s Do The Thanksgiving Cooking This Year
Paint, Play, and Pour at Museum of Illusions DC
The Museum of Illusions invites you to its weekly Paint, Play, and Pour series, starting now. Led by DC artist Lina Alattar, guests will enjoy two hours of guided painting, two glasses of wine, and a private tour of the museum’s immersive exhibits. Tickets are $50, and reservations can be made by emailing [email protected]. Upcoming Themes: Nov. 14: DC Landmarks. Nov. 21: Abstract. Dec. 5: Ornaments. Dec. 12: Winter Wonderland. Dec. 19: Ornaments. For more information, visit moiwashington.com or follow the museum on Instagram and Facebook.
This holiday season, immerse yourself in DC’s unique blend of art, food, shopping, and festive activities. Whether you’re looking to savor a Thanksgiving feast, explore local artistry, or get into the holiday spirit, the nation’s capital has something special for everyone. Enjoy a season filled with warmth, culture, and community.
