Photo by Buddy Secor, courtesy of Visit Alexandria
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon.
We all know it's been one heck of a year, but as the holiday season begins, we can be thankful we're living in what Oprah Magazine called one of the Most Magical Christmas Towns Across the World. Not to mention that Southern Living has noted that our city is the Perfect Southern Town for a Hallmark Christmas Movie.
Alexandria brings an old-fashioned sense of holiday wonder on centuries-old brick-lined streets, twinkling with holiday traditions that make residents and visitors alike feel transported.
Dozens of independent boutiques are going above and beyond to keep visitors safe with the ALX Promise shield and are ready to welcome masked customers. During the fall and winter holiday season, among al fresco dining spots along 18th and 19th century streetscapes or pick up gourmet goodies to go.
Seasonal events happening throughout Alexandria include Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run, Christmas Illuminations at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and outdoor holiday markets in Alexandria’s Del Ray and Carlyle neighborhoods. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk and the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will not occur in 2020. For seasonal outdoor experiences, candlelight tours, virtual festivals and more, check out the upcoming events below or visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/holidays.
Virtual Activities
Office of Historic Alexandria’s Online Holiday Activities Portal
When: Online portal goes live on Nov. 20, 2020
Where: alexandriava.gov/historic
Admission: Free
In lieu of in-person programming, Historic Alexandria is offering online and to-go options to mark the coming of winter and the holiday season. The videos, activities and collection tell the stories of the season—celebrating family and community, marking milestones, making and preserving food and keeping warm. A new online portal, going live on Nov. 20, 2020, will feature videos and activities exploring how Alexandria has celebrated and endured the cold season throughout the years.
Office of Historic Alexandria’s “Winter in Alexandria” Kit
When: Reservations open on Nov. 20, 2020; kits will be shipped on Dec. 11, 2020
Where: alexandriava.gov/shop
Admission: Pricing of kits is TBA
Looking for activities to do with children over the holidays? Purchase a Winter in Alexandria kit that will be shipped on Dec. 11, in time for winter break. This kit provides everything you need from materials to step-by-step instructions on how to explore Alexandria’s history through hands-on activities and stories. With ten different activities, there will be plenty to do over winter break.
Holiday Lights
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
When: Nov. 20, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021, open nightly 5 to 10 p.m.; Jan. 9-Feb. 28, 2021 (skating only), open Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
Admission: $8.16 for general admission to Village; $20.68 for admission with skating; starting January 9, 2021, $12.19 for skating. Visit novaparks.com/events/ice-lights to purchase tickets.
Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run will return this year, featuring an ice rink, more than a dozen holiday light displays perfect for Instagramming, retail area, food, music and more. The Ice and Lights Village is a short drive from Old Town. Masks are required in all areas of Ice & Lights except when eating or drinking in the concession areas.
City of Alexandria Tree Lighting
When: Ceremony recording available online on Nov. 21, 2020
Where: Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: Free
This year, the City of Alexandria’s 2020 Tree Lighting ceremony will move online in an effort to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual ceremony will feature a special holiday message from Mayor Justin Wilson. Several special guests join him to help celebrate the season and light the tree. Watch online via alexandriava.gov starting Nov. 21, and mask up to visit the Market Square tree in person throughout the season.
Winter Glow at Mount Vernon
When: Nov. 27-29, Dec. 11-13 and 26-28, 2020, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Admission: Starting at $25 for members; $30 for non-members. Call 703-780-2000 for tickets or visit mountvernon.org/christmas.
Experience an enchanted evening of winter lights at Mount Vernon. See the estate illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an 18th century winter encampment. You can also meet Aladdin the camel, shop for artisan-made goods, purchase warm food and holiday drinks at the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck and more.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
When: Dec. 18-19, 2020, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Admission: Starting at $20 for members; $22 for non-members. Call 703-780-2000 or visit mountvernon.org/illuminations to purchase tickets.
Attend the evening event Christmas Illuminations, a festive fireworks show choreographed to holiday music. You'll visit with re-enactors throughout the estate and stay toasty warm by the bonfire. Tickets for Christmas Illuminations are available to purchase online. Learn about safety measures on the estate.
Shopping and Markets
Old Town 2nd Annual Cookie Crawl
When: Nov. 21-22, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: $30 registration fee; oldtownbusiness.org
Savor the holidays during Old Town Business Association’s second annual Old Town Cookie Crawl. Schedule a time to pick up your tin, then shop and fill your cookie tin with pre-wrapped treats among 25 retailers in Old Town Alexandria. Advance registration is required at oldtownbusiness.org. Reserve a time to pick up your tin, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. It’s fun for the whole family and a great way to explore Old Town’s walkable shopping district.
Plaid Friday
When: Nov. 27 (Black Friday)
Where: Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information on participating businesses, visit OldTownBusiness.org or OldTownBoutiqueDistrict.com.
Admission: Free
Join Old Town boutiques the day after Thanksgiving and enjoy great discounts, merriment, and good cheer, all while shopping small and supporting local businesses and celebrating Alexandria’s favorite holiday color – plaid. Sales start at 6 a.m. and continue all day. After you have worked up an appetite from shopping, stop by area restaurants and cafes for special deals. Shoppers can receive a limited edition plaid mask, by local designer DMaran when they spend $100 or more at participating retailers (while supplies last). Community members or shoppers can wear their favorite tartan on Plaid Friday and post on Instagram using @otboutiques #plaidpatrol. Area stylist, Ali Hellmuth from ALH Style and Sarah Phillips from The Scout Guide, will each select their favorite looks to win a $50 gift card of their choice to a local boutique.
Small Business Saturday
When: Nov. 28
Where: Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: Free
Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Old Town Alexandria with free parking at meters and several independently owned boutiques offering special in-store activities and promotions. Over 80 percent of businesses on King Street and throughout Old Town are independently owned. For every $100 consumers spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community.
Get to know local shop owners that offer personalized customer service with curated gift suggestions ranging from home décor, chic fashions, and gourmet food to classic toys and gifts for dogs.
Alexandria’s Holiday Market at Carlyle
When: Virtual from Nov. 27 to Dec. 4, 2020; in-person Dec. 5-6, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or virtual; 703-566-6450, thecarlylecommunity.com
Admission: Free
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. This year, shop online and preorder the perfect present prior to the in-person market, which will feature physically distant vendors and musical entertainment including Gretchen and the Sidecar Six. The holiday market and festivities are sponsored by The Carlyle Vitality Initiative.
Del Ray Holiday Market
When: Nov. 28-29, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Del Ray Psych & Wellness parking lot, 1900 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301; 703-683-2570, visitdelray.com
Admission: Free
Del Ray Business Association (DRBA) invites you to explore the Del Ray Holiday Market with sidewalk sales and other promotions, kicking off on Small Business Saturday. The open-air holiday market will be held in the parking lot of Del Ray Psych & Wellness. It will feature DRBA members and local artists from Art on the Avenue. Vendors will be physically distanced, and masks are required for entry. On Saturday, participate in a food drive for The Salvation Army in their adjacent parking lot. On Sunday, look for food vendors and live music.
Cyber Monday & Giving Tuesday
When: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2020
Where: Online and Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314.
Admission: Free
Old Town businesses encourage shoppers to shop local businesses online storefronts on Cyber Monday, Nov. 30, at local shops websites.
On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1, Old Town Business is partnering with five nonprofits to promote shopping and dining for a cause. Customers who shop and/or dine at participating businesses will donate a percentage of that donor's purchase to their choice among the five charities. The five local charities for Giving Tuesday are Alexandria Teaching Consortium, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, ALIVE, Neighborhood Health, and Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation.
Del Ray Artisans' 25th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
When: Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20, 2020; Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301; 703-828-4827, delrayartisans.org
Admission: Free
During the first three weekends in December, Del Ray Artisans 25th Annual Holiday Market offers unique handcrafted fine arts and crafts from local artists. As always, the artists are presenting a variety of media, including fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, painting, paper crafting, photography, pottery/ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, wood turning and more. Different artists are featured each weekend. Del Ray Artisans Gallery and the Holiday Market follows ALX Promise guidelines to protect the public. Face masks are required, and the number of individuals allowed in the gallery is limited.
Midnight Merriness
When: Dec. 10 from 4 p.m. to Midnight
Where: Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314. Visit OldTownBusiness.org for a list of participating businesses.
Admission: Free
Old Town Business, in partnership with the Old Town Boutique District, presents Alexandria’s first-ever midnight madness holiday shopping night. Area shoppers who are interested in supporting local independent boutiques have the opportunity to shop and dine Old Town’s notable businesses during this extended hours event. The evening will also include socially distant street musical entertainment, pop-up activities, giveaways, refreshments and more.
Holiday Tours
Christmas at Mount Vernon
When: Nov. 27-Dec. 31, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Admission: $23 for adults; $12 for youth (ages 6-11); free for children age 5 and below; extra cost for some activities. Call 703-780-2000 for tickets or visit mountvernon.org/christmas.
Visit Mount Vernon this winter to participate in holiday activities and meet special guest Aladdin the camel. Learn about camels and George Washington’s interest in exotic animals during Camel Talks, offered Friday through Sunday beginning on Nov. 27. Specialty tours give guests a deeper look into the holidays at Mount Vernon. During the tour “Mrs. Washington’s Mount Vernon,” hear Martha Washington discuss the day-to-day planning needed for a busy holiday season. The “Holiday Dinner for the Washingtons” tour shares how food was grown, preserved and served during the holidays. Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year, including on Christmas Day.
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Lee-Fendall House
When: Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 2020, from 5 to 8 p.m. (tours on the half hour)
Where: Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314703-548-1789, leefendallhouse.org
Admission: $8 per adult; $3 per child; free for children under 6 years old.
Celebrate the holiday season with evening candlelight tours of the Lee-Fendall House decked out in Victorian splendor. The antique toy exhibit will also be on view. Space is limited and reservations are required. Face masks and social distancing will be in place throughout the tour.
A Victorian Christmas at Lee-Fendall House
When: Dec. 12, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-548-1789, leefendallhouse.org
Admission: $8 per adult; $12 per child; free for children under 2 years old
Experience the wonder of the season by visiting the Lee-Fendall House for a family-friendly Victorian Christmas. Enjoy traditional décor, music, seasonal crafts, a visit by Santa and more. Timed tickets on the hour are available through advance registration. All recommended health requirements will be followed, including face masks and social distancing.
Arts and Theatre
Holiday Lamp Post Art Walk
When: Map available beginning Dec. 1, 2020
Where: Various locations along King Street (Union to Diagonal), and select side streets, Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: Free
Old Town Business Association is partnering with The Art League of Alexandria to offer a holiday themed Art Walk in Old Town along King Street (Union to Diagonal) and select side streets. Each block will feature a work of art adorning a lamppost. Maps may be found at oldtownbusiness.org beginning December 1, 2020. Keep an eye out for holiday lamp posts located on both upper and lower King Streets.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “A Christmas Carol”
When: Dec. 4-19, 2020; Wednesday-Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday at 3 p.m.
Admission: Donations of any size are accepted.
Where: The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-683-0496, thelittletheatre.com
The Little Theatre of Alexandria is proud to present the timeless holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” This heartwarming story of compassion and transformation brings to life the beloved characters of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a number of other intriguing characters. This year’s production will feature seven “actual” actors portraying all the traditional roles and even a few new ones. The unique aspect of this production will be the inculcation of real ghosts. That’s right, a few characters may not be who they seem to be. The production combines animation, 3D and virtual reality to totally bemuse and confuse the audience. One thing’s for sure: Scrooge is real. Or is he? This is a must see for any “A Christmas Carol” enthusiast. Seating will be socially distanced and limited.
Dining
Winter Wonderland at The Alexandrian’s King & Rye
When: Dec. 2, 2020-Jan. 30, 2021; igloos available Wednesday-Saturday, with reservations beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Where: King & Rye, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: Free; $50 for igloo rental and $100 food and beverage minimum with igloo use. Call 703-549-6080, email info@kingandrye.com, or visit kingandrye.com/event/winter-wonderland to make reservation.
King & Rye’s courtyard is transforming into a Winter Wonderland. In addition to general courtyard seating with heat lamps and holiday décor, new this year, book an igloo for private dining for up to eight guests. This is ideal for social distancing as you are only in the space with your party, and the area is sanitized between parties. The igloos will each have heaters as well as the option to play your own music via a Bluetooth speaker. The igloos will be reservation required with a $50 rental and $100 food and beverage minimum. The rental will include a hot cocoa and cookie bar. For food and beverage, enjoy a tapas style menu with a southern twist and, of course, festive cocktails.
Workshops and Classes
Holiday Kissing Ball Workshop at Lee-Fendall House
When: Dec. 3, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2020 at 2 p.m.
Where: Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-548-1789, leefendallhouse.org
Admission: $20
Learn how to create your own traditional holiday kissing ball using fresh boxwood from Lee-Fendall's own garden. All materials are provided. Space is limited to 10 participants per workshop.
Kwanzaa How-To Workshop with Office of Historic Alexandria
When: December 5, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: alexandriava.gov/shop
Admission: Free (registration required)
Enjoy learning how to celebrate Kwanzaa in your home and all the family fun it brings. Learn about the principles, symbols, recipes, and crafts. Register online to receive the link to join the hour-long program.
New Year’s Eve
Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Virtual Olde Year's Day
When: Dec. 31, 2020
Where: Virtual at torpedofactory.org
Admission: Free
Welcome 2021 from the comfort of your home with our art videos and projects to create and share.
Holiday Open House at Carlyle House
When: Dec. 31, 2020, from 5 to 8 p.m. (tours on the half hour)
Where: Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-549-2997 or novaparks.com
Admission: $10 per adult; $3 per child; free for children under six years old. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Wrap up your year with a visit to Carlyle House on New Year’s Eve. Guests will learn about holiday traditions of old, some which we still enjoy today. Stay tuned for updates about live music. Be sure to check out the Museum Shop clearance sale. Tours offered of the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All COVID-19 safety procedures will be in place during this tour.
26th Anniversary First Night Alexandria
When: Dec. 31, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Where: 5001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304 or virtual; 703-963-3755, firstnightalexandria.org
Admission: $75 per car for VIP admission; $60 per car for general admission; $20 for virtual link. Ticket sales begin in late November with limited in-person capacity.
New this year, First Night Alexandria brings “A Night of Nostalgia" with a drive-in concert experience. Ready to get out of the house? Load up the car and celebrate the arrival of 2021 with a VIP drive-in concert experience. Sing-along, dance and enjoy a night filled with classic hits, local food truck favorites and exciting giveaways. Or, planning an intimate gathering in the comfort of your home? Let First Night Alexandria be the soundtrack for your party, featuring the same great music as the live event, streamed to you virtually.
This annual festival of music and performing arts is a capstone holiday event in Alexandria and offers great options for family and friends to celebrate together safely. The site for entertainment this year expands the focus to the West End of Alexandria, VA. Reflect on good times, enjoy great music and anticipate a new year filled with new possibilities. A portion of the proceeds support young musicians studying choral, band and orchestra in Alexandria, VA middle and high schools. Sponsorships available and donations welcome. This event is made possible by the continued generosity of multiple community partners.
