Thanksgiving In Washington, D.C.: A MapQuest Guide

Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. is a time for gathering with family and loved ones, expressing gratitude and, of course, eating. As part of TurkeyQuest -- a MapQuest guide to Thanksgiving events, featuring everything from parades to holiday sales to activities for families -- here are two of the best ways to experience Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. and one opportunity to give back to others.

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Washington, D.C. Thanksgiving Events Map

Turkey Trot For Hunger

Each year, more than 5,000 Washington, D.C.-area runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels come out on Thanksgiving Day for SOME's (So Others Might Eat) Turkey Trot for Hunger to raise money to feed the homeless in the greater D.C. area. The 5K run/walk begins first thing in the morning with the shorter "Little Turkey" fun walk for kids and less serious competitors, beginning slightly before the main race. Register online; the cost is $23 until mid-November and $25 a few days prior to the race. The race will begin on Pennsylvania Avenue, between 13th and 12th streets, and prizes will be awarded to top finishers.

Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade

The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, has it all: uniform-clad marching bands, colorful and festive floats, gargantuan Macy-esque balloons, antique cars and jolly ol' Saint Nick. Usher in the holiday season by lining Ellsworth Drive and Georgia Avenue with family and friends to cheer on the procession. The parade is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year and begins first thing in the morning.

Sligo Avenue and Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20901

Volunteer With Food And Friends

Food and Friends brings healthy meals to those living below the poverty line throughout the greater Washington, D.C., area. The organization has several Thanksgiving-week initiatives where volunteers can help hand out pies, get boxed meals ready for delivery and deliver meals throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate, although families with younger children can deliver food together.

219 Riggs Road NE, Washington, DC 20011 | Go to Huffington Post Impact to see how else you can volunteer.

Thanksgiving In Washington, D.C.: Video

Spectators and participants enjoy the D.C. area's Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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Did we miss a Washington, D.C. Thanksgiving event? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Thanksgiving events and volunteering opportunities? Check out TurkeyQuest and our coverage in Maryland, Baltimore and Virginia.

Interested in more stories about Washington, D.C.? Go to Patch and scroll the list of states to get great local coverage of your neighborhood.