A festive street scene shows O’Connell’s Restaurant decorated with garlands, wreaths, bows, and lights. Outdoor tables with red umbrellas line the sidewalk, and holiday decorations adorn the neighboring buildings.
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Alexandria

VA

1749

Holidays in Alexandria, VA

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Stroll along Alexandria, Virginia’s historic streets past twinkling lights, festive storefronts, and boutiques brimming with seasonal finds and bespoke gifts. After shopping, warm up with dining experiences aglow by firelight, paired with seasonal drinks and craft cocktails, before wandering through a magical city that feels lifted from a holiday film set. Named a Top 10 Best City in the U.S. in 2026 by Travel + Leisure and the No. 2 Best Small City in the U.S. 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler, Alexandria is a historic yet cosmopolitan city that’s the perfect backdrop for creating your own storybook holiday experience.

Journey into diverse, spirited neighborhoods and explore handmade treasures at holiday markets before following flickering lamps toward glittering waterfront celebrations, signature parades, and dazzling light displays that will have you toasting to the season with friends and family. Alexandria evokes the magic of a winter’s tale and invites you to step into an enchanting holiday classic that you don’t just read about or watch, but live.

Save On Train Travel and Skip the Traffic

Leave the car behind and enjoy low rates and a comfortable ride to Alexandria with Amtrak. Disembark in Old Town and walk to restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions. Explore the city’s neighborhoods, waterfront views, local dining, shopping and more. Learn more and plan your trip.

Holiday Traditions and Festive Happenings

Top Things to Do This Holiday Season in Alexandria, VA 2026

Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend

A man dressed as Santa Claus plays bagpipes while sitting in a red convertible decorated with tinsel during a parade. Onlookers stand on the sidewalk in front of houses adorned with flags.

Restaurants

The Ultimate King Street Shopping Guide for Old Town Alexandria

Three women smile while shopping during the holiday season in Old Town Alexandria.

Alexandria Hotels

The interior of a room at Hotel Indigo in Alexandria, VA overlooking the Potomac River.

Shopping

Holiday Markets in Alexandria

Two women smiling and standing close together at an outdoor market, with festive decorations, vendor tents, and people in the background. One wears a red coat and holds a coffee cup; the other wears a light gray coat.

Getting To & Around Alexandria

Train station

Holiday Events

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DATES:
12/01/2026AND12/31/2026
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Magical Holiday Offers

Morrison House: Holiday Lights & Overnight Lights Package

116 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314
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The Alexandrian: Holiday Lights & Overnight Nights Package

480 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314
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Holiday Stories

Discover festive experiences and holiday shopping spaces filled with character.

Joel Pace standing in front of a display of a wall display of handcrafted artwork.

The B.E.S.T. Gift Shop

Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux’s inside the restaurant.

Bastille Brasserie & Bar

All four co-owners of Motherwell Distilling Co. From left to right: Vince Crisler, Marcy Crisler, Andrea Bennett, and Adam Bennett.

Motherwell Distilling Co.

The sales floor as Pippin Toy. Co features colorful and whimsical toys, art supplies, books and more. Built-in shelves line sage green walls, while tables hold merchandise.

Penny Post, Red Barn Mercantile, Pippin Toy Co.

Shop Made in VA

Inside the Spice & Tea Exchange rows of teas, various seasonings including herbs, salts, and spice are neatly displayed in jars and pouches across the room's walls.

The Spice & Tea Exchange of Alexandria

Holiday Accolades

A Magical Holiday Town

Named one of the “Most Charming Places to Visit During the Holidays” by Travel + Leisure, Alexandria is an unforgettable holiday experience with festivities all December long.

Pedestrian street at dusk with people walking, families with children, outdoor cafes, market stalls, and holiday lights on trees and buildings. The atmosphere is lively and festive.

Best Places to Travel in December

Good Housekeeping named Alexandria, VA, one of the best places to travel in December 2024 to enjoy the Scottish Walk Holiday Parade, Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and other events filled with holiday magic.

A cozy street scene at dusk shows shops decorated with holiday lights and garlands. A Christmas tree and festive window display are visible, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Brick sidewalks and bare trees line the street.

Sparkling with Christmas Charm

Read Southern Living’s ode to Alexandria’s historic streets, small businesses and seasonal spirit.

A couple walks on a brick sidewalk past festive holiday decorations and shop windows. The man holds a coffee cup and the woman carries shopping bags. Greenery with red ribbons decorates the storefronts.

Quaintest Christmas Village

Fodor’s Travel invites you to enjoy holiday highlights like Market Square 40-foot tree adorned with nearly 40,000 twinkling lights.

Three people cheering glasses in front of a lit fireplace.

A Magical Christmas Town

Find out why Oprah Daily named Alexandria one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns Across the World” in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Explore Alexandria’s Neighborhoods

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Here in Alexandria, every neighborhood draws you in and invites you to linger just a little longer—from the waterfront to the West End and everywhere in between.

#visitALX

Photos submitted by Alexandria visitors like you.