The "Season's Greetings" exhibit opens at the Botanic Garden on Thanksgiving Day. Photograph courtesy of US Botanic Garden.While tossing around the pigskin and gorging on carbs might be the most American way to spend Thanksgiving, the DC area is offering quite a few different ways to get out and about this week for the big transition into the holiday season. Take a Trot Jog over to Freedom Plaza Thanksgiving morning for some music, family-friendly festivities, and a 5K. Maryland and Virginia also have trots all morning long, featuring turkey costume contests and food drives. Go Holiday Shopping The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle and the Downtown Holiday Market opened last week, featuring local vendors, photo opportunities, and live entertainment. Head downtown to find over 100 shops filled with holiday goodies. If you’re looking for some holly on the Hill, Eastern Market’s Better Together Gift Card Campaign runs from Friday through Sunday. Shoppers who purchase an item from any of the 30 participating vendors will receive a gift card to another shop. Ice Skate on the National Mall The National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden Ice Rink opened on Saturday and will be operational through March. The rink is surrounded by sculptures from modern and contemporary artists such as Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, and Roxy Paine. In between skate sessions, guests can enjoy seasonal food and beverages like mulled wine, apple cider, and soups. Thursday Night Lights The DC area will have light displays opening everywhere from the National Zoo to Artechouse this weekend. Visitors can walk or drive through family-friendly interactive holiday lights featuring music and holiday decor. See a Seasonal Exhibit at the Botanic Garden After admiring the annual wreaths currently hanging in front of Union Station, walk over to the Botanic Gardens for the opening of its “Season’s Greetings” exhibit, featuring seasonal vegetation, monuments made from plants, and model trains, daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. The display opens Thanksgiving Day and will remain open through January 5. Indulge in a Festive Libation Several bars and restaurants in the DC area will transform their spaces into winter wonderlands. For example, Death Punch, an Adams Morgan billiards bar, will hang stockings by the bar stools with care starting Wednesday. Customers can purchase collectible glasses and sip on Jingle Balls Nog or a Chrismapolitan. See a Play The much-anticipated Leopoldstadt opens on Saturday at Harman Hall with a showing at 7:30 PM. The story follows a Jewish family over the course of almost 60 years, seeing them through both World Wars and the years following the Holocaust. The play runs for 2 hours and 37 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.The post 7 Things to Do Around DC This Thanksgiving and Weekend first appeared on Washingtonian.