THURSDAY, NOV. 24

TAKE A TROT: It all began on a chilly morning in 1896, when a YMCA in Buffalo, New York hosted a five mile footrace on Thanksgiving morning. Six contestants raced, and kicked off a tradition that now brings out over 1 million runners. Want to join in on the beloved — or feared, depending on your relationship to running — Turkey Trot tradition? D.C. inhabitants can sign up for America’s Trot for Hunger, which kicks off on Thursday morning from Freedom Plaza. Over in Montgomery County, the Bethesda YMCA will host the 40th annual Turkey Chase. Across the river, runners can sign up for the 17th annual Arlington Turkey Trot or a host of others listed below. (DMV; Thursday morning; $50+)

SEASON’S GREENINGS: You can visit the U.S. Botanic Garden any day of the year, but it’s especially a treat around the holidays. That’s because the garden transforms into a festive wonderland for Season’s Greenings, which includes a display of poinsettias, holiday decor, and an elaborate model train that runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. (U.S. Botanic Garden; through Jan. 2; FREE)

BLACKSGIVING: Some people run on Thanksgiving morning, others dance on Thanksgiving night. If you’re looking for an afterparty for your Thursday meal, look no further than Blacksgiving, the all-Black Thanksgiving party taking place at Abigail in Dupont Circle. Join the Afrobeats, dancehall and hip-hop celebration, with free entry until 11 p.m. (Abigail; 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.; FREE+)

MORE: CAN the Bird 5K (8 a.m.; Alexandria; $30); LARS Turkey Trot (Laurel; 8 a.m.; $50); Turkey Day 5K (Reston; 8 a.m.; $45); Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving Day Races (Ashburn; 8:15 a.m. $35); Prince William Turkey Trot (Manassas; 8:30 a.m.; $45); Y Turkey Trot (Various locations in Maryland; 8:30 a.m.; $47); Alexandria Turkey Trot (Del Ray; 9 a.m.; $25); Fairfax Turkey Trot (Fairfax; 9 a.m.; $40); Thanksgiving Jamboree (Gee’s Lounge; 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.; FREE+)

FRIDAY, NOV. 25

HOLIDAY PARADE: On the morning after Thanksgiving, Reston is wasting no time to enter into full holiday mode. Join Reston Town Center at 11 a.m. for a holiday parade, featuring the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus in a horse drawn carriage. Later, the merry couple will return for a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. (Reston Town Center; 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; FREE)

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE: Friday is Native American Heritage Day, and you can celebrate by joining the National Museum of the American Indian for a hoop dancing demonstration. The event will dive into the history and significance of hoop dancing, and feature a performance by five-time world champion hoop dancer Tony Duncan. (National Museum of the American Indian; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; FREE)

ENCHANT: The baseballs have been swapped out for snowballs at Nationals Park. Enchant, a ticketed winter experience, returns to the baseball stadium this weekend. There, you’ll be able to navigate a dazzling maze, ice skate through a shimmering forest of twinkle lights, and explore The Village, an artisan market that’s perfect for holiday shopping. (Nationals Park; through Jan. 1; $35+)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Maybe you’ve seen A Christmas Carol, but have you ever seen it rendered by just one actor? Actor Paul Morella is stepping up to that challenge in Olney Theatre’s production of the Dickens classic, which opens this weekend for its 13th year. Morella will channel Scrooge, the whole Cratchit family, and people from Christmases past, present and future, totaling in more than 40 characters. (Olney Theatre Center; through Jan. 1; $45)

INDIE ROCK KARAOKE: Belting out “Mr. Brightside” at the bar may be frowned upon in some circles, but it’s nothing but welcomed at Indie Rock Karaoke, which takes over DC9 this weekend. Pull out your favorite Elliot Smith, Pixies, Sonic Youth and Wilco numbers for this karaoke extravaganza — if you’re brave enough to take the stage, you’ll get to take home a vinyl. (DC9 Nightclub; 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.; FREE)

MORE: Zoolights (National Zoo; through Dec. 30; FREE); John Akomfrah: Purple (Hirshhorn Museum; through January; FREE); Native Cinema Showcase (Virtual; through Friday; FREE); Mount Vernon by Candlelight (Mount Vernon; through Dec. 18; $36); ALDN (Songbyrd Music House; 7 p.m.; $15+); The Nutcracker (Warner Theatre; through Dec. 30; $49); Gianmarco Sorsei (DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern; 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; $20); A Christmas Carol & Other Holiday Stories (Gaithersburg Arts Barn; Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.; $22); 1 Helluva Night Comedy (Bethesda Blues and Jazz; 8:30 p.m.; $55)

SATURDAY, NOV. 26

TRIBUTE TO SONDHEIM: Exactly a year ago this coming Saturday, the world lost Stephen Sondheim, arguably the greatest musical theater composer and lyricist to ever live. Signature Theatre is celebrating his legacy with a virtual tribute that will feature performances, musical games and commemorative presentations. (Virtual; all day; FREE)

BLACK OWNED SMALL BUSINESS EXPO: Skip the Black Friday deals and celebrate Small Business Saturday with the Black Owned Small Business Expo, which takes over Prince George’s County’s Show Place Arena with a plethora of shopping, food and entertainment. General admission is free, though a $20 VIP ticket covers lunch and allows you to skip lines. (The Show Place Arena; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; FREE+)

MAKER’S MARKET: Virginia-based shoppers should look no further than Port City Brewing Company’s Maker’s Market, which sets up shop at the Alexandria brewery this Saturday. Over 30 local artists will be present at the pop-up shop, where you can stock up on jewelry and crafts ahead of gifting season. (Port City Brewing Company; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE)

SHOP AND PLAY: Want to celebrate Small Business Saturday within city limits? Get your holiday shopping done at the fourth annual Holiday Shop and Play, which takes over metrobar from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The pop-up puts the spotlight on Black artisans, who will be selling their crafts alongside spiked drinks, s’mores and food trucks. (metrobarDC; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE)

FROZEN IN CONCERT: Is there any way the songs in Disney’s Frozen could become more infectiously catchy? Maybe if the National Symphony Orchestra plays them. Find out for yourself at Disney’s Frozen in Concert, which brings Arendelle to life with live performances of the movie’s soundtrack and score. (Kennedy Center; Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday 7 p.m.; $59+)

TREE LIGHTING: Standing 75 feet tall and decorated by over 150,000 lights and 4,500 ornaments, CityCenterDC’s Christmas tree is one of the largest in the city. Join CityCenter as they dazzle downtown D.C. with their ninth annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, which will be hosted by NBC4 anchor Eun Yang and feature a performance by dance band The Revels. (The Park at CityCenter; 6 p.m.; FREE)

INGRID MICHAELSON TRIO: Ingrid Michaelson is coming to town, and she’s bringing singer-songwriter duo A Great Big World with her. The three musicians make up the Ingrid Michaelson Trio, which just embarked on their “It’s Almost Christmas” tour. This Saturday, the trio will bring all of their holiday cheer to the Lincoln Theatre. (Lincoln Theatre; 8 p.m.; $55)

MORE: Winter City Lights (Olney; through Dec. 31; $37); Black Market (Brookland; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; FREE); Curated Tour of National Gallery (National Gallery of Art; 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $80); Shop Small Saturday Market (Compass Rose; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; FREE); Thanksgiving Barks & Brews Festival (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Shipgarten; FREE); Market at the Bank (Takoma Park Bank; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; FREE); Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Bethesda; 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; $15); Tootsie (Capital One Hall; Friday through Sunday; $63.50+); Sad Night Dynamite (Union Stage; 7 p.m.; $20); Christmas with The 5 Browns (George Mason University Center for the Arts; 8 p.m.; $35+)

SUNDAY, NOV. 27

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS: Take a trip down memory lane with the Queen’s Cartoonists, a six-piece band that plays cartoon theme songs and other childhood classics. With a repertoire that includes the themes from The Pink Panther, Star Wars, Tom and Jerry and the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, they’re sure to stir up some nostalgia in the George Mason University auditorium. (George Mason University Center for the Arts; 3 p.m.; $19)

DEATH TO ASSIMILATION: With sharp, moody photographs that brim with energy, Prince George’s County native Jada Imani M captures fashion and self-expression within the African diaspora. In Death to Assimilation, Imani M’s first solo exhibition, she’ll be showcasing work that features Black women and nonbinary people with bold tattoos, hairstyles, jewelry and piercings. Eckington Hall hosts the show’s exhibition opening this Sunday evening. (Eckington Hall; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; FREE)

GET IN THE MOOD: Get in the mood for the holidays with D.C. based singer-songwriter Laura Tsaggaris, who will be performing at Miracle Theatre this Sunday. The show will feature songs from Tsaggaris’ 2021 Christmas album, “Get in the Mood,” and will celebrate the release of the album on vinyl. (Miracle Theatre; 6 p.m.; $40)

MORE: Breakfast with Santa (Maggiano’s Little Italy Chevy Chase; 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.; $30+); Yoga and Vegan Snacks (Georgetown Waterfront Park; 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; $30); Winter Walk of Lights (Meadowlark Botanical Gardens; through Jan. 8; $16);The Winter Village at Cameron Run (Cameron Run Regional Park; through Jan. 1; $8+); World Cup Watch Party (Wunder Garten; 2 p.m.; FREE)