Thanksgiving Break - Things To Do Around DC

Staying around DC for Thanksgiving break? Here are some cool ideas for things to do on campus and the around the city!

On Campus

On Thanksgiving day, the AU Residence Hall Association will be hosting Thanksgiving Feasts in the Northside and Southside of campus. Please email Lindsey Malcom (Lindsey@aurha.org) for more information or ask an RA for details.

Here’s the link for the dining hours during the Thanksgiving break: http://www.american.edu/ocl/housing/Hours-of-Operation-2012-Breaks.cfm


Around DC

Go Ice-Skating: Visit the National Gallery of Art and then head over to the museum’s Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Information on times and prices are available through their website: http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.shtm


Take a Hike: Venture out to one of the best kept secrets in the DC area to enjoy this beautiful fall weather. Teddy Roosevelt Island is easily accessible from the Rosslyn Metro station. More information on the island via: http://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm


Tour Mount Vernon by Candlelight: This special event occurs only a couple of times a year. Take advantage of the opportunity to tour George Washington’s estate by candlelight with live music and entertainment. More information on tickets and times available at: http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2012-11-23/5037


Visit National Harbor: National Harbor is located in Maryland but can be accessed through a water taxi that leaves from the Georgetown Waterfront. Take an afternoon off and cruise over there to visit shops and restaurant and possibly catch the lighting ceremony of the Christmas tree on Nov. 23 from 7-11pm. More details at http://nationalharbor.com/event/tree-lighting-and-fireworks/


Brave Black Friday: Join thousands of other Black Friday shoppers and head to some of the DC area’s most famous shopping districts – Georgetown, Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, and Pentagon City Mall.


Do the Trot: Join the 11th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger! This 5k walk/run helps support the hungry and homeless in the DC area. Last day to register is Wednesday, Nov. 21 by 6pm. Even if you miss the registration, stop by downtown to cheer on the participants. More info at: http://www.some.org/events_trot_main.html

Wet Your Appetite for Knowledge: One of the best perks of this amazing city is all of the culture and knowledge available through the numerous museums around the city! Discover a new one over this break! Here's a list of the options available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_museums_in_Washington,_D.C.  

Dine Out: Not in the mood to cook a turkey but still want some Thanksgiving goodness? Consider going to one of these DC restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner. http://dc.about.com/od/restaurants/a/Thanksgivingdin.htm

Extend a Hand: If you are looking to find ways to volunteer and give back to the DC community, consider contacting one of these organizations to see if they have any projects going on this weekend: http://dc.about.com/od/thanksgiving/a/VolunteerThanks.htm