In recent years, Alexandria has been named one of the best holiday cities in the United States — and it's no surprise why. With signature events include two parades, local shopping, a jazz festival and markets, Alexandria is a great place to be in November and December.
Here's a guide to the major holiday events in Alexandria:
R Nowitz for Visit Alexandria
The Campagna Center's Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town Alexandria.
52nd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade Sponsored by Wegmans
Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. in Old Town Alexandria, ALXscottishwalk.com
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. The city celebrates its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more.
23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Sponsored by Amazon
Dec. 2. Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.; Dockside festivities 1 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.), Canal Center festivities 3 to 7 p.m. (44 Canal Center Plaza), ALXboatparade.com
Parade viewing areas along one mile of the Old Town Alexandria waterfront stretching from Canal Center Plaza (44 Canal Center Plaza) to Ford’s Landing Park (99 Franklin St.)
Old Town Alexandria's historic waterfront will shine for the 23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon at 5:30 p.m., as more than 50 brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 1 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM, hot chocolate from Dolci Gelati, pizza by the slice from Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, American comfort food from Mason Social, cookies and snacks from Together We Bake and more. Also at Waterfront Park, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. enjoy hands-on activities from local businesses.
...
MARKETS
Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square
Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., thecarlylecommunity.com
Start your holiday shopping and find the perfect gift for your loved ones at the Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square. More than 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses will showcase their products, just in time for the holidays. From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods to body and hair care, discover everything you could wish to surprise your loved ones. Take a break from shopping to enjoy the beautiful Christmas Carols Show and bring little ones to the Elves’ Shop where they can create a customized Christmas ornament. Pictures with Santa will also be available.
...
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Admission: $9 online admission to Winter Village only; $22 online admission to Winter Village plus ice skating; free for kids under the age of 2
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run offers a fun, unstructured outdoor family experience in Eisenhower Valley. Explore unique light displays, snap family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Capacity is limited; reservations are required to ensure access on a specific date. Ice skating reservations are required. Tickets are on sale now. New this year, daytime ice skating is available December 18 to 30 and weekends and holidays throughout January and February.
ICE! at Gaylord National Harbor
Nov. 19 to Dec. 31 at Gaylord National Harbor, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md.
This year, ICE! features your favorite scenes from the beloved television classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, brought to life in magnificent sculptures hand-carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice. Also enjoy ice slides, ice skating and much more. Get tickets at christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com.
Del Ray Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting
Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.
Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues, visitdelray.com
The Del Ray neighborhood will come together for the annual Christmas tree lighting, Menorah lighting and holiday carols. Enjoy hand-painted holiday windows in storefronts and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias.
Christmas Illuminations at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Dec. 15 and 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., mountvernon.org/illuminations
Admission: Non-members: $60 per adult/$38 per youth with mansion tour; $58 per adult/$36 per youth without mansion tour; Members: $50 per adult/$28 per youth with mansion tour; $48 per adult/$26 per youth without mansion tour
Visit the first president’s home for its landmark holiday event, Christmas Illuminations, set to return Dec. 15 and 16, 2023, featuring a fireworks and holiday lights show over the Potomac River. The event includes an 18th-century winter market featuring handmade items by colonial artisans and much more.
...
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 2 to 16, at various times
Admission: Tickets $20-25 per person, plus fees
Tickets at 703-683-5778 or thelitteltheatre.com
From the first “bah humbug” to the final “wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all the beloved Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, and, of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge—as they transport the audience to Victorian England and remind everyone of the meaning of Christmas.
How to Celebrate Kwanzaa Workshop
Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St.
Admission: $3 per person
Learn about the origins, concepts, practices and foods of Kwanzaa and leave knowing how to do your own celebration. Families of all ages welcome.
A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest
Dec. 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/arts/jazz.
New this year, the City's Office of the Arts is proud to present "A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest," a holiday event that is free and open to all at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies of jazz and prepare to be moved by mesmerizing spoken word performances that will inspire and uplift. Performers are selected through the Office of the Arts Jazz Fest activation team, comprised of professionals from the Smithsonian, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series and the Levine School of Music. Before the main event begins, attend the pre-show and mingling session starting at 5 p.m., featuring three art projects commissioned by the Office of the Arts through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
29th Annual First Night Alexandria
Dec. 31 from 2 until 11 p.m.
Admission: Matinee shows until 6 p.m.: $10 for all ages; all-access passes (includes day and evening performances): free for children ages 0 to 2; $10 for children ages 3 to 10; $20 for youth ages 11 to 19 and seniors 65+; $35 for adults ages 20 to 64; $50 VIP Pass
Free to view fireworks at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Learn more at firstnightalexandria.org.
Experience the region’s signature family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival of music and more. A community celebration of the performing arts, First Night Alexandria rings in the new year with music, comedy, dance and fireworks. New this year, enjoy a spectacular twilight fireworks display at 6 p.m. Following an evening of live entertainment, an abbreviated encore fireworks display over the Potomac River will occur at midnight. Visit the event website for a full schedule of events.
