By Maureen Schweers
Alexandria, VA – It’s the most wonderful time in Del Ray! The holiday season reflects the community’s reputation as a dining, retail, wellness, and arts destination in the region and its commitment to supporting Alexandria nonprofits year-round. Here are five ways to get in the holiday spirit along Mount Vernon Avenue:
Keep community traditions: We hope you kicked off the holiday season at the community Christmas tree and Menorah lighting at the Del Ray Holiday Kick-Off on Sunday, December 3. Afterward, you could get an early start on holiday shopping and stroll Mount Vernon Avenue, lit with thousands of luminarias in honor of the late Nancy Dunning.
Give back: Take a break from the bustle of holiday preparations and enjoy specialty cocktails, beer, and food specials at 20+ top Del Ray restaurants during the 8th Annual Candy Cane Bar Crawl on Saturday, December 9, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event raises funds for Community Lodgings and the Mother of Light Center, two local nonprofits that serve the poor and homeless by providing transitional housing, food and clothing support, and educational programs. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, go to visitdelray.com.
Shop local: Find the perfect gift while supporting Del Ray’s small businesses. Shop local and enjoy special promotions while sipping wine during the Shops of Del Ray’s Holiday Sip & Shop on Thursday, December 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at select Del Ray boutiques. Finish your list and discover handmade gifts at the Del Ray Artisans’ Annual Holiday Market, held each weekend in December, or at the Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market on December 9, featuring local artists and entrepreneurs.
Be well: Make time for self-care and plan for New Year’s resolutions with the region’s top health and wellness providers and fitness studios in The Wellness District of Del Ray. Gift certificates are also the perfect gift!
Make memories: Local artists will use the storefront windows in Del Ray as a giant canvas, hand-painting holiday-themed windows along Mount Vernon Avenue. Pick up a coffee or hot chocolate and a sweet treat at one of Del Ray’s coffee shops or bakeries, check out the windows, and participate in a holiday scavenger hunt available at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at the intersection of Mount Vernon & Oxford Avenues.
For complete details and a schedule of events, go to visitdelray.com.
