Are you spending Thanksgiving in the Washington, DC area this year? Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday season and many wonderful activities and events begin in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. It's a great week to spend time with family and friends, enjoy some holiday shopping, decorate your home for the holidays and attend some local seasonal events. See a guide to events in the DC Area during Thanksgiving weekend

The Reston community kicks off the holiday season with a full day celebration on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27, 2009. Reston Town Center hosts many holiday activities including a holiday parade, visits with Santa, a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and much more. Don't miss these great events in Reston, Virginia.

Photo © Jim Kirby

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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies

The Presidential pardon of a turkey has been a long time Thanksgiving tradition in Washington, DC. U.S. President Barack Obama, with his daughters by his side, pardoned a turkey named 'Courage' at the North Portico of the White House on November 25, 2009. See photos and learn more about the Presidential Turkey Pardon.

Every year I get emails from people with confusion over the dates for lighting ceremonies for the National Christmas Tree and the Capitol Christmas Tree. So here is some clarification. There are two different trees and two different lighting ceremonies. The National Christmas Tree, located at the Ellipse in front of the White House, will be lit on December 3, 2009 and requires advance tickets. The Capitol Christmas Tree, located on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, will be lit on December 8, 2009 and is open to all.

Many communities in the Washington, DC area kick off the holiday season with a special Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Check out the schedule and enjoy some holiday cheer with your own community or one nearby in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia.

Photo: Christmas Tree at Union Station
© Royal Norwegian Embassy