News

PHOTOS: See the Alexandria Christmas tree lighting in Old Town

By James Cullum
1/15

The holidays officially brightened up in Alexandria with the annual lighting of the city’s Christmas tree on Saturday night.

Mayor Justin Wilson joked with Santa Claus onstage in front of City Hall (301 King Street) before the official countdown to spark the 40,000 lights on the 40-foot-tall plastic tree.

“I think they all came to see you,” Santa joked to Wilson.

Hundreds of people turned out to see the tree lighting. The event also marked the end of the city’s nearly year-long 275th birthday celebration.

“This has been an incredible year for the city,” Wilson said.

Miss the event? More holiday lights are coming to Alexandria. The Del Ray Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings are on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.