E. Pallorina for Visit Alexandria
Santa at the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
There's no shortage of things to do in and around Alexandria during the winter holiday season. From winter villages (opening as early as Nov. 15) to a Cookie Crawl, Candy Cane Crawl and numerous opportunities to go shopping and hear live music, there's plenty to do. There are even some NEW events this year, including the Makers Market at Port City.
This year, Oprah magazine named Alexandria among the 19 Best Christmas Villages in the world, noting:
"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."
Click on the event headline below for more information including locations, tickets (if needed) and other details.
Friday, Nov. 15
Ice & Lights at Cameron Run (through February) - The park, described as a "winter wonderland," will feature an ice rink, beautifully lit photo ops, music and more. Visitors will be able to grab a slice of pizza and roast marshmallows over the fire pits. The village will be open nightly from Nov. 15 - Jan. 5, and the ice rink will be open weekends from Jan. 6 - Feb. 28.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Old Town Cookie Crawl - Receive a commemorative tin and stop by all 15 stores on the crawl to receive a cookie at each location. It’s fun for the whole family and a great way to explore Old Town’s walkable shopping district.
City of Alexandria Tree Lighting - Kick off the holiday season from 6 - 8 p.m. with the City's tree lighting, free music and dance performances and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday Shop at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church - Shop crafts from around the world by artisans in fiber arts, pottery, photography, wood, paper, metal, and glass. Plus, don't miss out on country kitchen favorites.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Port City Brewing
Port City Brewing
Makers Market at Port City Brewing - This family-friendly event will showcase the creative community of Alexandria-based creators, makers, designers and crafters, with vendors curated from highly talented artisans in Alexandria.
Friday, Nov. 29
Alexandria’s Alternative Black Friday (and Plaid Friday) - Alexandria will feature its own deals and unique in-store experiences. More than 40 independent boutiques in Old Town and Del Ray will have one-of-a-kind deals. Plus, several stores will participate in Plaid Friday.
Christmas at Mount Vernon (through Dec. 31) - Holiday programs and tours fill each day with delight at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Visitors of all ages can tour the Mansion, watch 18th-century demonstrations and hear stories of Christmases past from costumed characters. Meet Aladdin the camel, too!
The Alexandrian’s Winter Wonderland - New this year, the Alexandrian and Jackson 20 will convert their central courtyard into a Winter Wonderland, including holiday programming working with local community partners throughout the season.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday in Alexandria - On Alexandria’s Small Business Saturday, shoppers will be treated to free parking at parking meters and special in-store activities at more than 40 independent boutiques in Old Town and Del Ray. Plus, participate in a scavenger hunt for prizes and Caroling & Candy Canes, presented by the Alexandria Arts Alliance.
Photos with Santa in Old Town (also Dec. 14, 21) - The region’s most beloved Santa and Mrs. Claus return to Old Town Alexandria to take keepsake photos with children on three Saturdays during the holiday season.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Museum Store Sunday - Returning for a third year on Dec. 1 as part of an international campaign led by the Museum Store Association, Alexandria's museums will have special giveaways and discounts for holiday shoppers. Take 20% off all merchandise at participating Office of Historic Alexandria sites.
Holiday Market at Carlyle (through Dec. 5) - Alexandria’s Holiday Market is an annual signature event that transforms John Carlyle Square into a lively open-air festival, perfect for children young and old.
Friday, Dec. 6
Scottish Walk Weekend (multiple events Dec. 6 and 7) - The 49th Annual Scottish Walk Weekend, presented by the Campagna Center, is one of Alexandria’s favorite holiday traditions. The weekend pays homage to Alexandria’s Scottish roots and includes Taste of Scotland (enter to win tickets here by Nov. 30), Holiday Homes Tour, Heather & Greens and more.
Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market - Del Ray Artisans annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists.
"Celebrate!" Holiday Pops Concert and Gift Drive (also Dec. 7) - Don't miss this annual tradition of upbeat holiday songs. Plus, the Alexandria Singers will collect donations and wrapped gifts for the Alexandria Community Shelter adult residents at all of their holiday performances.
A Christmas Carol at Little Theatre (through Dec. 22) - An Alexandria tradition, the classic by Charles Dickens comes alive on The Little Theatre of Alexandria stage.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Scottish Walk Weekend continues with the Scottish Walk parade, Heather & Greens, Holidays Homes tour and more.
20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights - Old Town Alexandria's historic waterfront will shine for the 20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m. as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Dockside festivities start at 2 p.m.
Soldier’s Christmas at Carlyle House - Step back in time for a free open house in the spirit of the holiday season at Alexandria's oldest stone home with its own unique history.
Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival - Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 3:30 p.m. Music and singing fill the halls all evening.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Holidays on the Avenue in Del Ray - Kick off the holidays with a visit to Del Ray for the annual holiday tree and menorah lighting, featuring a special appearance by Santa Claus. Mount Vernon Avenue will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias and feature storefront windows hand-painted for the holidays.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Christmas Candlelight Tea - Hear a variety of Christmas poems, both traditional and contemporary, as you relax over a unique holiday tea by candlelight at Green Spring Gardens.
Shops of Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Out - Shop local and enjoy exclusive promotions while sipping wine in Del Ray. Soak up the Alexandria neighborhood’s creative seasonal spirit as you stroll along festive Mount Vernon Avenue.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Christmas in Camp at Fort Ward - Learn about Christmas traditions during the Civil War. See the decorated officers’ hut, a Victorian tree, fort tours and participate in activities.
How to Celebrate Kwanzaa Workshop - Join the Alexandria Black History Museum’s annual Kwanzaa workshop, suitable for adults and children. It will focus on the history, principles, symbols and activities relating to Kwanzaa. Get ideas to plan your own celebration.
Lee-Fendall House
A Victorian Christmas (also Dec. 15) - Experience the wonder of the season by partaking in a Victorian Christmas at the Lee-Fendall House. Enjoy traditional décor, holiday crafts, sweet treats, seasonal story time, photos with Santa and more.
Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl - Take a break from the bustle of holiday preparations and enjoy specialty cocktails, beer and food specials at select Del Ray restaurants during a neighborhood bar crawl to benefit local nonprofits.
Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market - Find the perfect gift at this pop-up market featuring local artisans and at-home entrepreneurs. Then, stroll along Mount Vernon Avenue and see shops sporting festive seasonal murals.
Yuletide by Candlelight - Experience the holiday season with festive activities and fare at historic sites throughout Alexandria! Dance in the ballroom at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, warm yourself by the fire at Carlyle House, and make a Victorian keepsake at Lee–Fendall House. Enjoy seasonal decorations, refreshments, and take advantage of a 10% discount at the participating Museum Shops!
Sunday, Dec. 15
Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert - The Colonial English Handbell Ringers perform clad in colonial attire, bringing a historic feel to this concert. Enjoy listening to this 5-octave set of nearly 80 handbells from the world-famous Whitechapel foundry in London.
Friday, Dec. 20
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Fireworks at Mount Vernon.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (also Dec. 21) - Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music. Before the fireworks begin around 8PM, take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs and visit with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Alexandria Harmonizers Holiday Concert - The Alexandria Harmonizers present their annual Holiday Show featuring the award-winning Pratt Street Power and the 2019 BHS International Junior Quartet champions, "Quin-Tones," for a fun-filled evening of music and laughter.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Waterskiing Santa - Now in its 34th year, this favorite D.C.-area Christmas Eve event returns to Old Town Alexandria. Gather along historic Alexandria's Potomac River waterfront for a spectacular show by Waterskiing Santa and his merry crew.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
25th Anniversary First Night Alexandria - This annual live music and performing arts festival is the largest New Year’s Eve party in the D.C. region that is safe and fun for the entire family and culminates with a fantastic fireworks finale over the Potomac River at midnight.
