Note: D.C. has new regulations on public gatherings and dining going into effect this week in the wake of rising COVID-19 case numbers. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26

TWINKLE TWINKLE: Cap off Thanksgiving with a drive through a spectacular light show. The annual Symphony of Lights is still taking place this year, so hop in your car and enjoy more than 300,000 bulbs, larger-than-life animated holiday creations, and more. A portion of the proceeds will go towards Howard County General Hospital. (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Md., 6 p.m., $20)

LEFTOVERS: Make plans for your Thanksgiving leftovers with the U.S. Botanic Gardens. This online demonstration will give you ideas for ways to make use of those leftovers. Afterwards, enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare your garden for the winter time. Happy eating! (Noon, FREE)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS: Kick off Black Friday by supporting small business at Victura Park’s holiday market. This entirely outdoor market is opening at the REACH on Friday through December 20. Not only can you shop from some of your favorite local businesses but also grab small bites and warm drinks as you do it as part of this outdoor pop-up wine garden. (The REACH at the Kennedy Center, 4 p.m., prices vary)

KEEP THE CHANGE YA FILTHY ANIMAL: Cozy up to your own personal fire pit on Transit Pier at The Wharf all holiday season as you enjoy your favorite holiday movies. This pop-up, outdoor movie theater is showing holiday classics, including Elf, The Grinch, and Home Alone. When you get a ticket, you get a personal fire pit for four people, along with a special stocking full of holiday treats from Wharf restaurants. Cantina Bambina will be offering drinks and snacks. (Transit Pier at The Wharf, 6 p.m., $60)

A WINTER BACK IN TIME: Go back in time and celebrate the winter holidays at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The stunning estate will be lit up in beautiful amber light as classic holiday music plays. Walk around the garden and greenhouse, speak with actors in colonial garb, meet a camel, get food from a food truck, and more. Face coverings are required. (George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 5:30 p.m., $25-$45)

YOGA FROM THE GARDENS: Pretend you’re in a serene Montgomery County park with this virtual yoga class, which will be filmed from Brookside Gardens. This pre-recorded Zoom yoga class is a great way to stretch out, build strength, and relax. This class is appropriate for ages 18 and up. (Recorded any time, $25)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: Do you get ready for the holiday season as soon as Thanksgiving is over? Valley View Acres does! Head on over for their annual Christmas tree and craft fair, open through the end of November and the first three weekends in December. Get a pre-cut Christmas tree, wreaths, crafts, local honey, and more. The festival is cash only. (Valley View Acres, Middletown, Md., 10 a.m., prices vary)

BRIGHT LIGHTS AHEAD: Pull up to Bull Run’s Festival of Lights and enjoy a safe drive through 2.5 miles of illuminated holiday displays. Turn off your headlights and just cruise with family through this stunning light show. Tickets can be purchased online to reduce contact. (7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, Va., $25-$30)

HOLIDAY POINSETTIAS: Unleash your inner artist with a virtual paint session hosted live by ArtJamz. This paint session will guide you through a beautiful red and green painting of a holiday poinsettia from the safety of your home. When you purchase a ticket, you’ll also be able to get a painting kit that can be shipped or picked up directly from ArtJamz. (8 p.m., $12.50 plus cost of supplies)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29

CLEANING UP: Get your steps in post-Thanksgiving and help clean up Rock Creek Park. All weekend, Blue Planet Scuba will be conducting virtual clean-up campaigns, which means you can head to Pierce Mill and undertake your own clean-up to report back on. If you need supplies like gloves and trash cans, you can contact the organization. A waiver and registration is required to participate. (Pierce Mill, all day, FREE)

CEMETERY TOUR: Due to increased demand, the Congressional Cemetery is now offering small, guided tours on Sundays as well. Each Sunday tour begins at 1 p.m. and is lead by a docent who will give you the history behind the cemetery with docents often personalizing the experience to their favorite stories. Dress comfortably and warmly for an enlightening walk. Be aware that the cemetery is open to dogs on Sunday. (Congressional Cemetery, 1 p.m., $5 donation)