This holiday season, Alexandria twinkles with cherished traditions and festive events including signature parades, open-air winter markets, immersive lights experiences, waterfront fireworks and more throughout the city’s neighborhoods.
Learn about the city’s top seasonal events below and find additional holiday happenings at VisitAlexandria.com/Holidays.
Here's a look at what's in store this holiday season!
Photo by Joy Asico for Visit Alexandria
Scottish Walk in Old Town Alexandria
Holiday Parade Day - Saturday, Dec. 7
- Don’t miss Alexandria’s two signature holiday parades on Saturday, Dec. 7, starting with the 53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade sponsored by Wegmans at 11 a.m. followed by the 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon at 5:30 p.m., with riverside festivities for the whole family starting at 2 p.m.
Photo of boat parade by Evan Michio for Visit Alexandria.
Holiday boat parade on the Potomac River in Alexandria
· Winter Markets
- This December, stroll through open-air winter markets complete with live music, Santa sightings, shopping and more throughout Alexandria’s neighborhoods.
- New this year, be immersed in a magical new European Christmas market experience in Del Ray during the inaugural Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market from Dec. 13 to 15, a weekend chock-full of holiday happenings including the Old Town North Holiday Market & Farmers Market, Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square and the Made in ALX Holiday Makers' Markets at Port City Brewing on Nov. 30 and Dec. 15.
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Photo by Carol Jean Stalun Photography for Visit Alexandria
Christmas tree in Market Square.
Holiday Lights Experiences
- Celebrate the city’s official start to the holiday season at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 23 at 6 p.m., with appearances from Mayor Justin Wilson, the Town Crier and even Santa himself. A few weeks later on Dec. 8, take part in the Del Ray Tree & Menorah Lighting as you enjoy tunes and hot chocolate and hand-painted holiday windows along Del Ray’s storefronts.
- Explore unique light displays and ice skate through a winter wonderland at Ice & Lights from Nov. 15 through Jan. 5 with ice skating continuing through Feb. 14.
- For an enchanting evening filled with wintry lights, a winter encampment and market, and a fireworks show, head to Mount Vernon for Christmas Illuminations between Dec. 20-22.
· Seasonal Shopping
- Shop at more than 100 independent boutiques throughout Alexandria this holiday season. Find some of the lowest prices of the year plus special offers when you shop over Thanksgiving weekend on Plaid Friday (Alexandria’s small business Black Friday) and Small Business Saturday.
- Head to the Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop on December 12 for special promotions and complimentary wine and refreshments.
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Photo by J. Clifford for Visit Alexandria
Fireworks on First Night in Alexandria
Family-Friendly Festivities
- For a sight you have to see to believe, head to the waterfront between BARCA Pier and Founders Park on Dec. 24 to witness the Waterskiing Santa Show, featuring Santa and his friends gliding along the Potomac River.
- Ring in the new year with live entertainment and fireworks at the 30th annual First Night Alexandria, the region’s signature family-friendly New Year’s Eve event, on Dec. 31.
