25 Can't Miss Holiday Events In Alexandria For 2019

ALEXANDRIA, VA — There's a reason Oprah Magazine named Alexandria one of the best Christmas towns in the world. The holiday season comes alive through various events. From traditions like the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Waterskiing Santa to the new Old Town Cookie Crawl, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit.

Below is our guide to holiday events in Alexandria during November and December. Events are listed by date.

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run: Nov. 15-Jan. 5, 2020

Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Avenue

Admission: Winter Village admission $5; ice skating $8; skate rentals $4

The Winter Village will debut at Cameron Run Regional Park with an ice skating rink, illuminated photo opps, other winter displays, music, food, heated igloos, games and more. The ice skating rink only will be open from Jan. 6 to Feb. 29.

Alexandria Tree Lighting: Nov. 23

Market Square, 301 King Street

Admission: Free

Join Mayor Justin Wilson for the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Spectators can join the countdown to lighting of the tree and afterward take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Metropolitan School of the Arts will perform "Santa's Spectacular," and the T.C. Williams High School Advanced Choir will perform holiday music. The event will happen rain or shine.

Old Town Cookie Crawl: Nov. 23

Old Town Alexandria

Admission: $20

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., check out Old Town Business’s first annual Old Town Cookie Crawl. Participants get a commemorative tin and get a cookie at each of 15 shops.

Alexandria Makers Market: Nov. 24

Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Avenue

Admission: Free

The first-ever Alexandria Makers Market will feature Alexandria-based creators, makers, designers, and crafters from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Browse for holiday gifts, enjoy Port City brews and participate in DIY workshops.

Black Friday Alexandria: Nov. 29

Old Town Alexandria and Del Ray

Admission: Free

Local businesses will offer deals on items such as home décor, clothing, gourmet food, classic toys and gifts for dogs. Old Town Business and Old Town Boutique District will hold Plaid Friday, an alternative to big box stores’ Black Friday to promote both local and independently owned businesses. Participating stores will have Plaid Friday posters, and shoppers can get a limited-edition tote when they spend $100 or more after 10 a.m., and free gift-wrapping at Izalia Spa with a $50 purchase from participating retailers. Shoppers can win a free gift card when wearing plaid or posting a picture on Instagram capturing Old Town’s holiday spirit with the hashtag #spottedinOT.

Winter Wonderland at The Alexandrian: Nov. 29-January 2020

The Alexandrian, 480 King Street

Admission: Free

New this year, the Alexandrian and Jackson 20 will convert their central courtyard into a Winter Wonderland from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Winter Wonderland will be a destination for festive cocktails and small bites by a firepit as well as holiday programming working with local community partners throughout the season. A percentage of all proceeds will be donated to Children’s National.

Small Business Saturday in Alexandria: Nov. 30

Old Town Alexandria and Del Ray

Admission: Free

Stores will offer special activities and discounts, host local authors and designers and give out free treats and gifts. New this year is Caroling & Candy Canes at the Alexandria Visitor Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and a Small Business Saturday Scavenger Hunt from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photos with Santa at Hooray for Books! Nov. 30, Dec. 14, 21

Hooray for Books!, 1555 King Street

Admission: By donation

Santa and Mrs. Claus return to Old Town Alexandria to take keepsake photos with children on three Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. To reserve a time, call 703-548-4092 or visit Hooray for Books! to make any size donation to the bookstore’s special Santa account, which will be used to provide books, toys and games for the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program’s Holiday Party.

Alexandria’s Holiday Market at Carlyle: Dec. 1

John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle Street

Admission: Free

Alexandria’s Holiday Market is an annual signature event that transforms John Carlyle Square into a lively open-air festival for all ages. Santa and Mrs. Clause and the town crier will ring in the season with a live appearance.

Museum Store Sunday in Historic Alexandria: Dec. 1

Various locations in Alexandria

Admission: Free

Shop at Alexandria’s museums for special giveaways and discounts. Participating museum stores include the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, the Alexandria Black History Museum, The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, Carlyle House Historic Park, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, Lee-Fendall House and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.

Del Ray Artisans' Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market: Dec. 6-8, 13-15 and 20-22

2704 Mount Vernon Avenue

Admission: Free

Del Ray Artisans annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists. Choose from wall art, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass and much more from different artisans each weekend. Plus, purchase 2020 wall calendars, cookbooks and upcycled tote bags to support Del Ray Artisans. Hours are Fridays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade: Dec. 6-7

Old Town Alexandria

Admission: Free for parade, heather and greens sales; $180-$290 for Taste of Scotland; $40 for Holiday Home Tours

The Campagna Center will bring back a weekend celebrating the holidays and Scottish heritage for a 49th year. The weekend features the parade at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7, Taste of Scotland Scotch tasting on Dec. 6, and Holiday Home Tours on Dec. 7.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: Dec. 7

Alexandria waterfront

Admission: Free

This tradition features boats illuminated with lights cruising in a parade on the Potomac River. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m., while festivities on the waterfront will happen from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival: Dec. 7

Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street

Admission: Free

Stop by the art center during the boat parade and Scottish Christmas Walk weekend. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 3:30 p.m. Music and singing fill the halls all evening. After sundown, the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights passes by The Art Center’s doors. Visit artists on all three floors to find gift ideas.

Holidays on the Avenue in Del Ray: Dec. 8

Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Oxford Avenue

Admission: Free

Kick off the holiday season with the Christmas tree and menorah lighting at 6 p.m. Santa Claus will appear for carols and photos with children. Guests can stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue to see thousands of luminarias and storefront windows hand-painted for the holidays, as well as vote in the Christmas tree decorating contest.

Alexandria Harmonizers Carol Crawl: Dec. 10

Beginning at Market Square and ending in front of Chadwicks

Admission: Free

Come hear the Harmonizers’ annual Carol Crawl through Old Town Alexandria, as they stop to sing Christmas carols in various establishments along King Street, from Market Square to the waterfront.

Shops of Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Out: Dec. 12

Along Mount Vernon Avenue

Admission: Free

Shop local and enjoy exclusive promotions while sipping wine in Del Ray.

Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl: Dec. 14

Along Mount Vernon Avenue

Admission: $15 in advance; $20 at the door

Take a break from the bustle of holiday preparations and enjoy specialty cocktails, beer and food specials at select Del Ray restaurants during a neighborhood bar crawl to benefit local nonprofits. The event happens from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market: Dec. 14

Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at Mount Vernon Aveue and E. Oxford Avenue

Admission: Free

Find the perfect gift at this pop-up market featuring local artisans and at-home entrepreneurs. Then, stroll along Mount Vernon Avenue and see shops sporting festive seasonal murals.

Yuletide by Candlelight: Dec. 14

Various sites in Old Town Alexandria

Admission: $30 adults; $25 seniors; $8 children

Experience the holiday season with festive activities and fare at historic sites throughout Alexandria from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dance in the ballroom at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Warm yourself by the fire at Carlyle House. Craft your own Victorian keepsake at Lee-Fendall House. Bring the scent of the holidays home from the Apothecary Museum. Enjoy seasonal decorations, refreshments, and take 10 percent off at the participating museum shops. A cash bar for a special holiday beverage will be available at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. A free shuttle will run between all participating sites throughout the event with ongoing tours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

Alexandria Black History Museum’s How to Celebrate Kwanzaa Workshop: Dec. 14

Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street

Admission: $5

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Alexandria Black History Museum’s annual Kwanzaa workshop, suitable for adults and children. It will focus on the history, principles, symbols and activities relating to Kwanzaa.

Civil War Christmas in Camp: Dec. 14

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road

Admission: $2 per person; $5 per family

Get in the holiday spirit with a patriotic Union Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camps celebrating the season, period decorations, fort tours and fun kids' activities from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Program is weather dependent.

A Victorian Christmas: Dec. 14-15

Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street

Admission: $8 for adults; $12 for children (ages 2-12); free for children under 2

Experience the wonder of the season by partaking in a Victorian Christmas at the Lee-Fendall House at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Enjoy traditional décor, holiday crafts, sweet treats, seasonal story time, photos with Santa and more.

Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert: Dec. 15

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street

Admission: Free

The Colonial English Handbell Ringers perform clad in colonial attire, bringing a five-octave set of nearly 80 handbells from the world-famous Whitechapel foundry in London. The ringers will perform children’s classics, timeless holiday tunes, and original show-stoppers at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Audience participation in the sing-along is encouraged. No reservations will be accepted in advance, and seating capacity is limited.

Waterskiing Santa: Dec. 24

Alexandria waterfront

Admission: Free

Christmas Eve in Alexandria isn't complete without this fun show on the waterfront. The volunteer-run show features Santa and other familiar faces. The show starts at 1 p.m., but come early for the pre-show. The main viewing area is Waterfront Park (1 King Street and 1A Prince Street), with others at Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron Street), Founders Park (351 N. Union Street), and Point Lumley Park (1 Duke Street).