News

Here’s the scoop on the 2024 Del Ray Christmas tree and Menorah lightings

By James Cullum
The Del Ray Christmas tree and menorah lighting on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Del Ray’s Christmas tree and menorah lightings are just around the corner.

The annual event will be held at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (2311 Mount Vernon Avenue) on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.

This is the 14th annual tree and menorah lighting. The natural tree is donated to the community by “Mango” Mike Anderson and Bill Blackburn, owners of the Homegrown Restaurant Group. The pair and their families buy the trees at the Naughty Pines Nursery in Maryland.

The evening includes caroling and a visit from Santa Claus, who stylishly arrives in an Alexandria City Fire Department vehicle every year. Santa will stick around after the tree lighting for free photos with families.

Mount Vernon Avenue will also be lined with hundreds of luminarias in honor of Nancy Dunning.

The Del Ray event also follows the annual Scottish Christmas Walk weekend of activities in Alexandria.

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.