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, along with its commitment to supporting Alexandria non-profits year-round. Get in the holiday spirit along Mount Vernon Avenue:
Celebrate as a community: Kick off the holiday season with a community Christmas tree and Menorah lighting, carols, and more at the Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. After the event, get an early start on holiday shopping and stroll Mount Vernon Avenue as it is lit with thousands of luminarias in honor of the late Nancy Dunning. In the spirit of the season, participants are urged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Alexandria Sheriff Department’s Operation Elf; or travel-sized toiletries and non-perishable pantry items for Carpenter’s Shelter. The event is free and open to all.
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 9th Annual Candy Cane Bar Crawl on Sat., Dec. 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for Cook for Vets, a local nonprofit that provides food security for Veterans and their households through the distribution of healthy meals and groceries for balanced, sustained nutrition. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.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, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at select Del Ray boutiques. Finish your list and discover one-of-a-kind gifts at the Del Ray Artisans’ Annual Holiday Market, held each weekend from Dec. 6-22; and the Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market and the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market, both held on Dec. 14.
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 and check out the windows and participate in a holiday scavenger hunt available at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located at the intersection of Mount Vernon & Oxford Avenues.
For complete details and a schedule of events, visit www.visitdelray.com.
