PHOTOS: Hundreds Gather in Market Square Last Night for Alexandria’s Christmas Tree Lighting

ALEXANDRIA, VA – King Street in Old Town, already decked out in Christmas lights, got a lot brighter last night. As the Mayor and Santa counted down to the big moment in Market Square, 300 King Street, the switch was flipped on the giant 40-foot Christmas tree, illuminating the square with 38,150 LED lights and officially kicking off the holiday season. The overflow crowd erupted in wild cheers.

“This has been an incredible year for our city. We’ve been celebrating 275 years of Alexandria’s history this year,” Mayor Justin Wilson greeted the hundreds of onlookers packing Market Square. “I want to thank all the folks who helped put this together, helping to keep us safe; our public safety team, and all of the businesses who have been a part of this incredible celebration both tonight and throughout the year. And I especially want to thank all of you who are Alexandrians who are here to celebrate with us tonight.”

The night was crisp and clear as the crowds began filling the square earlier. For the first time ever, lighted images by local residents and photographers were projected onto City Hall. The evening began with Alexandria’s Town Crier, reading a town proclamation, marking the city’s year-long 275th commemoration.

“The tree lighting isn’t the only thing that we’re celebrating. For we have the status of our year-long celebration that needs updating. Oh yes, we aren’t just marking the season where we celebrate Rudolph’s famous nose. But tonight, we also mark Alexandria’s 275th anniversary’s close.”

Dr. Ben Fiore-Walker, dressed in his trademark colonial fare, is that Town Crier you see at all major city events. And it just so happens that yesterday was his birthday. Mayor Wilson led the crowd in a rousing Happy Birthday cheer for the iconic city announcer.

As the year winds down and Mayor Justin Wilson has just over one month left as the city’s chief, he reflected on the evening’s festivities.

“This is always a fun event to bring the community together. You know it’s always something I enjoy being a part of and so obviously it’s wistful, but I’ve certainly loved this event. It’s fun. This is why we do it,” Wilson told Zebra.

The mayor will have one final chance to address a large outdoor crowd before turning over the reins to his successor, Alexandria Councilwoman and Mayor-Elect Alyia Gaskins. Wilson is taking his family out of the country over winter break but will be back on December 30th to ring in the New Year the following day.

The Zebra caught up with Gaskins after the tall pine was lit. In one year, she will be presiding at this signature event.

“It’s one of our biggest and one of my favorites, and it’s become a family tradition to come and watch our kids’ faces light up the minute all the lights come on the tree. I’m really excited and truly honored that I will have the opportunity to kick off the holiday season in Alexandria next year.”

Inauguration is January 2 at the Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center on the Alexandria Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) campus.

Gaskins looked out at the huge crowd milling about, listening to music by Sterling Anderson and DJ One Love, and gazing beyond to the shops and restaurants lining King Street.

“People come for the experience of Alexandria. They know we have such a special community,” Gaskins told Zebra. “So it’s not just coming to watch the tree lighting, it’s coming to gather with your neighbors, to meet with strangers, to enjoy our food, to stand on the water. There’s so many amazing things to do and that’s huge for our economy because it means that people don’t just come here, they stay here. They spend money here and hopefully they’ll keep coming back throughout the holiday season.”

The entire City Council, and State Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker joined the mayor on stage. Spotted behind the stage was City Manager James F. Parajon.

The city will also light the tree in Waterfront Park at the foot of King Street. Last night’s Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off a number of holiday events. The next big one is the 53rd annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town on December 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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