ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria, Virginia topped the list at number one in Oprah Magazine‘s 2019 index of “28 Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World” and in 2020 ranks in the twelfth spot, behind Bad Ragaz, Switzerland (2), Woodstock, Vermont (3) and Williamsburg (8) among others.

“For a traditional American Christmas, head to Alexandria, Virginia, where the Old Town’s streets and 18th-century row houses bustle with good cheer each December. Festive-seekers can find carolers, hand bell choirs, ample lights and decorations, while close by there’s Mount Vernon, home to Aladdin, a Christmas camel, as well as a Colonial Christmas experience,” says the description alongside a colorful photo of a townhouse decorated for the season.

Shopping

Alexandria is indeed bustling with shopping experiences designed to encourage shopping around town, including dozens of incentives. In fact, every Saturday through December 19, Santa’s helpers will hit King Street wearing their masks and providing safe holiday cheer surprising lucky shoppers with prizes from Alexandria boutiques and restaurants.

Old Town Holiday Lamp Post Art Walk

Starting Saturday, December 5, visitors will enjoy the work of 25 artists from The Art League who created holiday-themed lamp post art pieces along King Street and select side streets. A map of the artwork is available so folks can stroll the art walk at their own leisure from the King Street Metro to the Potomac River.

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