News

PHOTOS: Del Ray celebrates Christmas tree and menorah lighting

By James Cullum
1/29

It’s officially the holiday season in Del Ray.

On Sunday night, hundreds turned out for the lighting of the Del Ray Christmas tree and menorah at Pat Miller Square on Mount Vernon Avenue.

After a chilly weekend, it was a unseasonably warm December evening for the event. It was nearly 60 degrees.

Outgoing Mayor Justin Wilson and Santa Claus led the countdown to light the 30-foot-tall tree, which was donated by Bill Blackburn and Mike Anderson of the Homegrown Restaurant Group.

“It’s a beautiful tree, and it’s going to look even better when we light it in a couple of minutes,” Wilson said beforehand. “I am always inspired by the work that we can do together.”

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.