Top Things to Do in Alexandria This Holiday Season 2024

In historic Old Town Alexandria, twinkling lights shine in the trees above brick-lined streets, and dozens of independent boutiques welcome you with greenery at their doorsteps. Feel transported by a sense of holiday wonder as you stroll along centuries-old brick-lined streets in Old Town, a nationally designated historic district reminiscent of a European Christmas village. On November 23, 2024, see the city sparkle during the annual Holiday Tree Lighting in front of City Hall, with a welcome by the Town Crier, musical performances and an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Join the revelry of Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend from December 7 to 9, 2024, with the 53^rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade sponsored by Wegmans on December 7. The parade begins at 11 a.m., as 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. The parade concludes with a stirring massed band performance in front of Market Square.

On the same day as the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade during Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend, Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront will shine for the 24^th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon on December 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. as more than 50 brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, wide-ranging food options from local vendors and hands-on activities from independently-owned Alexandria businesses Penny Post, AR Workshop Alexandria, ALX Dog Walk and Pippin Toy Co.

For more surprising sights along the Potomac, don’t miss the beloved Christmas Eve Waterskiing Santa Show at 1 p.m. on December 24.

For a mood-boosting and merry-making holiday shopping experience, stroll Old Town’s enchanting King Street mile, part of the largest collection of independent boutiques in the D.C. region. Step inside local shops charmingly decorated for the season and offering curated selections of stationery, home goods, sustainable fashion and more. Find some of the lowest prices of the year plus special offers when you shop over Thanksgiving weekend on Plaid Friday, Alexandria’s small business Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday. Plus, find gifts at European Christmas-style markets around the city or at special shopping events such as the Shops of Del Ray’s Holiday Sip & Shop on December 12.

Stroll through open-air winter markets complete with live music, Santa sightings, shopping and more throughout Alexandria’s neighborhoods. New this year, the Del Ray neighborhood welcomes a magical market called Gustave Marché de Noël from December 13 to 15, 2024, designed in the style of a European Christmas market.

On Alexandria’s Small Business Saturday, head to Port City Brewing Company’s Holiday Makers Market to peruse hundreds of locally handcrafted items, craft beer, foods trucks and more. On December 14, enjoy a Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square with more than 100 artisans and crafters, a Christmas carols show and an Elves’ shop where little ones can create a customized Christmas ornament. Plus, during the first three weekends of December, head to Del Ray Artisans’ 28^th Fine Art and Fine Craft Holiday Market to discover handcrafted wares from a rotating roster of artists. Explore Old Town North’s Holiday Market and Farmers Market on December 15 for handcrafted gift items and specialty food items.

In addition to the 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Sponsored by Amazon on December 7, 2024, there are mesmerizing light displays to enjoy all season long. Celebrate the city’s official start to the holiday season at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on November 23, with appearances from Major Justin Wilson, the Town Crier and even Santa himself.

On December 8, take part in the Holiday Season Kickoff: Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting as you enjoy tunes and hot chocolate and stunning luminaria along Del Ray’s streets, then kick off the neighborhood’s new Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market with a lights ceremony just a few days later on December 13. In Alexandria’s Eisenhower corridor, explore unique light displays and ice skate through a winter wonderland at Ice & Lights from November 15 through January 5, with ice skating continuing through February 14. Plus, for an enchanting evening filled with festive lights, a winter encampment and market and a fireworks show, head to Mount Vernon for Christmas Illuminations between December 20 to 22.  

During the holidays, Del Ray’s made-for-strolling Mount Vernon Avenue is even merrier than usual. On December 8, 2024, see the annual Holiday Season Kickoff: Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting. Continue the celebration with a walk down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias and feature storefront windows hand-painted for the holidays. Savor special promotions, complimentary wine and refreshments and extended shopping hours during the Shops of Del Ray’s Holiday Sip & Shop on December 12. Then, enjoy the enchanting new Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market from December 13 to 15, featuring seasonal beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate and fondue alongside delightful vendors and family activities, plus the Del Ray Artisans’ Holiday Market throughout December.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Alexandria

Step back in time for a seasonal celebration at some of Alexandria’s centuries-old sites, including events at George Washington’s Mount Vernon such as the Holiday Entertainment experience from November 16 to December 22, 2024. On weekends from December 6 to 21, enjoy Holiday Tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House decked out for mid-century merriment. Plus, learn about local architecture as you decorate a gingerbread façade at Gadsby’s Tavern on December 8 and ring in the season at the Colonial Handbell Ringers concert at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, on December 15.

Alexandria will usher in 2025 with fireworks above the Potomac River following live music and performances during the 30th Annual First Night Alexandria. Plus, don’t forget to plan a New Year’s Day brunch for a luxurious start to 2025.

Prime viewing locations:

• Canal Center Plaza (11 Canal Center Plaza)
• Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.)
• Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
• Founders Park (351 North Union St.)
• Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
• Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.)
• Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.)
• Jones Point Park (Jones Point Dr.)
• George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Dr.)

Looking for more inspiration? Discover all the holiday happenings in Alexandria.