Ready to lean into holiday fun this year? Then plan on spending time in Alexandria. From picture-perfect parades and Christmas lights to out-of-the-ordinary events like a boat parade and waterskiing Santa, here are 12 events in Alexandria you can look forward to this holiday season.
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
November 15 to December 30, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Once the holiday season hits, Cameron Run Regional Park is no longer for splashing in the pool. Each year, the park transforms into a winter wonderland full of holiday lights, seasonal treats, and even an ice skating rink. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, $9-$10.75 for village tickets, $13.50-$15.50 for daytime ice skating, $21.50-$24 for village and ice-skating tickets
2025 Holiday Tree Lighting
November 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Arrive early to welcome Santa to Alexandria. St. Nick will be trading in his sleigh for a King Street Trolley before joining the crowd to help light the tree. The tree lighting is expected to occur between 6:40 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. Afterwards, enjoy live music performances and meet the Clauses around the Square. City Hall: 301 King St., Alexandria, free
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Select dates from November 28 through December 23, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Learn about historic Christmas traditions and celebrations when you visit Mount Vernon this holiday season. The 45-minute tour will take you through the newly restored first and second floors of the mansion as you learn about 18th-century holiday traditions from George Washington and his family, friends, and staff. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $32.80-$$41 for ages 12 and older, $26.40-$33 for ages 6 to 11, free for ages 5 and under
54th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
December 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There’s no holiday tradition quite like Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. The annual parade honors the Scottish merchants that founded the land that became Alexandria. As you line the streets of Old Town, be ready to see plenty of colorful tartans, bag pines and drum bands, and the cutest terriers and hounds. Old Town Alexandria, free
25th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
December 6, 5:30 p.m.
After you watch the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, stick around Old Town to catch the annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. During this one-of-a-kind light show, festive boats cruise on the Potomac River, helping spread Christmas cheer throughout the city. Before and after the parade, find plenty of activities, food, and more at Waterfront Park. Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, free
Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off
December 7
No matter if you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, you have fun at the annual holiday kick-off in Del Ray. The event starts with a Christmas tree and menorah lighting at the neighborhood square. Afterwards, enjoy holiday tunest, hot chocolate, and the hand-painted windows at Del Ray’s storefronts. Pat Miller Neighborhood Square: Corner of Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Oxford Avenue, Alexandria, free
Del Ray Artisans’ 30th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
December 5 to 7, 12 to 14, and 19 to 21, times vary
Holiday markets are the perfect way to find original gifts for your loved ones. The Del Ray Artisans’ annual market will feature nearly 50 artists, with different artisans being featured each weekend. The market will include a variety of handmade items across different mediums, including jewelry, ornaments, and photography. Del Ray Artisans: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free to attend
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
December 20 and 21
Fireworks aren’t only for the Fourth of July. These icy illuminations light up the night sky over the historic estate to celebrate the coming holiday. The evening also includes a holiday greeting from George Washington, an artisan winter market, and a meet-and-greet with Aladdin the Camel. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $36.40-$58 for ages 12 and older, $28.80-$36 for ages 6 to 11, free for ages 5 and under
The Official Christmas Bar Crawl
December 20, 4 p.m. to midnight
What’s the holiday season with a bar crawl? The Saturday before Christmas, don your most festive outfit for a night to remember (hopefully). Tickets include two to three drinks or shots, cover-free entry into all of the bars, a commemorative cup, and access to the mid- and after-party. The Light Horse: 715 King St., Alexandria, $18.41 for single tickets, $12.78 per ticket for groups of four or more
Waterskiing Santa Show
December 24, 1 p.m.
This will be the 40th year Santa and his reindeer take a waterski ride before hopping on the sleigh to deliver gifts. If you arrive early enough, you may be able to help stop the Grinch from taking over Santa’s show. Between BARCA Pier and Founders Park, free
First Night Alexandria
December 31
Wrap up 2025 with one last party. Throughout the Carlyle neighborhood, you’ll be able to find live music, entertainment, and other family-friendly fun. Close out the year and night with one last fireworks display. John Carlyle Square Park: 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Home Alone Pop-Up Bar
Throughout December
“Are you thirsty for more?” Then grab a cocktail at Hotel Heron’s Home Alone-themed pop-up bar. See how Francis Hall completely transforms to represent the classic holiday film. Plus, the menu will include a variety of themed cocktails to make you truly feel like you’re at the Mcallister’s home. Hotel Heron: 669 Prince St., Alexandria
Feature image by Matt Chenet
