It’s never too early to get into the Christmas spirit. Alexandria is once again kicking into high gear with some holiday cheer. Get ahead of the pack the squad and make plans to explore Christmas events in Alexandria this holiday season.
2024 Holiday Tree Lighting & ALX275 Closing Event
November 23, 6–8 p.m.
The city officially kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony. Join Mayor Justin Wilson and Santa Claus as they flip the switch on the tree and close out the year of celebration for Alexandria’s 275th anniversary. After the lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will meet with families until 8 p.m. Market Square: 300 King St., Alexandria, free
Plaid Friday
November 29
Skip the box store lines this Black Friday and celebrate a day of shopping Alexandria-style. Plaid Friday is the place to find eye-catching deals from over 50 boutique shops and restaurant specials across Old Town, so you can chow down after checking out or in between stores. Don’t sleep on this event — the best deals start at select retailers at 6 a.m. Multiple area locations, Alexandria
Del Ray Artisans Winter Market
December 6–22, times vary
Give the gift of art this holiday season. The Del Ray Artisans Winter Market features the work of over 45 artists, which will be for sale during the first three weekends in December. Artists on display change each weekend, so there’s always something new to see. Shop from an expansive list of mediums to bring home everything from mosaics to textiles. Surely, you will be able to find a gift here. 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Taste of Scotland
December 6, 6:30–10:30 p.m.
Pull out your kilt and whatever else you have that’s plaid and come to this holiday party that’s always held the night before Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. You can sample 40 types of Scotch, get educated about whiskey, taste some Scottish eggs and other foods from Tasteful Affairs, and enjoy and open beer and wine bar. Proceeds from the evening benefit Campagna Center. The Atrium, 277 S. Washington St., $200
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
December 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
The city has dubbed the weekend its biggest holiday weekend. This 53rd annual parade will showcase dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans. They will be joined by pipe and drum bands, community groups, and, of course, everybody’s favorite terriers and hounds. NBC4’s Julie Carey and Heather Haddock, president of the Scottish American Women’s Society of Washington, DC, are the masters of ceremonies. Bring your chair and grab a seat anywhere along the mile-long route on King Street in Old Town. King Street, Alexandria
Holiday Market at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
December 7, 2–8 p.m.
This Christmas events in Alexandria list would not be complete if we didn’t remind you to stop by the Torpedo Factory on this big weekend. Artists will be crafting new pieces in their studios and will have others for you to take home. After Santa arrives by fireboat at 3:30 p.m., attendees snap some pics with Saint Nick, though tickets must be reserved online before the event. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
December 7, 5:30 p.m.
Watch dozens of boats decked out in holiday lights cruise the Potomac River. While the Alexandria parade, which is in its 24th year, starts at 5:30 p.m., the festivities at Waterfront Park begin at 2 p.m. and go until 8 p.m. There will be a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food vendors, and other family-oriented activities. Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Del Ray Holiday Season Kickoff
December 8, 6 p.m.
Get a jump on holiday shopping while getting your steps in at the Del Ray Holiday Season Kickoff. Take a walk up and down Mount Vernon Avenue as it’s lit for Christmas and window shop for the perfect stocking stuffer. While you’re at it, join in the holiday caroling and bask in the glowing holiday luminarias. Mount Vernon and Eat Oxford avenues, Alexandria
A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest
December 13, 7–9 p.m.
Tap your feet to some holiday jazz favorites. It all starts at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Take the Metro and walk the couple of blocks to the Masonic Temple. 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria
Old Town Holiday Market and Craft Show
December 14, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Alexandria’s definitive Christmas craft show is back. No matter the length or specificity of your shopping list, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. Nearly 200 vendors will attend this year, featuring everything from spices and crystals to coffee roasters, handmade blankets, and home décor. Wander to one of the Carlyle-area restaurants for some post-shopping nosh. 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl
December 14, 12:30–6 p.m.
Turn two stellar holiday events into one with the Candy Cane Bar Crawl, which runs nearly simultaneously with the Old Town Holiday Market. Over 20 restaurants are participating with drinks and food specials. A portion of the proceeds benefits Cook For Vets, a Virginia-based nonprofit that combats food insecurity for veterans and their families. Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, $25
RELATED CONTENT
Feature image by Evan Michio for Visit Alexandria
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
