For all students spending Thanksgiving in D.C., there’s plenty to do on and off campus this holiday season. Here are some of our ideas from the Scene:
1. Thanksgiving TV Specials
Price: Free
Invite a few friends over and take advantage of holiday TV programming. From the comfort of your own dorm or apartment, enjoy classics such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and live coverage of the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” Here are a few additional shows to watch out for:
● “The SNL Thanksgiving Special,” Nov. 27 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC—“The SNL Thanksgiving Special”
● “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. ET on NBC and CBS
● “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
● “Lady Gaga and the Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular,” Nov. 28 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC
2. Outdoor skating
Price: $10-$15
For those who enjoy ice skating, great news—the rinks are open. Check them out over Thanksgiving break for a fun, relatively inexpensive holiday activity at these two locations:
● National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and Ice Rink
● Washington Harbour Ice Rink
3. Explore the National Museum of the American Indian
Price: Free
Return to the roots of American history and learn about Native American heritage at Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Current exhibitions include “Grand Procession: Dolls from the Charles and Valerie Diker Collection” and “Our Peoples: Giving Voice to Our Histories.”
4. Church services
Price: Suggested contribution of $10
Attend a church service, like the “National Cathedral”:http://www.nationalcathedral.org/events/thanksgiving2013.shtml#.UpUCMmRgbhk’s annual Thanksgiving Day service on Nov. 28 at 10 a.m..
5. Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant
Price: $26 and under
Skip the hassle of putting together a Thanksgiving meal and head out to order Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant. Here’s a few suggestions:
● The Hamilton
○ $26 roasted turkey dinner
● Clyde’s of Friendship Heights (multiple locations)
○ $26 roast turkey dinner
○ $17 applewood smoked ham
● McCormick & Schmick’s
○ $25 roasted turkey dinner
● Bistro Bistro
○ $25 four-course Thanksgiving dinner
6. Run a race
Price: $30-$35
Run in the Trot for Hunger 5k in support of D.C.’s hungry and homeless on Nov. 28.
7. Volunteer at a shelter or food bank
Price: Your time
In the spirit of giving to those in more need, a variety of DC volunteer organizations will have their doors open on Thanksgiving Day for those willing to volunteer a few hours of their time to the homeless and hungry, including:
● Food & Friends
● Capital Area Food Bank
● Bread for the City
● Salvation Army
● Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center
8. Potluck party
Price: Varies
Gather a few friends over for a holiday potluck to let them know you are thankful for having them in your lives. For the more ambitious and food-savvy, you might consider roasting your own turkey. For a cheaper alternative, consider buying a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. If you are attending a potluck, you might consider bringing mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie (or pumpkin-anything), or sparkling cider. Above all, bring your smiles and stories, all in celebration of family, friends and food.
