
In case you missed it, the lighting of the Del Ray Christmas and menorah was packed on Sunday.
The evening was full of families and friends caroling with hot chocolate with marshmallows.
NBC$ Washington reporter Pat Collins made the countdown to light the 30-foot-tall tree at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, along with Santa Claus, Kate Moran of the Rainbow Rock Band and members of the City Council. Santa Claus was escorted to the event by the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office.
“Who wants snow for Christmas? Collins said, and started to chant, “We want snow, we want snow!”
Collins said he’d see what he could do, and brought along the official Pat Collins Snow Measuring Stick for publicity photos.
“Who wants snow for Christmas? Collins said, and started to chant, “We want snow, we want snow!”
Collins said he’d see what he could do, and brought along the official Pat Collins Snow Measuring Stick for publicity photos.
With an assist from @AlexVASheriff, Santa arrived in style to Del Ray tonight to join Pat Collins for lighting the lush, full and downright thick Christmas Tree and Menorah in Pat Miller square. Happy Holidays! #alexandriava #IYKYK #happyholidays #treelighting pic.twitter.com/WFVGGCAA8k
— Sarah for Alexandria (@SarahforALX) December 5, 2022
Tonight we gathered in at Pat Miller Square for the the Del Ray Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting. pic.twitter.com/iONSx7CbhU
— Alyia Gaskins (@Alyia4ALX) December 5, 2022
ASO made sure a very special guest arrived safely to the Del Ray Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting tonight! Thanks to @visitdelrayVA for putting on another outstanding community event! pic.twitter.com/NjVCuWJJGQ
— Alexandria Sheriff (@AlexVASheriff) December 5, 2022
The holiday season has begun in Del Ray.
Thanks to @patcollins4 for joining us and bringing the SnowStick.
This is the only time I want to see the SnowStick anywhere near Alexandria this year… pic.twitter.com/m0ZlcvHivQ
— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) December 4, 2022
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If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
Family Fun Fall Fest
Mark your calendars and join us for the Family Fun Fall Fest on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 11am – 2pm!
This FREE in-person event will be held at the Shoppes at Foxchase, located at 4641 Duke St, Alexandria, VA
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.