Community News

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

Dogs of all shapes and sizes donned plaid along with their owners and happily showed their breed’s pride in the 48th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk. (Photo by Lucelle O’Flaherty/TheZebraPress)

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

Enjoy Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. (Courtesy photo)

Friday, Dec. 6–Sunday, Dec. 8

Times vary ($20 per person)

Little Theatre of Alexandria

600 Wolfe Street

The Little Theatre Players perform the Charles Dickens classic. For tickets, click HERE.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight & Christmas at Mount Vernon

George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Courtesy photo)

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

Make keepsake ornaments at Wear Ever Jewelry. (Courtesy photo)

Saturday, Dec. 7

Starts: 11 a.m. ($75 per person)

Wear Ever Jewelry

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

Enjoy an open house at Carlyle House as part of the Scottish Walk & Parade. (Courtesy photo)

Saturday, Dec. 7

12–8 p.m. (FREE!)

Carlyle House

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

Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Alexandria, VA (Photo by R Kennedy for Visit Alexandria)

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

Enjoy Winter Wonderland at Jackson 20. (Courtesy photo)

Recurs daily

Time: 4–10 p.m. (FREE!)

Jackson 20

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

Courtesy photo

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

Join in the fun at Port City Brewing Co. this Sunday. (Courtesy photo)

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

Courtesy photo

Sunday, Dec. 8

10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Durant Arts Center

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

Pat Miller, Sue Kovalsky, Gayle Reuter, Santa, Kate Moran, Patty Moran, Carol Bailey, and Ryan Bailey at a previous Del Ray Holiday Tree Lighting. (Photo: Del Ray Business Association)

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.

Kevin Dauray

Kevin is Publisher's Assistant with The Zebra Press. He has been working for Alexandria's "Good News" newspaper since 2019. A graduate of George Mason University, he earned a bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He also studied at the Columbia School of Broadcasting and holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. He is an alumnus of T.C. Williams High School. Go Titans!

Related Articles

Back to top button