Let Loose: Have Fun in Alexandria This Weekend!
Looking for something to do? Here are some suggestions
Alexandria, VA – The holiday season is here! To get you into the festive spirit, there are plenty of events happening in town over the next few weeks. Check out what’s planned for the first weekend in December. Have a great time!
49th Annual Campagna Center Scottish Walk & Parade
Friday, Dec. 6–Saturday, Dec. 7
Throughout Old Town
Parade FREE! (Taste of Scotland SOLD OUT!)
Join in celebrating an Alexandria holiday tradition! The city, founded in 1749 by three Scotts, is proud of its beginnings. The parade begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets, concluding at Market Square. Hear pipe and drum bands and experience much more. For complete details about all events, click HERE.
“A Christmas Carol” at the Little Theatre
Friday, Dec. 6–Sunday, Dec. 8
Times vary ($20 per person)
600 Wolfe Street
The Little Theatre Players perform the Charles Dickens classic. For tickets, click HERE.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight & Christmas at Mount Vernon
Friday, Dec. 6–Sunday, Dec. 8
Various times (Ticket prices vary)
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Take a special tour of the Mount Vernon Estate by candlelight and/or learn about Christmas traditions celebrated by General Washington and his family. For more info and tickets, click HERE and HERE.
Colorful Holiday Ornament Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 7
Starts: 11 a.m. ($75 per person)
1112 King Street
Using enamel on copper, you will be able to create your very own holiday keepsake. All materials provided! Activity recommended for ages 14 and up.
Soldier’s Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 7
12–8 p.m. (FREE!)
121 N Fairfax Street
Marchers in the Scottish Walk will file past Carlyle House, the city’s oldest stone building. After the parade, you can enjoy an open house in celebration of the season.
Holiday Parade of Lights
Saturday, Dec.7
Starts: 5:30 p.m. (Dockside activities: 2–8 p.m.)
Waterfront Park
1 King Street
The Parade of Lights is in its twentieth year! Watch boats decorated for the season travel a mile up the Potomac. There will be a pop-up beer stand, courtesy of Port City Brewing. 97.1 WASH-FM will broadcast live on-site with holiday music and giveaways. Food and hot chocolate will be served. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures, too! For complete info, click HERE. Café 44 is hosting a viewing party.
The Alexandrian & Jackson 20’s Winter Wonderland
Recurs daily
Time: 4–10 p.m. (FREE!)
480 King Street
The restaurant’s renovated courtyard will feature pop-up vendors and more to get you into the holiday spirit. To stay warm, there will be heat lamps and blankets available. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to Children’s National Hospital.
Alexandria’s Farmers’ Market
For info on the Old Town Farmers’ Market, click HERE.
For info on the Old Town North Farmers’ Market, click HERE.
For info on the Del Ray Farmers’ Market, click HERE.
For info on the Four Mile Run and Artisans Farmers’ Market, click HERE.
Note: The West End Farmers Market returns in May 2020.
Good Tidings Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 8
12–8 p.m. (Registration for trivia contest)
Port City Brewing Company World Headquarters
3950 Wheeler Avenue
PCBC is throwing a huge party to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy an ale aged in a Chardonnay barrel. Frenchman Food Truck will serve up sandwiches. A professional photographer will be on hand to take your child’s picture with Santa. The day benefits the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and their efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer. For details, click HERE.
UpCycle Annual Fundraiser
Sunday, Dec. 8
10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
1605 Cameron Street
Celebrate the holidays and support the UpCycle Creative Reuse Center. Your ticket includes a pre-made gingerbread house constructed with leftover Halloween candy and access to a candy buffet. No more than two participants, please, due to space restrictions. To buy tickets for the 10 a.m. slot, click HERE. For tickets to the 1 p.m. slot, click HERE.
Holidays On the Avenue in Del Ray
Sunday, Dec. 8
Starts: 6 p.m. (FREE!)
Pat Miller Neighborhood Square
Mt Vernon & E Oxford Avenues
Be a part of the annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting. Santa will make an appearance and there will be a tree decorating contest.
