Old Town Alexandria is perfect for your holiday shopping and dining, as well as just enjoying the season. Support all of your favorite independently-owned small businesses while walking along the charming brick sidewalks of Old Town. The cute and clever window displays never fail to amaze and the trees all along King Street glow with strings of white lights. This winter wonderland is joined by a variety of events, many of which are family-friendly, so let Old Town Alexandria really get you into the holiday spirit this year!
Scottish Walk Parade
Salute Alexandria’s Scottish heritage by watching bagpipers and Scottish clans parade down King Street on Saturday, December 2nd at 11am. Be sure to keep an eye out for Scottie dogs dressed in little plaid coats, as well!
Scottish Walk Open Houses
After the Scottish Walk Parade on December 2nd, visit Carlyle House and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum for free open houses. Carlyle House will also have a Soldier’s Christmas demonstrations on the lawn and the Apothecary Museum is the perfect place for unique gifts this holiday season.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
End your Scottish Walk Parade day with enjoying the annual Boat Parade of Lights along the river. The parade begins at 5:30pm, but there are festivities along the water by the Torpedo Factory all afternoon and evening.
It’s a Brass Christmas
Get into the holiday spirit with the Symphony Orchestra of Northern Virginia’s brass quintet at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on Sunday, December 3rd at 3pm for the It’s a Brass Christmas concert.
Candlelight Tours
Tour Carlyle House, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Lee-Fendall House and the Lloyd House on Saturday, December 9th from 4 to 9 pm for historic candlelight tours. Enjoy each house at your own pace and see how Christmas and Hanukkah were celebrated in Alexandria’s past.
Waterskiing Santa
Celebrate Christmas Eve with Santa waterskiing his way down the Potomac! He’ll be bringing a bunch of friends, including wakeboarding reindeer, flying elves, and even the Grinch. The show begins at 1pm.
