Visit Alexandria Releases Picks for Fun Virtual and In-Person Holiday Events
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Earlier today, Visit Alexandria released a summary of holiday-themed events taking place until the new year. They consist of virtual,and in-person festivities. All have been planned with health and safety in mind amid the pandemic.
Virtual Experiences
Office of Historic Alexandria’s Online Holiday Activities Portal
In lieu of in-person programming, Historic Alexandria is offering online and to-go options to mark the coming of winter and the holiday season. The videos, activities and collection tell the stories of the season—celebrating family and community, marking milestones, making and preserving food and keeping warm. The online portal features videos and activities exploring how Alexandria has celebrated and endured the cold season throughout the years.
Office of Historic Alexandria’s “Winter in Alexandria” Kit
Kits will be shipped starting today, Dec. 11.
alexandriava.gov/shop
Looking for activities to do with children over the holidays? Purchase a Winter in Alexandria kit in time for winter break. This kit provides everything you need from materials to step-by-step instructions on how to explore Alexandria’s history through hands-on activities and stories. With ten different activities, there will be plenty to do over winter break. Reservations and pricing for kits are available online at alexandriava.gov/shop.
Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Virtual Olde Year’s Day
December 31, 2020
Admission: Free
Virtual
703-746-4570
Welcome 2021 from the comfort of your home with our art videos and projects to create and share.
Virtual Or In-Person
First Night Alexandria’s “A Night of Nostalgia”
December 31, 2020; two shows – 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Admission: Per car – $60 general/$75 VIP; Per virtual link – $20
5001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304 or virtual
703-963-3755
New this year, First Night Alexandria celebrates New Year’s Eve with “A Night of Nostalgia,” a drive-in and virtual concert experience. Load up the car and celebrate the arrival of 2021 in the West End of Alexandria with a drive-in concert experience of pre-recorded music and comedy projected on the big screen. Sing along, dance and enjoy a night filled with classic hits, local food truck favorites and exciting giveaways. Or let First Night Alexandria be the soundtrack for your at-home celebration, featuring the same great music as the live event, streamed to you virtually.
Outdoor Experiences
ArtWalk by The Art League and Old Town Business Association
December 5, 2020 – January 8, 2021
Admission: Free
Various locations along King Street (Union to Diagonal), and select side streets, Alexandria, VA 22314
Old Town Business Association is partnering with The Art League of Alexandria to offer a holiday themed Art Walk in Old Town. Old Town Business collaborated with 25 artists from The Art League to create holiday-themed lamp post art pieces along King Street (Union to Diagonal) and select side streets. Keep an eye out for holidays trees located on both upper and lower King Streets. Explore a map of the artwork here.
Holiday Magic Walk in Old Town Alexandria
All season long
Admission: Free
https://www.visitalexandriava.com/things-to-do/great-walks-in-alexandria/holiday-magic/
Experience Old Town Alexandria’s holiday magic when you stroll along red-brick sidewalks beneath glittering lights draped over the trees lining historic King Street. Use Visit Alexandria’s self-guided walking route below to inspire your own ramble. Discover the most stunning holiday storefronts, a winter wonderland to stop by for a seasonal cocktail, decorated historic sites and more. Learn more here.
In-Person With Physical Distancing
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
November 20, 2020-January 3, 2021, open nightly 5 to 10 p.m.; January 9-February 28, 2021 (skating only), open Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $8.16 for general admission to Village; $20.68 for admission with skating; starting January 9, 2021, $12.19 for skating
Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
novaparks.com/events/ice-lights
Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run will return this year, featuring an ice rink, more than a dozen holiday light displays perfect for Instagramming, retail area, food, music and more. The Ice and Lights Village is a short drive from Old Town. Masks are required in all areas of Ice & Lights except when eating or drinking in the concession areas.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
November 27-December 31, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $23 for adults; $12 for youth (ages 6-11); free for children age 5 and below; extra cost for some activities
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Visit Mount Vernon this winter to participate in holiday activities and meet special guest Aladdin the camel. Learn about camels and George Washington’s interest in exotic animals during Camel Talks, offered Friday through Sunday beginning on November 27. Specialty tours give guests a deeper look into the holidays at Mount Vernon. During the tour “Mrs. Washington’s Mount Vernon,” hear Martha Washington discuss the day-to-day planning needed for a busy holiday season. The “Holiday Dinner for the Washingtons” tour shares how food was grown, preserved and served during the holidays. Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year, including on Christmas Day.
Winter Glow at Mount Vernon
November 27-29, December 11-13 and 26-28, 2020, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $25 for members; $30 for non-members
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Experience an enchanted evening of winter lights at Mount Vernon. See the estate illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an 18th-century winter encampment. You can also meet Aladdin the camel, shop for artisan-made goods, purchase warm food and holiday drinks at the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck and more.
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Lee-Fendall House
December 12 and 19, 2020, from 5 to 8 p.m. (tours on the half hour)
Admission: $8 per adult; $3 per child; free for children under 6 years old
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
leefendallhouse.org
Celebrate the holiday season with evening candlelight tours of the Lee-Fendall House decked out in Victorian splendor. The antique toy exhibit will also be on view. Space is limited and reservations are required. Face masks and social distancing will be in place throughout the tour.
A Victorian Christmas at Lee-Fendall House
December 12, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $8 per adult; $12 per child; free for children under 2 years old
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
leefendallhouse.org
Experience the wonder of the season by visiting the Lee-Fendall House for a family-friendly Victorian Christmas. Enjoy traditional décor, music, seasonal crafts, a visit by Santa and more. Timed tickets on the hour are available through advance registration. All recommended health requirements will be followed, including face masks and social distancing.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
December 18-19, 2020, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $20 for members; $22 for non-members
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org/illuminations
Attend the evening event Christmas Illuminations, a festive fireworks show choreographed to holiday music. You’ll visit with re-enactors throughout the estate and stay toasty warm by the bonfire. Tickets for Christmas Illuminations are available to purchase online. Learn about safety measures on the estate.
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