Thanksgiving 2019
Thanksgiving will soon be here! Below is our annual guide to special Thanksgiving Northern Virginia events, including community celebrations and “turkey trots” and other fun runs. Don’t miss the seasonal “turkey trains,” the big parade in Reston, and more!
Thanksgiving Northern Virginia: Celebrations and Special Events
Fri., Nov. 29: Rocknoceros Show at Jammin’ Java
Vienna, VA
Work off that big Thanksgiving meal by moving around to the great sounds of Rocknoceros, the multiple-award-winning band that had wowed area audiences for more than 10 years. Their music is fun, clever, and geared to kids but fun for all ages. Doors open at 10 am for the 10:30 show. Tickets are just $5 per person for ages one and up.
Fri., Nov. 23: Reston Town Center Holiday Kickoff
Reston, VA
Reston’s Holiday Parade, the day after Thanksgiving, is a big and festive event featuring Macy’s-style giant balloons, antique cars, musicians and marching bands, dancers, and community groups marching through the Reston Town Center. This year’s parade theme is “Home Sweet Home.” The parade is part of a fun day of fun that also includes the Gingerbread Man Mile run for kids (see “races” section below), horse-drawn carriage rides, and at night, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive to light the Christmas tree and lead the community in a sing-along.
Sat., Nov. 30: The Great Zucchini at Jammin’ Java
Vienna, VA
Another very popular entertainer takes the stage at Jammin’ Java on Thanksgiving week. See The Great Zucchini with is fun blend of comedy, silly antics, and magic that enthralls the tiny tot crowd. Doors open at 10 am for the 10:30 show. Tickets are just $5 per person for ages one and up.
Thanksgiving: Turkey Trots and Races in Northern Virginia
Thurs., Nov. 28, Fairfax: Mosby Woods Turkey Trot and Sidewalk Stroll
A low-key neighborhood 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/walk to celebrate the holidays and help the community. There is no formal entry fee for this event, but all participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item as a “virtual entry fee” (spectators can donate, too!). The food items will be donated to the Food For Others food bank in Merrifield nearby.
Thurs., Nov. 28 Fairfax: Fairfax Turkey Trot
Second annual family-fun 4-mile turkey trot where you can walk, jog or run. Strollers are welcome and children under 7 are free. Proceeds are donated to Britepaths. Entry fees are $0 person for ages 7 and up; regular fees are $30-35.
Thurs., Nov. 28, Reston: Turkey Day 5K
Potomac River Running presents the Turkey Day 5K at South Lakes High School, an all-ages event that includes a timed 5k, 1-Mile Fun Run, and even a FREE Tot Trot (100-yard course). Registration fees are $35-45 for adults, with cash prizes for the top three males, top three females, and top three in various age groups. Please note: no strollers or dogs allowed.
Thurs., Nov. 28, Alexandria: Alexandria Turkey Trot
This is a “flat, fast, USATF-certified 5-mile course” that starts and ends at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood. Entry fees start at $5 for kids 12 and under in advance and $20 for adults. Food donations will be collected for ALIVE!, a nonprofit organization serving Alexandria’s needy.
Fri., Nov. 23, Reston: Gingerbread Man Mile
Run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man!” This annual fun course for kids ages 14 and under covers a 1-mile loop around Reston Town Center, starting at 8 am (registration is $10). It precedes the annual Macy’s-style parade with giant balloons at the Reston Town Center (parking is free that day) that kicks off the Holiday Festival with a tree-lighting and other events that day.
