Celebrate the Holidays in Alexandria With Parades, Candelight Tours, and More
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today (Nov. 2) Visit Alexandria released the schedule of holiday-themed events happening over the next few months. Don’t miss the Tree Lighting Ceremony or the Scottish Walk Parade. Talk a look at all the planned events below. They are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. (Summaries written by Visit Alexandria.)
Featured Holiday Events
City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 19, 2022, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Market Square, 300 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Ring in the city’s official start to the holiday season with the lighting of the 40-foot tree adorned with nearly 40,000 twinkling lights, plus enjoy appearances from Alexandria’s Town Crier and Santa himself.
51st Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
December 3, 2022, beginning at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more.
22nd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Sponsored by Amazon
December 3, 2022
Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.; Dockside festivities 2 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
Admission: Free; $ for food/drink and some activities
Parade viewing areas: Founders Park (351 N. Union St.), Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.), Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.), Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.), Robinson Landing (7 Pioneer Mill Way), Shipyard/Harborside Park (1 Wilkes St.), Windmill Hill Park (501 S. Union St.) and Ford’s Landing Park (99 Franklin St.)
Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 22nd annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon at 5:30 p.m. as more than 50 brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, holiday music from 97.1 WASH-FM, hot chocolate from Dolci Gelati, New York style pizza by the slice from RedRocks Old Town and more. Also at Waterfront Park, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. enjoy hands-on activities from independently owned Alexandria businesses Shop Made in Virginia, Penny Post and AR Workshop Alexandria. At 3:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina to attend the annual Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.
Del Ray Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting
December 4, 2022, at 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues, Alexandria, VA
703-683-2570
The Del Ray neighborhood will come together for the annual Christmas tree lighting, Menorah lighting and holiday carols. Enjoy hand-painted holiday windows in storefronts and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias.
Christmas Illuminations at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
December 16 and 17, 2022, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Non-members: $60 per adult/$38 per youth with mansion tour; $58 per adult/$36 per youth without mansion tour; Members: $50 per adult/$28 per youth with mansion tour; $48 per adult/$26 per youth without mansion tour
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Visit the first president’s home for its landmark holiday event, Christmas Illuminations, set to return December 16 and 17, 2022, featuring a fireworks and holiday lights show over the Potomac River. The event includes an 18th-century winter market featuring handmade items by colonial artisans.
28th Annual First Night Alexandria
December 31, 2022, from 12.m. to midnight
Admission: All-access pass to every show: Free for children ages 0-2; $10 for children ages 3-10; $20 for youth ages 11-19; $50 for adults ages 20-64; $30 for adults ages $65+; VIP Fast Pass $75; free to view fireworks from Old Town
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, 1 Prince St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
Experience the region’s signature New Year’s Eve festival of music and more. A community celebration of the arts, First Night Alexandria rings in the new year with music, comedy and dance and culminates with a spectacular fireworks finale over the Potomac River at midnight. Visit the event website for a full schedule of events.
More Holiday Events
Holiday Cocktail Class at Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap
November 7 and 8, December 12 and 13, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Admission: $170 per person
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, 401 E Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22301
703-683-5330
At this interactive cocktail class, attendees will be welcomed with a starter cocktail and then learn how to make three other cocktails. Your hosts will also share the story behind each cocktail and the class includes a starter and entrée course to enjoy. Finally, guests will receive a parting cocktail gift bag to enjoy at home.
Art Fest at Torpedo Factory Art Center
November 12 and 13, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
Shop for affordable art deals on all three floors of the Art Center while enjoying drinks from local craft brewers and wineries. Choose from a selection of tiered tickets for drinks plus a discount on selected affordable art (varies on each day). Plus, enjoy live music and performances.
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
November 18, 2022, to January 1, 2023, open daily from 5 to 10 p.m.
Admission: $9 online admission to Winter Village only; $22 online admission to Winter Village plus ice skating; free for kids under the age of 2
Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-760-0767
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run offers a fun, unstructured outdoor family experience, just a short drive from Old Town Alexandria. Explore unique light displays, snap family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Capacity is limited; reservations are required to ensure access on a specific date. Ice skating reservations are required. Tickets are on sale now.
Del Ray’s 47th Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot
November 24, 2022, at 9 a.m.
Registration: $20 per adult, $15 per child ages 13-20, $5 per child under 13
Race begins at the south crosswalk of Mount Vernon Ave. and East Spring St.
Alexandria’s favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition, the Alexandria Turkey Trot, returns to the streets of Del Ray on Thursday, November 24 at 9 a.m. In the spirit of the season, participants are encouraged to bring and donate non-perishable food items to ALIVE.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 25 and 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10 and 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Members: $26 for adults; $18 for youth; Non-members: $36 for adults; $28 for youth
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Enjoy a candlelit guided tour and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia and the build-up to the American Revolution as Alexandria celebrates the 250th anniversary of the year 1772.
Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday
November 25, 2022
Throughout Old Town Alexandria and beyond
visitalexandria.com/blackfriday
On November 25, 20222, celebrate Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday with more than 50 independent shops in Old Town and beyond offering some of their best deals of the year, including early bird, store-wide discounts and free gifts with purchase. Shoppers will find one-of-a-kind deals on self-care products, artwork, jewelry, fashionable finds, home goods and more. Store hours vary from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with nearly 10 boutiques open by 6 a.m. including Bellacara, Bloomers, Red Barn Mercantile and The Shoe Hive.
Small Business Saturday
November 26, 2022
Throughout Old Town Alexandria and beyond
visitalexandria.com/smallbusinesssaturday
On November 26, 2022, celebrate Alexandria’s Small Business Saturday with special in-store and online specials at nearly 65 shops in Old Town and beyond. Stroll historic streets twinkling with holiday traditions as you enjoy special discounts, sip and snack on free treats like hot cider and local coffee and take home free gifts with purchase. Find everything from maker pop-ups and special offers at Shop Made in Virginia to a costume character story time and book discounts at Hooray for Books and an Annual Cookies + Ornament Crafting Open House at AR Workshop. Store hours vary from approximately 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Del Ray Shop Small Crawl
November 26, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free to participate
Various locations throughout Del Ray, Alexandria, VA 22301
visitdelray.com
Shop small and shop sooner this holiday season. To celebrate Small Business Saturday, the shops of Del Ray will host a Shop Small Crawl on November 26, featuring special promotions, giveaways and other holiday surprises.
Holiday Makers Market at Port City Brewing Company
November 26, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-797-2739
More than two dozen Alexandria-based makers, artists and creators will pop-up at Port City Brewing Company with lineups of handmade goods and cozy holiday items to accompany a pint or two. Local food trucks will be on site for the event.
Breakfast with Santa with Alexandria Restaurant Partners
Saturdays and Sundays in December, plus December 22 and 23, 2022, from 8 to 10 a.m.
Ada’s on the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: $65 per adult; $41 per child
703-638-1400
Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: $57 per adult; $34 per child
703-997-5300
miasitalian.com
Theismann’s Restaurant, 1800 Diagonal Road Suite A, Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: $53 per adults; $29.50 per child
703-739-0777
Families can enjoy a festive breakfast menu, mimosas (for adults), takeaway treats for the kids and a family photo with Santa Claus at select Alexandria Restaurant Partners’ restaurants. Bottomless mimosas are available for an additional $15 per person (adults only). Please book tickets online for Ada’s on The River, Mia’s Italian Kitchen and Theismann’s Restaurant.
Del Ray Artisans’ Fine Art and Fine Craft Holiday Market
December 2 to 4, 9 to 11, 16 to 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
Admission: Free
Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
703-838-4827
The 27th Annual Holiday Market is open for the first 3 weekends in December, featuring different artists each weekend. The market offers unique handmade fine arts and fine crafts from local artists presenting a variety of media, including fiber/textiles, jewelry, photography, sculpture, watercolor, wood turning, and more. In addition, 2022 wall calendars featuring artworks by Del Ray Artisans members will be available for purchase. Artists are donating a percentage of their sales to support Del Ray Artisans’ mission to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community. Face masks are recommended inside the gallery. The gallery is free, open to the public and accessible.
Giving Tuesday
November 29, 2022
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Shop local at participating shops and restaurants that will donate a percentage of purchases to Alexandria nonprofits through a partnership with the Old Town Business Association. This year, donations will go to two local groups: Rosie Riveters and ALIVE!.
Taste of Scotland by Campagna Center
December 2, 2022, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
campagnacenter.org
Join Campagna Center for a festive cocktail party on Friday, December 2, to kick off Alexandria’s “Biggest Holiday Weekend.” Tickets to the Taste of Scotland include whiskey-tasting stations, delicious hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine bars and a custom art exhibit from the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Proceeds benefit Campagna Center programs.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol”
December 3 to 17, 2022, at various times
Admission: Tickets beginning at $21 per person, plus fees
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-5778
The Little Theatre rings in the holiday season with a new take on the classic tale by Charles Dickens. Tiny Tim longs to have his father home on Christmas day, but Ebenezer Scrooge won’t give Bob Cratchit the day off. There must be a way to change Scrooge’s mind—and perhaps a ghost or two will set Scrooge right. Written by Broadway’s award-winning Ken Ludwig and his son, Jack, get ready for the wildest Christmas ride you’ve ever had.
“The Golden Age of Toys” Exhibit at Lee-Fendall House
December 3, 2022, to January 8, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $7 for adults; $3 for children ages 5 to 17; free for children under 5
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
Enjoy a special holiday exhibit and venture into the golden age of toys from 1870 to 1920. Learn how toy production was perfected in this era and explore highlights from the Lee-Fendall collection. Exhibit is free with admission.
Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
December 3, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Carlyle House, 121 N Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Visit Old Town to enjoy Alexandria’s rich Scottish heritage and see the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade march past Alexandria’s oldest stone building, Carlyle House. After the parade, enter the museum’s gates and step back in time for a free open house in the spirit of the holiday season.
Holiday Festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center
December 3, 2022, from 2 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
The Holiday Festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center adds to Alexandria’s most festive weekend of the year. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire boat around 3:30 p.m. on the Waterfront. Music fills the halls and the Waterfront, beckoning people to browse three floors of open artists’ studios.
Make a Ship’s Biscuit Ornament at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum
December 3, 2022, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free. No registration required.
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4399
A nearly complete ship’s biscuit from the 18th century was found in Alexandria. Make your own ship’s biscuit ornament to commemorate the discovery and the city’s waterfront history. Each biscuit ornament will be stamped with the year and then baked at home to track its preservation.
Candlelight Tours at Lee-Fendall House
December 3, 10, and 17, 2022, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 5-17; advance reservations are required)
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
Celebrate the holiday season with evening candlelight tours of the Lee-Fendall House decked out in Victorian splendor with the antique toy exhibit on display. Tours are offered on the half-hour starting at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Markets at Old Town North
December 4, 11, and 18, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Montgomery Park, 901 N Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Shop for local gifts while celebrating the Christmas season with dozens of vendors offering an array of baked goods and produce, specialty food items, seasonal decorations and fresh greenery and gifts.
Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary
December 4, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; December 16, 2022, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $15 per person, $12 for Office of Historic Alexandria members
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-3852
Learn about the muggle botanical science that inspired the potions and herbology of Harry Potter’s wizarding world on a tour of this 19th-century apothecary, plus, make your own magical potion. This event is recommended for children ages 8 and up.
Good Tidings Sunday at Port City Brewing Company
December 4, 2022, from 12 to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-797-2739
In collaboration with Port City Brewing Company and Made in ALX, Port City will deck the halls with bough of holly and good tidings. The event will start off with the tapping of a Barrel Aged Tidings Ale that has been aged in chardonnay barrel, followed by holiday trivia and photo opportunities with Santa starting at 4 p.m.
Holiday Kiss Ball Workshop at Lee-Fendall House
December 4 and 11, 2022, from 12 to 2 p.m.
Admission: $25 per person; advance reservations are required
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
Craft your own boxwood kissing ball using fresh cuttings from the garden at Lee-Fendall House as you learn the history behind using greenery to decorate homes for the holidays. Please note that these workshops will be held outdoors so it is advisable to dress appropriately. Ticket includes all materials needed to make your own boxwood kissing ball.
Family Holiday Magic Show at The Lyceum
December 7, 2022, from 7 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free; reservations encouraged
The Lyceum, 201 S Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4994
Enjoy the enchantment of the season with The Lyceum’s holiday magic show, performed by professional magicians who are members of Ring 50, the D.C.-area chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. The family-friendly show will be geared toward children ages 5 to 12, but all are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Fund for Alexandria’s Child Holiday Sharing Program, which benefits kids who might otherwise go without holiday gifts this year. Reservations are encouraged.
Shops of Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop
December 8, 2022, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free to participate
Various locations throughout Del Ray, Alexandria, VA 22301
visitdelray.com
Join the Shops of Del Ray for special extended shopping hours to shop sooner, shop local and enjoy special promotions and complimentary wine and refreshments.
Colonial Holiday Nights at Carlyle House
December 9 and 10, 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Admission: $12 for adults; $4 for children ages 6 to 12
Carlyle House, 121 N Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA 22314
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Experience the holiday season with Carlyle House, focused on how the Carlyles and their enslaved workers observed the holidays during the 18th century. Tour the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All participants including those under the age of 5 must be registered.
Comfort and Joy: A Harmonizer Holiday
December 9, 2022, at 7:30 pm
Admission: Ticket prices run between $15 and $100
Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall, 4915 E Campus Dr., Alexandria, VA 22311
harmonizers.org
Join the Harmonizers and their special guests as they celebrate the holiday season with old and new favorites in four-part harmony. Tickets are available here.
A Victorian Christmas at Lee-Fendall
December 10, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for children (ages 2-12), free for children under the age of 2
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
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 toy exhibit and more.
How to Celebrate Kwanzaa Workshop
December 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Admission: $2, no registration required
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Head to the Alexandria Black History Museum for a workshop ahead of the celebration of Kwanzaa, December 26 to January 1, 2023. The event is suitable for beginners or those needing a refresher on how to celebrate Kwanzaa.
Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square
December 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314
John Carlyle Square Park will dress up for the holidays and host more than 100 artisans and crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses. Check items off your shopping list as you shop everything from unique handmade jewelry to organic bath and body products to home décor, holiday ornaments and much more. Take a break from shopping to enjoy the beautiful Christmas Carols Show and bring little ones to the Elves’ Shop where they can create a customized Christmas ornament. Pictures with Santa will also be available.
Christmas in Camp at Ford Ward Museum & Historic Site
December 10, 2022, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Admission: Suggested donation of $2 per person; $5 for families
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22304
Admission: Suggested donation of $2 per person; $5 for families
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22304
This historical holiday program features a patriotic Union Santa Claus who will welcome children to the Officers’ Hut, and reenactors in winter camps that are decorated for the season, who will celebrate by opening Christmas boxes from home, singing carols and preparing holiday meals around the campfire. Please note that masks are required inside the Officers’ Hut. This program is weather dependent.
Snow Daze at Aslin Beer Company
December 10, 2022, from 12 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Aslin Beer Company, 847 S Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
Experiencing a Christmas market is one of the highlights of the holiday season. Enjoy this open-air European style fair featuring handmade goods from 20 local vendors. There will be a live DJ and a special menu that includes hot mulled wine and cider as well as Aslin beer, coffee beverages, hot chocolate and food from Aslin’s own pizzeria, IZZI.
7th Annual Candy Cane Bar Crawl
December 10, 2022, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Admission: $15 per person, with a portion of proceeds benefiting a local nonprofit
Various locations along Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Take a break from the bustle of holiday preparations and enjoy specials at more than 15 Del Ray restaurants during a neighborhood beer crawl.
Home for The Holidays – Jingle!
December 17, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E Campus Dr., Alexandria, VA 22311
December 18, 2022, at 3 p.m.
George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA 22301
Admission: $5 for youth, $15 for students, $20 to $89 for adults
Back by popular demand, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents “Home for the Holidays,” welcoming back dancers from BalletNova (for Saturday’s performance) to accompany selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Enjoy music from Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite, selections from Messiah and more featuring soprano Helena Colindres.
Annual Old Town Alexandria Cookie Crawl
November 19, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 20, 2022, from 12 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $40 registration fee
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Kick off the holidays early during Old Town Business’s annual Old Town Cookie Crawl. Receive a commemorative tin and stop by 25 retailers on the crawl to receive a cookie at each location. It’s fun for the whole family and a great way to explore Old Town’s walkable shopping district. Tickets are limited; registration is required.
Olde Year’s Day at Torpedo Factory Art Center
December 31, 2022, from 12 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
The whole family can celebrate the close of 2022 at Torpedo Factory Art Center. Find hands-on activities, meet artists working in their studios, and get inspired for 2023.
Ice Skating at Cameron Run
January 7 to February 26, 2023, open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $14 online for ice skating only; free children under the age of 2
Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-760-0767
It just wouldn’t be winter without outdoor ice skating. Grab your hat and scarf and head to Cameron Run Regional Park for an afternoon of ice-skating bliss. Ice skating reservations are required. Tickets are on sale now.
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