Unearth The Voyage
When winter arrives in Alexandria, Virginia, the waterfront town transforms into a holiday wonderland that rivals any festive destination. Twinkling lights drape the historic streets, bagpipes echo through cobblestone alleys, and even Santa trades his sleigh for water skis on Christmas Eve. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts in independent boutiques or watching illuminated boats glide across the Potomac, this charming Old Town offers seasonal magic at every turn.
1. Kick off the season at the City Tree Lighting (Market Square)
Market Square becomes the heart of holiday spirit when Alexandria officially welcomes the season with its annual tree lighting ceremony. Scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 6 p.m., the event brings together the mayor, Santa Claus, and cheerful carolers at 301 King Street.
Families gather around as the towering tree bursts into brilliant light, marking the beginning of weeks filled with festive celebrations. The ceremony creates a warm, community atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for everything that follows.
Arrive early to claim a good viewing spot, and don’t forget to bring your camera for photos with Santa after the main event concludes.
2. Shop & stroll Old Town’s King Street Mile
Brick sidewalks and twinkling lights create an enchanting backdrop for what locals proudly call the D.C. region’s largest collection of independent boutiques. King Street stretches for a mile, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage treasures and contemporary fashion.
Window displays transform into miniature winter scenes during the holidays, making even casual browsing feel like an adventure. Unlike crowded malls, these locally-owned shops provide personalized service and one-of-a-kind gifts your friends and family won’t find anywhere else.
Plan to spend several hours exploring, and pop into cozy cafes along the way when you need a hot chocolate break.
3. Ride the free King Street Trolley
After hours of holiday shopping, tired feet will thank you for hopping aboard the complimentary King Street Trolley. Running approximately every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (with later service on Fridays and Saturdays), this convenient shuttle connects the King Street-Old Town Metro station directly to the waterfront.
The trolley makes multiple stops along the route, allowing you to explore different sections of Old Town without wearing yourself out. It’s especially helpful when you’re carrying shopping bags or traveling with young children.
Check dashbus.com for real-time arrival information and route details to plan your journey efficiently.
4. Plaid Friday & Small Business Saturday deals
Alexandria takes supporting local businesses seriously, turning the post-Thanksgiving weekend into a celebration of community commerce. Plaid Friday on November 28 kicks things off, encouraging shoppers to wear plaid while hunting for deals at neighborhood stores.
Small Business Saturday follows on November 29, with special promotions throughout Old Town and beyond. Makers’ markets like Made in ALX at Port City Brewing showcase regional artisans, giving you access to truly unique, handmade items.
Shopping local during this weekend means your holiday dollars directly support the families and creators who make Alexandria special, while you discover gifts with genuine stories behind them.
5. Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Instagram feeds explode with photos from this dazzling seasonal attraction that combines outdoor ice skating with spectacular light displays. Tunnels of illumination guide visitors through giant holiday scenes, while fire pits offer the perfect setting for roasting s’mores under the stars.
Opening weekends starting November 15, then running daily from December 1-30, the Winter Village operates on a capacity-controlled system, so advance booking through novaparks.com is essential. Select dates feature ice skating, adding another layer of winter fun.
Bundle up warmly, charge your phone for photos, and prepare for an evening that feels like stepping into a glowing winter dreamscape.
6. Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (Dec. 6)
Bagpipes wail through Old Town streets as tartan-clad clans march proudly alongside adorable Scottie dogs dressed in holiday sweaters. Scheduled for Saturday, December 6, this beloved parade honors Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with pageantry that’s equal parts traditional and heartwarming.
Spectators line the sidewalks early to secure prime viewing spots, cheering as pipe bands, Highland dancers, and Scottish terriers pass by. The parade route winds through the historic district, creating photo opportunities at nearly every corner.
Alexandria’s Scottish roots run deep, making this celebration feel authentic rather than merely decorative—a genuine tribute to the city’s cultural foundation.
7. Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Dec. 6)
Once the Scottish parade concludes, the celebration shifts to the Potomac River for the 25th Annual illuminated boat parade. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., decorated vessels glide past Waterfront Park, their lights reflecting off the dark water in a mesmerizing display.
Dockside festivities complement the floating spectacle, with music, warm beverages, and prime viewing areas along the waterfront. Boat owners compete for the most creative lighting designs, transforming their vessels into floating holiday scenes.
Dress warmly since waterfront breezes intensify after sunset, and arrive at least 30 minutes early to claim a good viewing position near the water’s edge for unobstructed views.
8. Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival (Dec. 7)
Between parades, warm up inside the waterfront’s famous Torpedo Factory Art Center for its annual Holiday Festival. Working artist studios open their doors, allowing visitors to watch creators in action while shopping for original paintings, pottery, jewelry, and sculptures.
Santa makes appearances throughout the day, delighting children who need a break from the outdoor festivities. The timing coincides perfectly with the season’s busiest weekend, making it easy to experience multiple events without extensive travel.
Supporting artists directly means understanding the story behind each piece, and many creators offer custom work or can explain their techniques while you browse their collections at torpedofactory.org.
9. Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show (Dec. 13)
John Carlyle Square transforms into a bustling European-style market for one spectacular day featuring over 100 vendors. Scheduled for December 13, this massive gathering brings together artisans, crafters, and specialty food producers from across the region.
Live music fills the square while families browse handmade ornaments, gourmet treats, and unique gifts impossible to find in regular stores. Santa poses for photos between vendor rows, making the market a complete holiday experience.
Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll want to visit every booth, and bring reusable shopping bags since you’ll likely leave with treasures you didn’t plan to buy.
10. Del Ray Holiday Season Kickoff & Tree/Menorah Lighting
Alexandria’s charming Del Ray neighborhood hosts its own tree and menorah lighting ceremony at Pat Miller Square, celebrating the season’s diversity with inclusive festivities. Scheduled for December 7 at 6 p.m., the event features luminarias lining Mount Vernon Avenue, creating a magical pathway of flickering light.
Family-friendly activities keep children entertained while neighbors gather to welcome winter together. Del Ray’s tight-knit community spirit shines during this celebration, offering a more intimate alternative to larger downtown events.
Explore the neighborhood’s quirky shops and restaurants before or after the ceremony, discovering why locals consider Del Ray Alexandria’s hippest district worth visiting year-round.
11. Candlelight & lantern tours at historic houses
Step back in time to experience how 18th and 19th-century Alexandrians celebrated the holidays through special evening tours at historic properties. Yuletide by Candlelight at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum illuminates colonial-era traditions, while Lantern Tours at the Lee-Fendall House reveal Victorian holiday customs.
Costumed interpreters guide visitors through decorated rooms lit only by candles and lanterns, creating an atmospheric journey into the past. You’ll learn about traditional foods, decorations, and celebrations that shaped how modern Americans observe the season.
Tours fill quickly, so book through AlexandriaVA.Gov well in advance, and dress warmly since historic buildings can be chilly during winter evenings.
12. Christmas at Mount Vernon (nearby, don’t skip!)
Just south of Old Town, George Washington’s estate becomes a holiday destination featuring Mount Vernon by Candlelight on select evenings from November 28 through December 23. Christmas Illuminations fireworks light up the night sky, while visitors can meet Aladdin the Christmas Camel, a tradition inspired by Washington’s 1787 holiday camel.
The first president’s home showcases period decorations and seasonal interpretations that transport guests to Revolutionary-era celebrations. Special programming includes historical demonstrations, carolers, and unique photo opportunities throughout the estate.
Check George Washington’s Mount Vernon website for specific dates and ticket information, as these popular events require advance reservations and sell out quickly.
13. Waterskiing Santa (Dec. 24)
Only in Alexandria could you witness Santa Claus waterskiing down the Potomac River accompanied by reindeer and elves on Christmas Eve. Now in its 40th year, this quirky tradition draws crowds to the Old Town waterfront at 1 p.m. on December 24.
Santa trades his sleigh for skis, somehow managing to stay balanced while waving to delighted spectators lining the shore. The spectacle combines holiday spirit with uniquely American absurdity, creating memories that visitors talk about for years.
Bundle up warmly since waterfront winds bite on December afternoons, and arrive early because prime viewing spots disappear quickly for this beloved local tradition documented at DullesMoms.com.
14. Holiday concerts in intimate venues
Seasonal performances fill Alexandria’s historic venues with the sounds of the season, offering sophisticated entertainment after busy days of shopping and sightseeing. Alexandria Baroque frequently performs at Carlyle House, presenting period instruments and traditional holiday music in an authentic 18th-century setting.
These intimate concerts allow audiences to experience music as colonial Alexandrians might have heard it, with small ensembles in rooms designed for chamber performances. The acoustics and atmosphere create memorable evenings that feel worlds away from modern concert halls.
Check Visit Alexandria for current performance schedules, as these concerts often sell out quickly among locals who treasure these annual traditions.
15. Toast the season at Port City Brewing (local favorite)
Cap off your holiday adventures at Port City Brewing, where the beloved spiced Tidings Ale returns to taps mid-November for its limited October-through-December release. This local favorite combines traditional winter spices with expertly crafted brewing, creating a seasonal beer that tastes like the holidays in a glass.
The tasting room offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can rest tired feet while sampling other seasonal offerings alongside year-round favorites. Located conveniently near Old Town, it’s become a gathering spot for locals celebrating the season.
Designated drivers can enjoy non-alcoholic options while everyone soaks in the friendly neighborhood brewery vibe that makes Port City a community hub worth visiting.
