A half dozen businesses and residences in Old Town have been selected by a local, very niche group as the best exterior holiday decorations in the historic district.
The Old Town Walled Garden Club announced the winners of its 51st annual decorating contest. The contest evaluates decorations by the originality of design, scale, color, contrast and attractiveness from the street.
The commercial honorees were:
- First Place: Dolci Gelati — 107 N. Fairfax Street
- Second Place: The Dog Park — 705 King Street
- Third Place: The Old Presbyterian Meeting House — 323 S. Fairfax Street
For the residential candidates, all decorations must be created by the homeowner.
The residential honorees were:
- First Place: 630 S. Fairfax Street
- Second Place: 728 S. Lee Street
- Third Place: 612 Duke Street.
Recent Stories

St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool, a play-based, half-day preschool in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria has limited openings for the ’23-’24 school year.
SPEP offers:
- 18 month old – Kindergarten classes
- Full day Kindergarten option (3 days/week)
- Early Care
- Transportation (ages 3+)
- Weekly Field Trips (ages 3+)
- Financial Aid available
Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.
Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.