Thanksgiving Day
About
The fourth Thursday of November is one of America's biggest holidays, centred on a family turkey dinner. DC empties out as residents travel, and most shops and restaurants close, though some hotels serve Thanksgiving meals.
Highlights
- Major US family holiday — turkey dinners nationwide
- Many Smithsonian museums close on Thanksgiving Day
- The day after ('Black Friday') kicks off holiday shopping
Practical tips
- Book a Thanksgiving restaurant or hotel meal well ahead — most spots close
- Smithsonian museums close on the day itself
- Expect heavy travel Wed/Sun around the holiday
Sources
Other upcoming events
Jazz in the Garden 2026
On summer Friday evenings the National Gallery of Art turns its Sculpture Garden into a free open-air jazz venue. The 2026 'American Sounds' season nods to the nation's 250th, with passes given out by weekly lottery.
Wawa Welcome America 2026 (Philadelphia Semiquincentennial)
Philadelphia's free Wawa Welcome America festival expands for the US 250th, running from Juneteenth through July 4 with concerts, museum days and a grand finale concert and fireworks over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Art Museum.
Great American State Fair on the National Mall 2026
A centerpiece of the US 250th, the Great American State Fair lines the National Mall for over two weeks with pavilions representing all 50 states, territories and federal entities — food, culture and exhibits ahead of the July 4 capstone.