How are you ringing in the new year in Alexandria?
A number of local bars and restaurants are doing it up in style on Dec. 31. From Old Town to Del Ray, Arlandria and the West End, here’s a roundup of shindigs that will send you into the early morning hours of 2026.
After 40 years in operation, Alexandria has submitted plans to replace the Old Town Pool, bath house and equipment building.
The 144,000-square-foot Old Town Pool site at 1609 Cameron Street was built in 1975 and is “nearing the end of its usability,” according to a presentation that will go before the Board of Architectural Review on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a string of thefts that occurred at two yoga apparel stores in Old Town this past fall.
The suspects of three Old Town thefts reported between Sept. 30 and late last month have stolen thousands of dollars in merchandise from yoga clothing retailers Alo Yoga and Lululemon on King Street. The incidents are being investigated in connection with other recent thefts in the D.C. region.
Ross Dress For Less is closing next month in Old Town.
The department store at 112 N. Washington Street will close forever on Friday, Jan. 16, according to a sign posted on the retailer’s door. After closing, the building will be renovated and turned into a new “upper school” for the private Linder Academy, which first opened in Old Town in 2021.
Finn & Fire, a new international restaurant specializing in seafood and steaks, hopes to debut in Old Town in late winter.
The new eatery is preparing to replace Indian restaurant Kismet at 111 N. Pitt Street sometime in March, owner Ghazal Amir told ALXnow. The business previously hoped for a January opening but is still securing its permits.
Two proposed housing developments in the city of Alexandria are officially allowed to move forward after receiving City Council’s approval during its Saturday meeting.
A 640-unit, multi-building project in southern Potomac Yard and a 145-unit affordable housing redevelopment in Old Town each received unanimous approval for development special use permits (DSUPs) after advancing through the Planning Commission earlier this month.
This December weekend in Alexandria brings a hefty helping of holiday cheer with festive concerts and markets, bar crawls and opportunities for holiday light viewing.
Locals can get into the spirit with the Alexandria Citizens Band’s holiday sing-along tonight, or try their hand at cookie decorating at the Made in VA store. Folk rock legend Don McLean will make a special appearance at The Birchmere on Sunday night, where he’ll perform a mix of classics and holiday tunes.
Three local businesses along King Street in Old Town will be open late tonight (Friday) for a holiday-themed celebration.
Red Barn Mercantile (1117 King Street), Pippin Toy Co. (1310 King Street) and Penny Post (1201 King Street) will remain open from 8 p.m. to midnight for “Midnight Merriment” festivities. The shops plan to offer refreshments and activities throughout the night as shoppers enjoy “the magic of Old Town Alexandria after dark,” according to a release.
A proposal for the conversion of a five-story Old Town office into a 20-unit apartment building is headed to the Planning Commission next month.
The 27,000-square-foot office at 732 N. Washington Street has been home to the American Statistical Association (ASA) for 20 years. Now ASA is asking for the city’s permission to convert it into an apartment building with a roof deck and apartment balconies/patios with the following units.
A longstanding nonprofit retailer dedicated to fair trade practices with artisans around the world is set to undergo a rebranding.
After closing multiple locations around the country and shifting to online sales, Ten Thousand Villages at 915 King Street continue as-is, but with a new identity. In February, the Old Town shop will hold its grand reopening as “The World Crafted on King.”
Alexandria’s 25th annual Holiday Boat Parade brought gleaming, spirited displays of holiday cheer to Old Town’s waterfront on Saturday night.
Visit Alexandria has announced the winners of the parade today (Monday), with exhibits ranging from a hot pink Chappell Roan theme that captured “Most Spirited Crew” to a playful “Hanukkah Octopus” named Happy that won “Hardiest Soul.” Here’s a look at this year’s winners and categories.
