Experience Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend
Trend: Quirky Holiday Traditions, Seasonal Experiences and Events, Micro-cations & Extended Weekends
Find your holiday ever-after during the first weekend in December, which marks the Biggest Holiday Weekend in Alexandria, a celebration straight out of a Hallmark movie, December 4–6. On Saturday, December 5, the beloved 55th Annual Alexandria Scottish Holiday Walk Parade sponsored by Wegmans takes place, a cherished tradition honoring the city’s Scottish roots with tartan-clad marchers and bagpipes echoing through Old Town. The celebration continues into the evening with the 26th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, as illuminated vessels light up the Potomac in a breathtaking riverfront spectacle.
Make it a weekend of merriment with festive hotel packages, boutique shopping, and cozy restaurants ready to welcome you with seasonal cheer. Stay in charming accommodations decked in holiday décor, browse independent shops for one-of-a-kind gifts, and linger over fireside meals that capture the spirit of the season.
Turn your weekend into a longer escape. Extend your stay and maximize your PTO by working remotely from Alexandria.
Bake Your Own Holiday Memories at King Arthur’s First Location Outside Vermont
Trend: Hands-On Seasonal Experiences, Experiential Retail
This holiday season, Alexandria becomes the only place in America outside of Vermont where bakers can visit a King Arthur Baking Company store and school. Opening this autumn, the legendary baking brand’s first location beyond its Vermont headquarters brings more than 235 years of baking expertise to the Potomac waterfront region, just in time for the season of cookies, cinnamon, and holiday gatherings.
The store stocks everything a holiday baker needs: flours and ingredients, mixes, tools, kitchen appliances, and giftable items for the bakers on your list. Next door, the baking school offers hands-on classes where visitors can sharpen their pie crust, master holiday cookies, and leave with skills (and warm treats) to share. Whether you’re starting a new family tradition or polishing your technique before the big dinner, it’s an experience that turns holiday visitors into holiday bakers.
Shop Small with Big Style in the D.C. region’s shop premier small destination
Trend: Retail Travel Therapy, Hyper-Local Tourism
With more than 100 independent boutiques, Alexandria is known as the D.C. region’s “shop small” destination, a stylish and heartfelt place to shop this holiday season. Explore one-of-a-kind finds with special promotions and seasonal experiences throughout the city’s strollable neighborhoods. Shoppers will find some of the lowest prices of the year over Thanksgiving weekend on Plaid Friday (Alexandria’s small-business answer to Black Friday) and Small Business Saturday, and the Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop on Thursday, December 10 offers special promotions along with complimentary wine and refreshments.
Three boutiques capture the city’s retail personality. At Eliana Curated (1003 King Street), owner Angelika O’Reilly sells charming, unique jewelry that can be described as wearable art: a refined collection of Italian-made 14K gold, upcycled vintage designer button earrings, and ethically sourced lab-created diamonds that make the shop a must-see for jewelry lovers. At AR Workshop Alexandria, a Black- and woman-owned business, visitors find on-trend home décor gifts and accessories alongside hands-on crafting experiences; owner Stephanie Woodland Kelly, formerly the accountant at Alexandria’s historic Christ Church, seamlessly blends her love of numbers with her love of creativity. In the West End, Reunions Gift Shop marks its 30th year under new owners Blaire Bartlett and Molly Merbeth. The locally owned, women-led store offers a curated selection of home décor, jewelry, handbags, baby items, seasonal goods, and small consignment treasures like crystal and silver. With consignment at its core, Reunions keeps things stylish and sustainable, giving great pieces a second life, and complimentary gift wrap makes it a one-stop shop for all things giftable.
Savor the Season with Festive Drinks and Eats
Trend: Independent Dining, Diverse Flavors, Global Cuisine
As winter weather settles in, Alexandria’s dining scene is serving up a cozy chapter in your holiday adventure with the season’s best celebrations. Independent restaurants are dishing out festive flavors, creative holiday menus, and warm, community-focused experiences. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, gathering for a cheerful meal with friends, or returning to a neighborhood favorite for your seasonal traditions, there’s no better time to savor Alexandria’s culinary spirit.
At The Commodore, a self-proclaimed “five star dive bar,” experience a holiday pop up filled with seasonally themed and nostalgic cocktails, elevated bar food and holiday cheer from neighborhood locals. Starting December 4, the pier at BARCA Pier and Wine Bar transforms into BARCA Wonderland a nostalgia-soaked holiday escape perched right over the water. Tucked inside the beloved Café du Soleil in Old Town, Bar 86 is an intimate speakeasy that feels tailor-made for the holiday season. By night, the café transforms into a cozy retreat where vintage charm, contemporary cocktails, and warm hospitality set the scene. Inspired by New York’s famed Chumley’s Bar at 86 Bedford Street, Bar 86 provides an elegant backdrop for festive evenings and holiday celebrations. In Del Ray, Bill Butcher’s Joy on the Avenue, a beloved holiday pop-up bar tradition, returns for a limited time with festive cocktails and plenty of seasonal cheer.
For a fun spot to bring family or out-of-town guests, step back in time at Continues Arcade, where 50 original arcade cabinets, Skee-Ball, and pinball promise hours of entertainment for all ages. When you’re ready to refuel, enjoy a full-service restaurant and bar from Iron Chef America alum Brian Lacayo, with guidance from Top Chef’s Spike Mendelsohn, offering the perfect mix of nostalgia, fun, and great food for visitors and locals alike.
Gather Round with Friends and Family for the Holidays
Trend: Independent Dining, Creating Memories with Family and Friends
From cozy cafés to festive pop-up bars, Alexandria is the perfect place to gather with loved ones and celebrate the magic of the season—and tell a holiday tale or two.
In Del Ray, Cheesetique from “Cheese Lady” Jill Erber is the go-to for all things cheese, featuring a cheese-forward menu (don’t miss the buzzworthy mac and cheese plus winter favorites like Swiss fondue), food-friendly wines, and a shop stocked with curated cheeses and bottles to take home.
On major holidays, Alexandria’s restaurants serve local favorites for every kind of celebration. From intimate prix-fixe dinners to festive Heat & Eat feasts at home, you’ll find everything from family-style sides and scratch-made desserts to locally sourced turkey. At Founding Farmers Alexandria in-restaurant and take-home options are just a taste of the many ways to gather with friends and family and savor the holiday spirit across the city. In Old Town North, enjoy sweeping views at Jula’s on the Potomac while gathering around the table for their inaugural “Thanksgiving on the Potomac” dining experience, featuring an abundant seafood display with chef attended stations and a carving hall.
The season of gathering continues with one of Alexandria’s most festive traditions: the 11th Annual Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl, taking over Mount Vernon Avenue on Saturday, December 12. Expect an afternoon filled with holiday cheer, from themed cocktails and merry raffles to local bites, live music, and spirited camaraderie, making it the perfect way to experience Del Ray’s welcoming vibe, one festive pour at a time.
Celebrate the Season at Open-Air Holiday Markets
Trend: Seasonal Experience Seeking, Retail Travel Therapy, Local Artisans
Celebrate the season at Alexandria’s open-air winter, European-style holiday markets, where local makers, seasonal treats, live music, Santa sightings, and festive shopping fill neighborhoods with holiday cheer.
The Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square on Saturday, December 12 is a holiday shopper’s dream, featuring tons of seasonal items like unique gifts, holiday décor, and more, all crafted by talented local artisans. With carolers filling the air with joyous tunes, a DJ spinning holiday classics, and photos with Santa, it’s sure to get attendees in the spirit of the season. The week before, on December 6, experience the 5th Annual Holiday Makers Market in Arlandria-Chirilagua featuring 50+ vendors, live music, great food, and family fun, including crafts, facepainting, story time and more.
Del Ray transforms into a winter haven throughout December. Across the first three weekends of the month (December 5–7, 12–14, and 19–21), the Del Ray Artisans’ 31th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market hosts a rotating showcase of handmade fine art and crafts by local artists. Each weekend brings a fresh lineup of creators, making every visit a chance to uncover one-of-a-kind pieces, from pottery and jewelry to textiles and prints, all crafted with care and inspired by the community’s vibrant spirit.
Experience Festive Light Displays Across the City
Trend: Holiday Traditions, Immersive Experiences
From twinkling trees to boats aglow on the Potomac River, Alexandria comes to life with festive light displays and holiday magic around every corner. Along the King Street mile, a canopy of lights creates a warm glow as you make your way through Old Town Alexandria.
The city’s official start of the season comes early: the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 21 at Alexandria’s historic waterfront. Enjoy Santa’s arrival aboard the King Street Trolley, the lighting of the tree, festive music, and holiday cheer. A few weeks later, on December 7, the Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off brings a tree and menorah lighting to the neighborhood, complete with tunes, hot chocolate, and hand-painted holiday windows along Del Ray’s storefronts.
Families can also enjoy the newly-named Bright Nights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run, providing a fun, outdoor family experience to explore new, dazzling light displays, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of festive scenes, and enjoy a hot beverage or a snack. New this year, enjoy lighted mini golf, a scavenger hunt and a giant maze. And for an enchanting evening filled with wintry lights, a winter encampment and market, and a fireworks show, head to George Washington’s Mount Vernon for Christmas Illuminations on Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21.
Unwrap Holiday Magic for the Whole Family
Trend: Seasonal Experience Seeking, Novelty Experiences
For families seeking a storybook holiday adventure straight out of The Polar Express, hop aboard the Virginia Railway Express Santa Train, one of the region’s most beloved seasonal traditions. Departing from Alexandria to Manassas, the festive journey includes visits from Santa and his elves, who make their way through the train handing out stickers and candy canes. Once in Manassas, passengers enjoy story time, hot chocolate, and cookies before boarding for the return trip. This year’s rides take place on December 7, 14, 17, and 21.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss Aladdin the Christmas Camel at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This cherished holiday tradition commemorates George Washington’s 1787 decision to bring a camel to Mount Vernon to delight his guests, offering visitors a unique connection to history and the season.
Throughout the holidays, Alexandria offers magical family experiences at every turn. The festivities begin with Santa appearances at the train station, complete with photo opportunities, stickers, and candy canes. Then, on Christmas Eve, witness a uniquely Alexandria tradition as Waterskiing Santa cruises along the Potomac River accompanied by an entourage of festive characters.
The celebrations continue through New Year’s Eve with fireworks along the Potomac River and the 32nd annual First Night Alexandria. This family-friendly festival brings together artists, performers, residents, and visitors to celebrate the arts, community, and the start of a new year.
Enjoy Affordable Luxury and Winter Wellness
Trend: Winter Wellness Tourism, Affordable Luxury
With its emerging wellness scene and new boutique hotels, Alexandria makes it easy to unwind in style during the holiday season. Enjoy a crystal sound bath at Mount Purrnon Cat Café, where writers and visitors can enjoy the relaxing tones of crystal singing bowls in our cat lounge then you can bliss out with our adorable adoptable cats.
In Old Town, Refresh Wellness Collective invites guests to flow, stretch, and recharge at a vibrant, playful yoga studio owned by Lindsey Canaley, whose teaching journey famously began with a VHS tape.
Wellness seekers should also explore Del Ray’s Wellness District, a wide-ranging community of more than 40 holistic health businesses. Experience healing in body and mind across therapy, yoga, massage, nutrition, and more.
Take Advantage of Holiday Hotel Offers and Historic Happenings
Trend: Affordable Luxury, Seasonal Experience Seeking
From holiday soirees to themed cocktails and cozy igloos, Alexandria’s hotels are serving up festive fun, seasonal sips, and a little holiday magic all season long.
At hotels such as Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, guests can enjoy an Alexandria Holiday Rate offering guests 19% off standard rates, complimentary valet parking and complimentary 2pm late checkout (based on availability).
Holiday experiences continue at Morrison House and The Alexandrian hotels, including a special holiday menu for groups. At The Alexandrian, experience the magic inside King & Rye’s Winter Wonderland Igloos, where each private, twinkle-lit dome transports you to a themed holiday escape—the perfect spot to sip, celebrate, and soak in the joy of winter.
Visitors of all ages can learn about Alexandria’s architecture history at Old Town Gingerbread Decorating at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum on December 6. Tickets include all the supplies needed to decorate, and admission to the museum. Inspiring samples highlight architectural details you can recreate in candy and search for in the neighborhoods on your way home.
For more details about these story ideas, reach out to Andrew Postal at apostal@visitalexva.com and Karishma Singh at ksingh@visitalexva.com
