This holiday season in Alexandria brings charming decorations, warm community gatherings and seasonal festivities aplenty.
From “Turkey Trot” races and a giant menorah lighting in Old Town, to fireworks displays and winter concerts, discover a wide range of holiday happenings this season. Here’s a preview of notable activities through late December in one of the country’s “Most Christmassy” cities.
Events
Port City Turkey Trot 5K and 10K
When: Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Runners pass through a scenic course along Holmes Run during this pre-Thanksgiving race. The event benefits Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and participants receive a glass of Port City beer, a finisher medal and T-shirt.
3950 Wheeler Avenue
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Saturday from 6-8 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance via the King Street Trolley at this celebration in Market Square, which will take place rain or shine. The tree lighting is expected to happen around 6:40 p.m. Admission is free.
301 King Street
50th Alexandria Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, Nov. 27. Race starts at 9 a.m.
This annual 5-mile race, which takes runners through a flat course across Del Ray, and draws thousands of participants each year. The race will also collect food and cash donations for ALIVE!.
1005 Mount Vernon Avenue
Mount Vernon by Candlelight and firework shows
When: Nov. 28 through Dec. 23
The historic mansion is offering candlelit guided tours and the chance to learn about 18th-century holiday traditions in Virginia alongside costumed reenactment actors. The estate’s newly restored first and second floors will be open for these tours.
Also from Dec. 20-21, the site will host “Christmas Illuminations” firework shows and a winter market.
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Ice Skating Party at Ice & Lights
When: Thursday, Dec. 4 from 6-8 p.m.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the Alexandria City Council will celebrate the seasonal reopening of Cameron Run Regional Park’s ice rink with a ribbon cutting. Attendees get free hot chocolate and a 50% discount on ice skating tickets.
Ice skating opening hours are available on the NOVA Parks website.
4001 Eisenhower Avenue
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
See “dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more,” Visit Alexandria wrote. This is the annual parade’s 54th year and it will happen rain or shine.
Old Town
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
When: Saturday, Dec. 6. Dockside festivities from 2-8 p.m.; parade at 5:30 p.m.
Watch dozens of decorated boats cruise Old Town’s historic waterfront. The event also features a pop-up beer garden with Port City Brewing Company, food and free activities.
Waterfront Park at 1 Prince Street
Del Ray Holiday Season Kickoff
When: Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.
Celebrate holiday cheer as neighbors host the annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. Afterward, take a stroll on Mount Vernon Avenue to see hand-painted windows and lights honoring the late Nancy Dunning.
Organizers encourage donations of toys, toiletries and thermal wear for Operation Elf, hosted by the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office.
Mount Vernon Avenue and Oxford Avenue
Kwanzaa Celebration
When: Saturday, Dec. 13 from noon to 2 p.m.
Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa through art and storytelling, try “a small taste of Kwanzaa” and create vision boards at the Alexandria Black History Museum. Danielle Branche-Brown, founder of The Self-Care Academy, will also lead a “vibrant, hands-on workshop.” Tickets are $15.
902 Wythe Street
10th Annual Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl
When: Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12:30-6 p.m.
The first 250 registrants for this festive bar crawl receive a “swag bag” with a souvenir cup. Advance tickets are $15, which comes with specials on food and cocktails across more than 15 participating restaurants. There will be awards for the “best dressed” person, couple and group. Crawl proceeds benefit nonprofit ALIVE!.
Mount Vernon Avenue
Drinks and Dreidels Chinese Buffet Dinner
When: Sunday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.
The Young Jewish Professionals of Alexandria-Arlington’s annual Chanukah Party includes a communal menorah lighting, giveaways and a dreidel game. Enjoy latkes, doughnuts and Chinese buffet offerings. Tickets are currently $22.
1307 N. Highland Street (Arlington)
Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting in Old Town
When: Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah at the Lyceum as organizers light a giant, six-foot menorah. The festival, hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, will have treats like latkes, hot chocolate and doughnuts, as well as free light sticks for kids.
201 S. Washington Street
‘The Official Christmas Bar Crawl’
When: Saturday, Dec. 20 from 4-11:59 p.m.
Eventbrite tickets start at $12.78 for this celebration that invites participants to get “lit for the holidays.” Admission comes with two to three drinks or shots, “exclusive” specials and plush Santa hats for the first 100 guests at The Light Horse.
715 King Street
Waterskiing Santa
When: Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 1 p.m.
This is Santa’s 40th year waterskiing across the Old Town’s waterfront. “If you would like to volunteer to be in the show, please reach out to [email protected],” a Facebook post says.
Waterfront Park at 1 Prince Street
Music and arts
‘Unwrapped’ with The Alexandria Singers
When: Dec. 6-7
Alexandria’s premiere pop chorus will host two holiday variety performances, featuring songs “from mischievous to magical.” General admission is $25.
101 Callahan Drive
Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest
When: Friday, Dec. 12 from 5-8 p.m.
Attendance is free for this annual live concert at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. “Get ready to celebrate the holidays at A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest — a festive gathering of music, art, and poetry,” a description reads.
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria Baroque Holiday Concert
When: Saturday, Dec. 13 from 2-3 p.m.
Listen to Michael De Sapio on violin and John Armato on the theorbo perform a selection of Baroque-era music, including Biber’s “Annunciation” Sonata and representativa, which represents “numerous birds and animals,” as well as early Christmas carols. Tickets come with a holiday mocktail and cost $12, or $10 for Friends of Carlyle House.
131 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria Choral Society: The Weary World Rejoices
When: Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.
This concert promises “a moving celebration of light in the darkness” with classics like “O Holy Night”, “A La Nanita Nana” and “the profound ‘Lacrimosa’ from Mozart’s Requiem” to uplift listeners through the winter season.
228 S. Pitt Street
The Nutcracker Ballet
When: Dec. 13-14
See a performance of The Nutcracker by the Metropolitan School of Arts at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Tickets start at $35.
4915 E. Campus Drive
Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, with showtimes at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Seating is first-come, first-served at these free, festive performances. This year’s lineup of holiday tunes includes songs like “Silent Night” and “White Christmas.”
201 S. Washington Street
Holiday markets and shopping
Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday
When: Nov. 28-29
The city’s small business-powered alternative to Black Friday returns with some 50 participating local shops offering discounts across the Old Town Boutique District. More deals and “in-store treats” will be available the next day for Small Business Saturday.
City-wide
Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market
When: Dec. 5-21
The 30th annual market will reopen each weekend through Dec. 21 with locally crafted textile arts, jewelry, ornaments, paintings and more. The market features different artists throughout the month. More details, including hours, are available on the Del Ray Artisans’ website.
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Hotel AKA Holiday Market
When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 1-4 p.m.
Local vendors at this Old Town market include Lumos Collective, Isle & Wild and Pisces Moon Permanent Jewelry. There will also be “seasonal food and drink specials” at the hotel lounge, a charm bar pop-up by Old Town Girlies and a Santa storytime with Old Town Books at 3 p.m.
625 First Street
Holiday Maker’s Market
When: Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
More than 40 artisans are set to participate in the fourth annual market, offering goods like candles, crafts, stationery and homemade culinary treats. There will also be live music and activities for kids.
4109 Mount Vernon Avenue
Del Ray Sip & Shop
When: Thursday, Dec. 11
More details are to come about this annual event, where local businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue will have extended hours from 6-9 p.m.
Mount Vernon Avenue
Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market
When: Dec. 12-14
This festive market in Del Ray will include “artisanal holiday crafts and gifts” for sale, in addition to “European-style holiday treats” including Raclette, hot spiced wine and Buche de Noël. Santa will be available for pictures on Friday night.
2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
When: Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gift shop from local artisans and listen to live holiday tunes from carolers and a DJ at John Carlyle Square. The market will have an ornament crafting station for kids and pictures with Santa.
300 John Carlyle Street
OTNCP Annual Holiday Market
When: Sunday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Try samples of “holiday goodies” and shop from more than 25 local vendors alongside live music and family-friendly activities. “And who knows? A jolly man in a red suit might even pop by,” a description reads.
901 N. Royal Street
Missing something notable? Email us at [email protected].
