Thanksgiving Parades and Special Events in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

While Washington DC does not host an annual Thanksgiving Parade, there's still a lot to do and see in and around the National Capital Region during the Thanksgiving holiday. From small town parades in the suburbs to turkey trots that draw a crowd, Thanksgiving is celebrated in a big way in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Every community has something going in and around the nation's capital. For example, both Silver Spring, Maryland and Reston, Virginia play host to annual Thanksgiving Parades. Restaurants are packed to capacity with diners from out of town visiting friends and family.

Charity events abound. The number of Turkey Trots, charity running events in the DC metro region, has increased exponentially in recent years, as Turkey Trots are hosted by SOME (in the District of Columbia), Towson, Bel Air, Columbia and Frederick (in Maryland), and Alexandria, Vienna and Centreville (in Northern Virginia). Clothes and other donations are collected steadily throughout the holidays in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Dinners are served by volunteers for the homeless and needy.

Ready for Thanksgiving? Want to do something special this year? Looking for a parade for the family or, perhaps, an opportunity to give back? Check out these Thanksgiving Parades and Events in the DC metro region. All are close to Metro bus and rail service. All offer great fun and holiday cheer and meaning for everyone in your family.

Saturday, November 20, 2010
Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade
Location: Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland
Hours: Participants arrive by 8am. Parade runs from 9:30am to 1pm.
Parking: Limited. Take metro to Silver Spring.

A Thanksgiving Parade and celebration in the heart of Silver Spring, Maryland? That's right, Silver Spring's annual Thanksgiving Parade is a big draw for residents and visitors alike. Check out 50-foot balloons, floats that promote the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District, and even an appearance by the Washington Redskins Marching Band. What else is happening at the Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade? Several local high school bands strut their stuff alongside mounted police, Shriners, fire engines, antique cars, trained dogs, other marching and dancing groups and a special guest, Santa Clause.

Thursday, November 25, 2010
Alexandria Turkey Trot
Cora Kelly School, 3600 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305
Contact: Brian Danza (202) 713-9593 or email info@alexandriaturkeytrot.com
Website: www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com
Registration: $5 (online) $10 (in person) T-shirt: Optional, $10. Order online or buy on race day.
Packet pickup: At Cora Kelly (from 6-8pm on Wednesday the 24th, starting at 8:30am at Cora Kelly on race day)
Food Donations: Welcome and encouraged

Love to walk or run? Do it for a good cause. Check out the Alexandria Turkey Trot this year. The 35^th Annual Thanksgiving Day Alexandria Turkey Trot takes place in the Del Ray area of Alexandria. Del Ray Business Association and DC Road Runners Club sponsors the event, with proceeds going to benefit the ALIVE foundation, a local charity that provides assistance to the less fortunate. 4,000 runners expected this year. This year's race offers both a stroller division and dog division for racers to compete. All runners and volunteers are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for donation on race day.

Thursday, November 25, 2010
40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger
Benefiting: SOME (So Others May Eat)
Location: West Potomac Park at the intersection of Ohio Drive, SW and Independence Avenue
Hours: 8am (Fun Run); 8:30am (Turkey Trot)
Website: http://www.some.org

Join SOME staff, volunteers, and members of the community on Thanksgiving morning for annual Trot for Hunger. Check out the 5K fun run and family walk where proceeds benefit programs for homeless women, children and men. A great cause on Thanksgiving Day.

Friday, November 26, 2010
Reston Town Center Holiday Parade
Location: Reston Town Center, Reston, Virginia
Hours: 11am through 6pm
Parking: Limited. Metro Orange Line to Reston

A small town celebration with a big time feel. Check out the Reston Town Center Holiday Parage, which begins with the Annual Race for the Kids at Fountain Square. Thanksgiving Parade includes lots of surprises, including Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus joined by Macy's style balloons, musical groups, and dancers. Check out the vintage cars that drive down Market Street. Thrill to horse drawn carriage rides, a Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing Along with a wonderful chorus of traditional holiday music. Something for everyone in the family this Thanksgiving holiday.

THANKSGIVING IN DC RESOURCES

Out on the Town for Thanksgiving in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia
By M.G. Hardiman for Associated Content

Operation Gratitude
Sending Care Packages to US Military

Greater DC Cares
www.dc-cares.org

One Brick - DC
www.onebrick.org/index.asp?RegionID=4