December 9
Civil War Christmas in Camp Open House
12:00 pm
Fort Ward Museum
4301 W. Braddock Rd.
Get in the holiday spirit and learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. This popular family-oriented event features a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camp settings, period decorations, fort tours, and kids’ activities. No registration required. Get in the holiday spirit and learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. This popular family-oriented event features a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camp settings, period decorations, fort tours, and kids’ activities. No registration required. $2 per person; $5 for families.
December 9
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House, and Lloyd House
Travel through centuries of local history as you learn more about Alexandria during the holiday season at Carlyle House, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Lee-Fendall House. Enjoy each site by candlelight, smell seasonal greenery, sip on drinks and taste period inspired food. Seasonal libations will be available for purchase. This year Lloyd House joins the tour, hosting members of Beth El Hebrew Congregation, the oldest Jewish congregation in Northern Virginia, as they share the traditions of Hanukkah. $25; Seniors (65 and over) and active duty military: $20; Children (ages 6-17): $5
December 9
How to Celebrate Kwanzaa Workshop
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe St.
Have you ever wanted to celebrate Kwanzaa, but are not sure how to begin? Join the staff of the Alexandria Black History Museum and Marilyn Patterson, CEO of Joyous Events, for an informative morning that includes the history of Kwanzaa, and hints on easy to make crafts, games, gifts, recipes and holiday decorating. (703) 746-4356 $2
December 15-16
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
5:30 pm-9:00 pm
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Come to Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music, with fireworks beginning around 9 p.m. Take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs, visit with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, and learn 18th-century dance moves from costumed guides in the Greenhouse. George and Martha Washington will also be on site to greet Mount Vernon’s holiday guests. Watch as colonial artisans demonstrate the 18th-century process of creating chocolate. Keep toasty by warming up by a bonfire, visiting the blacksmith shop, or enjoying some hot chocolate or cider. Additional food will be available for purchase. Still haven’t found the perfect holiday gift? Take some time to complete any last-minute gift needs at the Shops at Mount Vernon, open late during Christmas Illuminations. $34 adult/$24 youth with mansion tour; $30 adult/$20 youth without mansion tour
December 24
Waterskiing Santa
1:00 pm (Pre-show at 12:45 pm)
Alexandria Waterfront between King and Oronoco
Now in its 32nd year, this favorite DC-area Christmas Eve tradition comes to Old Town Alexandria for the fourth time. Gather at Alexandria’s Potomac River waterfront for a spectacular show by the Waterskiing Santa and his wakeboarding reindeer, plus flying elves, the Grinch and his friends, Frosty the Snowman and Jack Frost. Prime viewing area is along the waterfront between King Street and Oronoco Street, which includes Founders Park and the Alexandria City Marina. Free
