Community News

Let Loose: Have Fun in Alexandria Thanksgiving Weekend!

Looking for something to do? Here are some suggestions

Pixabay photo by Sabrina Ripke

Alexandria, VA – Planning to eat a hearty Thanksgiving dinner? Looking forward to seeing your family and watching football? Sounds great! But guess what. You will have three more days to relax and have fun! So, what will you do? Well, here are some ideas.

Black Friday & Plaid Friday in Alexandria

Pixabay photo by mmi9

Friday, Nov. 29

Throughout Old Town and Del Ray

Shop and find deals at more than 40 stores! Ten boutiques will open at 7 a.m. Look for Plaid Friday posters to earn a free totebag in shops when you spend $100 after 10 a.m. For more about Plaid Friday, read this Zebra article.

Grinch-Mas Story Time and Character Visit

Courtesy image

Friday, Nov. 29–Sunday, Dec. 1

Friday: 4 p.m.; Saturday: 2:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m.

Hooray for Books!

1555 King Street

The Grinch visits Alexandria this weekend! Bring your little ones to hear a reading of Dr. Seuss’s classic “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” You’ll also receive a free advent calendar. (Santa and Mrs. Claus return Nov. 30 for keepsake photos.)

Small Business Saturday in Old Town

Holiday Shopping on the streets of Old Town. (Photo: K.Summerer for Visit Alexandria)

Saturday, Nov. 30

Old Town and Del Ray

Stroll Alexandria’s historic streets while you shop. More than 40 stores will participate and offer in-store activities and free gifts. Talk to shop owners and receive personalized customer service. Also taking place that day is the Small Business Saturday Scavenger Hunt, where you will have an experience like no other. Get your Scavenger Hunt map HERE.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight & Christmas at Mount Vernon

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. (Courtesy photo)

Friday, Nov. 29–Sunday, Dec. 1

Various times (Ticket prices vary)

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway

Take a special tour of the Mount Vernon Estate by candlelight and/or learn about Christmas traditions celebrated by General Washington and his family. For more info and tickets, click HERE and HERE.

Colorful Holiday Ornament Workshop

Make keepsake ornaments at Wear Ever Jewelry. (Courtesy photo)

Saturday, Nov. 30

Starts: 10 a.m. ($90 per person)

Wear Ever Jewelry

1112 King Street

Using enamel on copper, you will be able to create your very own holiday keepsake. All materials provided! Activity recommended for ages 14 and up.

The Alexandrian & Jackson 20’s Winter Wonderland

Enjoy Winter Wonderland at Jackson 20. (Courtesy photo)

Opens: Friday, Nov. 29 (Recurring daily)

Time: 4–10 p.m. (FREE!)

Jackson 20

480 King Street

The restaurant’s renovated courtyard will feature pop-up vendors and more to get you into the holiday spirit. To stay warm, there will be heat lamps and blankets available. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to Children’s National Hospital.

Alexandria’s Farmers’ Market

Courtesy photo

For info on the Old Town Farmers’ Market, click HERE.

For info on the Old Town North Farmers’ Market, click HERE.

For info on the Del Ray Farmers’ Market, click HERE.

For info on the Four Mile Run and Artisans Farmers’ Market, click HERE.

Note: The West End Farmers Market returns in May 2020.

The Meeting House Choir and Period Instrument Orchestra Perform Handel’s Messiah

The Meeting House Choir (Courtesy photo)

Sunday, Dec. 1

Starts: 3 p.m. (FREE!)

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

323 S Fairfax Street

Hear Handel’s immortal oratorio performed live! Dr. Steven Seigart will conduct the performance. The piece has been a part of the Christmas season since Handel composed it in 1743.

George Washington’s Alexandria

Meet at the Torpedo Factory Art Center to walk George Washington’s Alexandria. (Courtesy photo)

Sunday, Dec. 1

2–3:30 p.m. (Free)

The Torpedo Factory Art Center, South Entrance

101 N Union Street

Be transported back to the 1700s. See Alexandria through the eyes of George Washington! Explore places that the first president frequented. No reservation needed. Call 703-379-7460 for more information.

Museum Store Sunday in Historic Old Town

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is participating in Museum Store Sunday. (Stock image)

Sunday, Dec.1

Various times and places

Shop for your friends and loved ones at various museum stores throughout the Old Town. There will be discounts and special giveaways. Stores participating include: Lee-Fendall House, Gadsby’s Tavern, John Carlyle House, and the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum.

Kevin Dauray

Kevin is Publisher's Assistant with The Zebra Press. He has been working for Alexandria's "Good News" newspaper since 2019. A graduate of George Mason University, he earned a bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He also studied at the Columbia School of Broadcasting and holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. He is an alumnus of T.C. Williams High School. Go Titans!

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