This holiday season in Alexandria includes the Campagna Center’s 50th Anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and the 21st Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. For parades, candlelight tours, festive performances and more, here is a list of upcoming events.
For more holiday events and activities, visit VisitAlexandriaVA.com/holidays.
2nd Annual Alexandria Shop Small Week
Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, 2021
Various locations throughout Alexandria, VA
visitalexandriava.com/holidays/shop-small-week
Kicking off with Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Museum Store Sunday, a small business Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, an Alexandria Shop and Stay giveaway at @VisitAlexVA on Wednesday and a new Moonlight Merriment event on Thursday.
Campagna Center’s 50th Anniversary
Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade
Dec. 3 and 4, 2021
Taste of Scotland: Friday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Parade: Saturday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free to view; $75 registration fee to march in parade; $200 and above for Taste of Scotland Scotch Tasting
Throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-0111
In 1749, the City of Alexandria was established by Scottish merchants. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with a weekend of festivities. At the Campagna Center’s iconic Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner will serve as the Grand Marshal of the parade this year.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 4, 2021
Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.; Dockside festivities 2 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street)
Admission: Free; $ for food/drink and some activities
Parade viewing areas: Founders Park (351 N. Union St.), Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.), Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.), Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.), Shipyard/Harborside Park (1 Wilkes St.), Windmill Hill Park (501 S. Union St.) and Ford’s Landing Park (99 Franklin St.)
703-746-3301
VisitAlexandriaVA.com/BoatParade
At 3:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina to attend the annual Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Dec. 17 and 18, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: $60 adult/$38 youth with mansion tour; for members, $50 adult/$28 youth with mansion tour
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Fireworks overlooking the Potomac River. Tour the Mansion to learn about holiday celebrations during Washington’s time with live 18th-century music. See the lantern-lit historic area, the Mansion aglow in beautiful amber light, and the Upper Garden and Greenhouse dazzling in blue and lavender with moving wintry light patterns. 18th-century winter encampment, the working Blacksmith Shop and Aladdin the Camel.
Waterskiing Santa
Dec. 24, 2021, at 1 p.m.
Admission: Free
Alexandria’s Waterfront: Waterfront Park (1 King St. and 1A Prince St.), Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.), Founders Park (351 N. Union St.) and Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.)
Waterskiing Santa and his merry crew. The prime viewing area is Waterfront Park (1 King St. and 1A Prince St.), with more great views from the Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.), Founders Park (351 N. Union St.), and Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.).
More Holiday Events & Experiences
Waterfront Art Market
Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season through Dec. 19, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center’s waterfront entrance, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
No markets on Sunday, Nov. 14, or Saturday, Dec. 4.
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Nov. 19, 2021, to Jan. 2, 2022, open nightly 5 to 10 p.m.;
Jan. 8 to Feb. 27, 2022 (ice skating only), Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $9 for general admission to Village; $22 for village admission and skating
Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria
novaparks.com/events/ice-lights
Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run will return this year, featuring an ice rink, multiple new holiday light displays perfect for Instagramming, a retail area, food, music and more. The Ice and Lights Village is a short drive from Old Town.
Annual Old Town Alexandria Cookie Crawl
Nov. 20 and 21, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: $35 registration fee
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria
Kick off the holidays early during Old Town Business’s annual Old Town Cookie Crawl. Receive a commemorative tin and stop by all 25 retailers on the crawl to receive a cookie at each location.
City of Alexandria Tree Lighting
Nov. 20, 2021, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria
703-746-5592
Join Mayor Justin Wilson and a host of friends for the lighting of the city’s 40-foot Holiday Tree at City Hall. Santa arrives at Market Square via the King Street Trolley
Alexandria Choral Society’s “Snow Globe Series” Kick-Off Concert
Nov. 20, 2021, at 8 p.m. (plus additional pop-up performances throughout the season)
Admission: Free
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria
703-951-7849
The Alexandria Choral Society announces its return to live performances with a series of free, outdoor holiday pop-up concerts beginning with a kick-off outdoor performance on Saturday, Nov. 20th at the Carlyle House Historic Park in Old Town. Limited seating will be available by reservation. Please click here https://www.alexandriachoralsociety.org/snow-globe-series to register. Additional pop-up performances will take place on Nov. 23 at John Carlyle Square Park, Nov. 30 at Casa Chirilagua/Four Mile Run Plaza and Dec. 7 at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden. All concerts begin at 8 p.m.
46th Annual Turkey Trot
Nov. 25, 2021, at 9 a.m.
Admission: $20 per adult; $15 for youth ages 13-20; $5 for children under 13; $10 for race t-shirt
Race begins at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
Flat, fast, USATF-certified five-mile course starts and ends at George Washington Middle School. The Alexandria Turkey Trot offers a generous cash and gift prize purse to the winning runners. Support ALIVE!, a nonprofit organization serving Alexandria’s needy, by bringing two nonperishable food items (cans, boxes) on race day.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Nov. 26 and 27, 2021, and Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11 and 19, 2021, at various times
Admission: $36 for adults (ages 12 and up); $28 for youth (ages 6-11); for members, $26 for adults; $18 for youth
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Arrive at the Ford Orientation Center 15 minutes before your ticket time to view themed Christmas trees, warm up with light concessions and more. Greet Aladdin, the Christmas camel, in the 12-Acre Field. Finish the evening with live music, cider, and cookies.
Hometown Holidays at Port City Brewing Company
Nov. 27, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-797-2739
On Small Business Saturday, 30 Alexandria-based makers will take over the Port City parking lot. Sip while you shop.
Museum Shopping Evenings at Carlyle House
Dec. 2, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m., Dec. 3, 9 and 21, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Carlyle House Museum Shop, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
Assortment of Virginia made items, ornaments, soaps, and more are available for purchase.
Del Ray Artisans' 26th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market
Dec. 3-5, Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19, 2021; Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
703-838-4827
Choose from wall art, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass and much more from different artisans each weekend. Plus, purchase 2022 wall calendars, cookbooks and upcycled tote bags to support Del Ray Artisans.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 3 to 18, 2021, at various times
Admission: $20
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria
703-683-0496
Complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny Tim. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours, plus mask-wearing, is required.
Metropolitan School of the Arts Presents: “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 4 to 5, 2021, at 12 and 5 p.m.
Admission: $28+ for adults; $26+ for seniors and students
The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for Performing Arts NOVA Alexandria Campus, 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria
Scottish Walk Open House at Carlyle House
Dec. 4, 2021, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria
703-549-2997
Enjoy Alexandria’s rich Scottish heritage and see the Scottish Walk Parade march past Alexandria’s oldest stone building, Carlyle House. After the parade, enter the museum gates and step back in time for a free open house in the spirit of the holiday season. Social distancing inside the museum.
Holiday Festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center
Dec. 4, 2021, from 2 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
703-746-4570
Torpedo Factory Art Center joins the fun on Alexandria’s most festive weekend of the year. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire boat around 3:30 p.m. on the Waterfront. Masks are required for all visitors over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status.
Candlelight Tours at Lee-Fendall House
Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 2021, on the half hour from 5:30 p.m. through 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for children (ages 5-17)
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria
703-548-1789
Celebrate the holiday season with evening candlelight tours of the Lee-Fendall House decked out in Victorian splendor. Antique toy exhibit. Space is limited to 10 people at a time, and advance reservations are required. Face masks and social distancing will be in place throughout the tour.
Old Town Boutique District’s Holiday Week
Begins Dec. 5, 2021
Admission: Free
Various boutiques throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Head into Dec. with the first-ever OTBD holiday week, kicking off Sunday, Dec. 5. Look out for a kick-off event at Hummingbird, tastings, trunk shows and doorbuster deals.
Old Town North Holiday Markets
Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 2021, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Montgomery Park, 901 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-836-8066
In addition to Old Town North’s weekly Thursday Farmers Market, the Old Town North Community Partnership will be hosting three holiday markets at Montgomery Park. Explore the festive, European-style markets for hand-crafted gift items and specialty food items.
Holiday Kissing Ball Workshops
Dec. 5 and 12, 2021, at 2 p.m.
Admission: $25 per person (advance registration required)
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
Learn the history behind using greenery to decorate homes for the holidays, then craft your own boxwood kissing ball using fresh cuttings from the Lee-Fendall garden. Workshops will be held outdoors.
Del Ray Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting
Dec. 5, 2021, at 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at Mount Vernon Ave. and E. Oxford Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
703-683-2570
Kick off the holidays with a visit to Del Ray for the annual holiday tree and menorah lighting. Continue the celebration and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias and feature storefront windows hand-painted for the holidays. Masks are required. Look for a donations drive for Carpenter’s Shelter.
Colonial Holiday Nights at Carlyle House
Dec. 10 and 11, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Admission: $10 per adult; $3 for children, ages 6 to 12
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
Experience the holiday season with Carlyle House focusing on how the Carlyles and their enslaved workers observed the holidays during the 18th century. Tours offered of the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All participants including those under the age of 5 must be registered.
Alexandria Citizens Band’s 5th Annual Alexandria Holiday Sing-Along
Dec. 10, 2021, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
434-362-0265
Del Ray United Methodist Church, 100 E. Windsor Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
Conductor Mike Evans and the hometown Alexandria Citizens Band play holiday favorites. Wear your holiday sweaters and Santa hats. Masks are required. Free tickets available via Eventbrite.
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
Dec. 11, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking lot of 1900 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
703-915-2214
Don’t miss the holiday edition of this monthly outdoor vintage and flea market in the heart of Del Ray. 50+ vendors offering vintage, antique, thrift and artisan goods at two open-air lots, plus bakery and coffee booths.
A Victorian Christmas
Dec. 11, 2021, on the hour from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Admission: $10 for adults; $8 for children (ages 2-12); free for children under 2
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
Traditional décor, music, seasonal crafts, a visit with Santa, a toy exhibit and more. All recommended health requirements, including face masks and social distancing, will be followed.
Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at Carlyle
Dec. 11, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314
More than 80 artisans and crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses. Handmade jewelry to organic bath and body products to home décor, holiday ornaments and more. Bring little ones to the Elves’ Shop where they can create a customized Christmas ornament and see Santa.
Civil War Christmas in Camp
Dec. 11, 2021, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Admission: Suggested donation is $2 per person; $5 per family
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-746-4848
Patriotic Union Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camps celebrating the season, period decorations, soldier-led fort tours and kids’ crafting activities.
Tall Ship Providence Christmas Story Time
Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2021, at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission: $5 per person, with a special rate of $25 for families of more than 5
Tall ship Providence, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-772-8483
Come aboard the tall ship Providence for a special Christmas story time. This year's tale will be “The Christmas Ship,” the true story of the schooner Rouse Simmons, the ship that for years supplied Christmas trees to the people of Chicago by making a dangerous winter crossing of Lake Michigan. Check in at the Gazebo on the G-H Pier next to Founder's Park.
6th Annual Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl
Dec. 11, 2021, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Admission: $15 for advanced tickets; $20 at the door
Various locations along Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
703-683-2570
Neighborhood bar crawl to benefit Neighborhood Health. Enjoy holiday costume contests for individuals and groups, raffle prizes and live music. Trolley transportation will be provided along the avenue.
Civil War Christmas at Carlyle House
Dec. 17 to 18, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Admission: $10 per adult; $3 for children, ages 6 to 12
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
Discover how Christmas was celebrated when the Green family lived at Carlyle House and the Mansion House Hotel was being used as a Civil War hospital. Space is limited and reservations are required. All participants including those under the age of 5 must be registered.
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Presents: Home for the Holidays
Dec. 17, 2021, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Admission: $20 to $85 per adult, $5 per youth, $15 per student
The Rachel M. Schlesinger Center for Performing Arts NOVA Alexandria Campus, 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Presents: Home for the Holidays
Dec. 19, 2021, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $20 to $60 per adult, $5 per youth, $15 per student
George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA 22314
ASO will accompany dancers from BalletNOVA with selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Alexandria Choral Society joins the ASO for choruses from Händel’s Messiah and will lead the audience in popular holiday carols. The concert will be presented with no intermission. Masks are strongly recommended. For information based on current health guidelines, please visit the website prior to each concert.
Olde Year’s Day at Torpedo Factory Art Center
Dec. 31, 2021, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
The whole family can celebrate the close of 2021 at Torpedo Factory Art Center. Find hands-on activities, meet artists working in their studios, and get inspired for 2022.
27th Annual First Night Alexandria
Dec. 31, 2021, from 12 p.m. to midnight
Admission: Free for Market Square Kickoff, Battle of the Buskers, Block Party and fireworks finale; ticket prices vary for individual shows
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
703-963-3755
Enjoy live performances throughout the day and into the evening for kids, teens, adults and seniors. New events include a kick-off at Market Square and a “Battle of the Buskers,” leading up to the midnight countdown and fireworks finale over the Potomac River. Visit the event website for a full schedule of events.