(Updated at 1:50 p.m.) Alexandria is about to get a little brighter.
The city will host its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 18, outside City Hall (301 King Street) in Old Town.
The free event goes from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes a holiday singalong, speeches from city leaders and a visit with Santa Claus. It will be held rain or shine.
The artificial 40-foot-tall tree will be adorned by 40,000 lights, according to Visit Alexandria.
According to the City:
The public is encouraged to take public transit or walk to the event. Visitors to Old Town can take Metrorail’s Blue or Yellow lines to the King Street-Old Town Station and then take the free King Street Trolley to the event in front of City Hall. For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH (3274) or visit dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit wmata.com. For parking information, visit alexandriava.gov/Parking
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For those who like to see a natural holiday tree lighting after Thanksgiving, the city’s Del Ray neighborhood will host its own tree and menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 3.
The free event is held at Pat Miller Square (Mount Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues) and also includes a visit from Santa.
The Del Ray Business Association is also asking visitors to bring donations for Carpenter’s Shelter.
“In the spirit of the season, participants are urged to bring new full-size lotions, deodorants, and body wash; ground coffee, or flip flops/shower shoes in various sizes for Carpenter’s Shelter,” according to DRBA.
