Thanksgiving in Washington DC 2026: What’s Open, Events & Best Tours
Thanksgiving in Washington DC is one of the easiest holidays to plan for. The monuments never close, nearly every Smithsonian museum stays open, and the city’s holiday lights switch on the same week. Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26, which gives you a four-day weekend to see the capital. This guide covers what’s open on Thanksgiving Day, the events running that weekend, and the best DC tours for families and first-time visitors.
Quick answer: On Thanksgiving Day 2026, the National Mall monuments and memorials, the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art and Mount Vernon are open. The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the Library of Congress and the National Archives Museum are closed. ZooLights and the DowntownDC Holiday Market are already running that weekend.
What’s Open on Thanksgiving in DC
| Attraction | Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| National Mall monuments & memorials | Open 24 hours | Lincoln, WWII, Vietnam, MLK, Jefferson and more (NPS) |
| Washington Monument | Open, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Closed only on July 4 and Dec 25; elevator tickets required |
| Smithsonian museums | Open | Closed only Dec 25; free timed passes for African American History and Air and Space (Smithsonian) |
| Smithsonian’s National Zoo | Open | Open every day except Dec 25; free entry pass required |
| National Gallery of Art | Open | Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1 |
| Mount Vernon | Open | Open every day of the year; ticketed |
| U.S. Capitol Visitor Center | Closed | Also closed Dec 25, Jan 1 and Sundays (visitthecapitol.gov) |
| Library of Congress | Closed | All buildings close on federal holidays |
| National Archives Museum | Closed | Reopens Friday |
Tip: Friday, November 27, is not a federal holiday, so the Capitol, the Library of Congress and the National Archives reopen. That makes Black Friday a good day for a Capitol Hill and Library of Congress tour.
Thanksgiving Weekend Events in DC (Nov 26–29, 2026)
- ZooLights at the National Zoo – About a million LED lights and animal lanterns on select evenings from November 20, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Tickets and parking are sold in advance (National Zoo).
- DowntownDC Holiday Market – Local makers, food and live music on F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets, November 13 to December 23 (DowntownDC). It is about a five-minute walk from our tour meeting point at 333 G St NW.
- Turkey trots – Several Thanksgiving morning races raise money for local hunger charities. Register early; they sell out.
- U.S. Botanic Garden holiday display – The Conservatory’s seasonal train and plant displays usually open around Thanksgiving. Check the garden’s website for 2026 dates.
- Black Friday shopping – M Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown, CityCenterDC and Union Station are the main in-city shopping areas.
The National Christmas Tree and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree are typically lit in early December, a week or two after Thanksgiving. See our Christmas in Washington DC 2026 guide for details.
Best DC Tours for Thanksgiving Weekend
With family in town and a long weekend to fill, a guided tour is the easiest way to show everyone the highlights without a long walk across the Mall.
- Monuments E-Cart Tour – Two hours, six-plus stops including the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Memorial and the White House. Small groups, $59. The 3:00 p.m. departure catches sunset, which comes around 4:45 p.m. in late November.
- Open-Air Cruiser Monuments Tour – Same route in a larger open-air vehicle, good for families of 5–12. From $45.
- Moonlight E-Cart Tour – By 5:30 p.m. it is fully dark in late November, so both evening departures show the memorials lit up. A great after-dinner outing on Friday or Saturday.
- Private 1931 Buick Tour – A two-hour private monuments tour in an authentic vintage car for up to four people. A memorable holiday gift.
- Historic Georgetown Walking Tour – 10:30 a.m. daily; pair it with Black Friday shopping on M Street.
- Private group tours – For large families or reunions, ask about a custom private tour.
Holiday availability can differ from the regular schedule, so check the booking calendar for Thanksgiving Day itself. Every tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.
A Sample Thanksgiving Weekend in DC
- Thursday: Run a turkey trot or stroll the National Mall in the morning, visit a Smithsonian museum after lunch, then head to your Thanksgiving dinner reservation.
- Friday: Tour Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress, then shop the DowntownDC Holiday Market.
- Saturday: Georgetown walking tour in the morning; Moonlight E-Cart Tour in the evening.
- Sunday: ZooLights or a trip to Mount Vernon before heading home.
Thanksgiving in DC: Practical Tips
- Book dinner early. Many DC restaurants offer Thanksgiving prix-fixe menus and fill up weeks ahead.
- Check Metro schedules. WMATA usually runs a holiday schedule on Thanksgiving Day; confirm on wmata.com.
- Dress for the cold. Late-November highs are usually in the 50s °F, with evenings in the 30s and 40s.
- Reserve timed passes. Popular museums and the Washington Monument still require passes on holidays.
- Expect quiet Thursday mornings. The Mall is calm before noon on Thanksgiving, which is perfect for photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Smithsonian museums open on Thanksgiving 2026?
Yes. Smithsonian museums in Washington DC, including Natural History, American History and Air and Space, are open on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. They close only on December 25. Some museums require free timed-entry passes, so reserve those before you go.
What is closed in DC on Thanksgiving?
The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, all Library of Congress buildings and the National Archives Museum are closed on Thanksgiving Day, along with most federal offices. Many shops close too. The monuments, Smithsonian museums, National Zoo and National Gallery of Art stay open.
Can you visit the monuments on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes. The monuments and memorials on the National Mall are open 24 hours a day, every day, including Thanksgiving. The Washington Monument interior is also open on Thanksgiving with timed tickets. Thursday mornings are quiet, making it one of the best times of the year for photos.
What are the best things to do in DC on Thanksgiving weekend?
Top picks include a guided monuments tour, ZooLights at the National Zoo, the DowntownDC Holiday Market on F Street, a Smithsonian museum, Georgetown shopping and a night tour of the illuminated memorials. On Friday, the Capitol and Library of Congress reopen for tours.
Is Washington DC busy on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Day itself is relatively quiet in central DC, since many locals travel or stay home. Crowds pick up Friday through Sunday, especially at museums, ZooLights and the holiday market. Book tours and timed passes in advance for the weekend.
Make It a Holiday to Remember
Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to show visiting family the capital. Reserve your Washington DC monuments tour now, and browse all of our DC tours to plan the rest of your weekend.
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