Parades, Tree Lightings, Holiday Lights, Christmas Market: Holiday Events In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Whether you like holiday shopping in local boutiques or catching a doubleheader parade day, Alexandria is the place to be during the holiday season.

The holiday season will soon be here, bringing plenty of festive events in Alexandria. Events will kick off in mid-November and continue through December.

Even before Thanksgiving, you can get in the holiday spirit with the returning Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run and City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony.

After Thanksgiving, start your holiday shopping at events like Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday, Alexandria’s Small Business Saturday, Shops of Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop and Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square.

December brings plenty more events, including the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the same day.

Below is a roundup of holiday events in Alexandria. If you have another event to add to our guide, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run: Nov. 17 to Jan. 1, and ice skating only from Jan. 6 to Feb. 25

Admission: $9 online admission to Winter Village only; $22 online admission to Winter Village plus ice skating; free for kids under the age of 2

Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run offers light displays, photo opps for family pictures or selfies, and an outdoor ice rink. Capacity is limited, so reservations are required to ensure access. Ice skating reservations are required. Tickets are on sale now. New this year, daytime ice skating is available December 18 to 30 and weekends and holidays throughout January and February.

City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony: Nov. 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission: Free

Market Square, 300 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Ring in the city’s official start to the holiday season with the lighting of the 40-foot tree adorned with nearly 40,000 twinkling lights, plus enjoy appearances from Alexandria’s Town Crier and Santa himself.

Annual Old Town Alexandria Cookie Crawl: Nov. 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 19, 2023, from 12 to 5 p.m.

Admission: $40 registration fee

Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314

Kick off the holidays early during Old Town Business’s annual Old Town Cookie Crawl. Receive a commemorative tin and stop by 25 retailers on the crawl to receive a cookie at each location. Tickets are limited, and registration is required.

Holiday Markets at Old Town North Nov. 21, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dec. 5, 12, and 19, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Montgomery Park, 901 N Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Shop for local gifts while celebrating the Christmas season with dozens of vendors offering an array of baked goods and produce, specialty food items, seasonal decorations and fresh greenery and gifts.

Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday: Nov. 24

Throughout Old Town Alexandria and beyond

On Nov. 24, celebrate Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday with more than 50 independent shops in Old Town and beyond offering some of their best deals of the year, including early bird, storewide discounts and free gifts with purchase. Shoppers will find one-of-a-kind deals on home décor, chic fashion, gourmet food, classic toys, gifts for pets and more. More than a dozen businesses will offer early bird discounts starting at 6 a.m. including Pacers Running, Red Barn Mercantile, The Dog Park and more. Plaid Friday is presented by Visit Alexandria and the Old Town Business Association.

Alexandria’s Small Business Saturday: Nov. 25

Throughout Old Town Alexandria and beyond

On Nov. 25, celebrate Alexandria’s Small Business Saturday with deals and special offerings at nearly 50 shops in Old Town and beyond. Stroll historic streets twinkling with holiday traditions as you enjoy special discounts, free gifts with purchase, in-store treats and more. Find everything from story time, author readings and book signings at Hooray for Books to free gift card offerings and complimentary stocking stuffers with purchase at The Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria. Store hours vary from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Holiday Makers Market at Port City Brewing Company: Nov. 25, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

3950 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304

Taste craft beers from Port City Brewing Co. as you browse local makers for holiday shopping. There will be a chance to win a $100 gift card from Made in ALX.

52nd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade Sponsored by Wegmans: Dec. 2, beginning at 11 a.m.

Admission: Free

Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314

Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. 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.

23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Sponsored by Amazon: Dec. 2, parade begins at 5:30 p.m.; dockside festivities 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Canal Center festivities 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.), Canal Center (44 Canal Center Plaza); parade viewing areas along one mile of the Old Town Alexandria waterfront stretching from Canal Center Plaza (44 Canal Center Plaza) to Ford’s Landing Park (99 Franklin St.)

Admission: Free; cost for food/drink and some activities

The Alexandria waterfront will light up for the 23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon at 5:30 p.m. More than 50 brightly lit boats will cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM, hot chocolate from Dolci Gelati, pizza by the slice from Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, American comfort food from Mason Social cookies, snacks from Together We Bake and more. Also at Waterfront Park, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. enjoy hands-on activities from independently owned Alexandria businesses Shop Made in Virginia, Penny Post and AR Workshop Alexandria.

Tall Ship Providence Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Viewing Party: Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: $85 for VIP, $65 for general admission

Tall Ship Providence, 1A Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314

In this first-ever event, Tall Ship Providence will provide exclusive, and premiere access to view
Alexandria’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Guests can choose between a VIP Ticket with glass of champagne upon boarding, onboard bar and food, and gift or general admission ticket with food and bar. All guests will receive glow necklaces and hand warmers. Warm drinks (with or without alcohol will be available.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “A Christmas Carol”: Dec. 2 to 16 at various times

Admission: Tickets $20-25 per person, plus fees

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

From the first “bah humbug” to the final “wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all the beloved Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, and, of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge—as they transport the audience to Victorian England and remind everyone of the meaning of Christmas.

Del Ray Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting: Dec. 3, 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, intersection of Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues, Alexandria, VA

The Del Ray neighborhood will come together for the annual Christmas tree lighting, Menorah lighting and holiday carols. Enjoy hand-painted holiday windows in storefronts and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias.

Four Mile Run Holiday Makers' Market: Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Admission: Free

4109 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA

Browse local makers to find gifts during this special holiday market.

Shops of Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop: Dec. 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: Free to participate

Various locations throughout Del Ray, Alexandria, VA 22301

Join the Shops of Del Ray for special extended shopping hours to shop sooner, shop local and enjoy special promotions and complimentary wine and refreshments.

Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square: Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free

300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Start your holiday shopping and find the perfect gift for your loved ones at the Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square. More than 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses will showcase their products, just in time for the holidays. From arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods to body and hair care, discover everything you could wish to surprise your loved ones. Take a break from shopping to enjoy the Christmas Carols Show and bring little ones to the Elves’ Shop where they can create a customized Christmas ornament. Pictures with Santa will also be available.

How to Celebrate Kwanzaa Workshop: Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm

Admission: $3 per person

Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Learn about the origins, concepts, practices and foods of Kwanzaa and leave knowing how to do your own celebration. Families of all ages are welcome.

A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest: Dec. 16, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Admission: Free

George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301

New this year, the city's Office of the Arts presents "A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest," a holiday event that is free and open to all at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial with melodies of jazz and spoken word performances. Performers are selected through the Office of the Arts Jazz Fest activation team, comprised of professionals from the Smithsonian, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series and the Levine School of Music. Before the main event begins, attend the pre-show and mingling session starting at 5 p.m., featuring three art projects commissioned by the Office of the Arts through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Christmas Illuminations at George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Dec. 15 and 16, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Admission: Non-members: $60 per adult/$38 per youth with mansion tour; $58 per adult/$36 per youth without mansion tour; Members: $50 per adult/$28 per youth with mansion tour; $48 per adult/$26 per youth without mansion tour

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Visit George Washington's home for its landmark holiday event, Christmas Illuminations, set to return Dec. 15 and 16 featuring a fireworks and holiday lights show over the Potomac River. The event includes an 18th-century winter market featuring handmade items by colonial artisans and much more.

29th Annual First Night Alexandria: Dec. 31, live entertainment from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Admission: Matinee shows until 6 p.m.: $10 for all ages; all-access passes free for children ages 0 to 2; $10 for children ages 3 to 10; $20 for youth ages 11 to 19 and seniors 65+; $35 for adults ages 20 to 64; $50 VIP Pass, free to view fireworks at the

Various locations around Alexandria, fireworks at Old Town Alexandria waterfront, 1 Prince St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Experience the region’s signature family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival of music and more. A community celebration of the performing arts, First Night Alexandria rings in the new year with music, comedy, dance and fireworks. New this year, enjoy a spectacular twilight fireworks display at 6 p.m. Following an evening of live entertainment, an abbreviated encore fireworks display over the Potomac River will occur at midnight.