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 nonprofits year-round. Get in the holiday spirit on Del Ray’s main street:
Celebrate as a community: Kick off the holiday season with a community Christmas tree and Menorah lighting, carols, a visit from Santa, and more at the Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off on Sunday, Dec. 7 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 thermal wear (adult sizes S-4XL) 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 while supporting ALIVE! during the 10th Annual Candy Cane Bar Crawl on Sat., Dec. 13, from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.visitdelray.com.
Shop local: Find the perfect gift from Del Ray’s small businesses and local artists. Shop local and enjoy special promotions while sipping wine during the Shops of Del Ray’s Holiday Sip & Shop on Thursday, Dec. 11, 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, Dec. 5-21; Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market, Dec. 12-14; and the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market on Dec. 13.
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. 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.
