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December 5-7, 2025

Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend

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Experience holiday magic on historic streets in Old Town Alexandria, located just minutes from Washington, D.C. Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend takes place December 5 to 7, 2025, making it the perfect time to enjoy a winter weekend getaway and experience the destination Good Housekeeping dubbed one of the Best Places to Travel in December 2024 and Travel + Leisure recently named a Top 5 Best City in the U.S. 2025.

Bask in the warmth of time-honored festivities like the 54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, featuring a parade of Scottish clans and Scottie dogs, as well as the 25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon on the Potomac River.

Enjoy more festive happenings throughout the weekend with low rates and holiday offers at Alexandria hotels.

 

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, December 6, 2025. 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. Learn more.

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine on December 6, 2025, for the 25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon as brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities, local food, music and family-friendly activities. Learn more.

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12/04/2025AND12/08/2025
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Holidays in Alexandria, VA

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.

Shopping

Two women with shopping bags walk past a storefront decorated with festive holiday wreaths, red bows, and greenery on a brick sidewalk in a charming downtown area.

Restaurants

Four friends sit inside a clear dome decorated with string lights, bundled in coats and hats, smiling and clinking glasses over a table with snacks on a cozy outdoor patio.

Alexandria Hotels

A brick building entrance decorated with holiday garlands and wreaths with red bows. There’s a white door, curved double staircase, a small fountain in front, and a sign that reads “Autograph Collection.”.

Top Things to Do This Holiday Season in Alexandria, VA 2025

A trio of images depicting things to do during the 2025 holiday season in Alexandria, VA: a woman looking through a shop window, a Scottish Christmas parade and a family strolling through Old Town.

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