News

Oct. 19 is the deadline to nominate Del Ray’s best decorated Halloween house and business

By James Cullum
A Halloween display in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, Oct. 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The deadline to nominate a home and business in Del Ray’s annual Best Decorated Halloween House and Business Contest is Sunday, Oct. 19.

The winners of the contest will be announced at the conclusion of the 29th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 26. Visit Del Ray will also present awards for the best pet costume and best stroller/group. “For over 30 years, local residents and businesses have gone all out decorating for Halloween, competing for bragging rights for best decorated house and business,” Visit Del Ray said. “A map of the finalists will be available the week before Halloween.”

A Halloween display in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, Oct. 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

While details are forthcoming, the parade will also feature a Halloween scavenger hunt along Mount Vernon Avenue, where Del Ray businesses will hide themed items in hand-painted windows.

The event is sponsored by the Jen Walker Team.

A Halloween display in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, Oct. 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

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.