Experience holiday magic on historic streets in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, located on the waterfront just minutes from Washington, D.C. Named the “Perfect Town for a Hallmark Christmas Movie” by Southern Living and one of the top “Cities That Go All Out for Christmas” by Condé Nast Traveler, Alexandria will bring your Hallmark Christmas movie dreams to life during the holiday season. Feel transported by a sense of holiday wonder with a stroll along the King Street mile, reminiscent of a European Christmas village. Dine around a firepit on heated patios or duck into cozy Alexandria restaurants. Show your love for Alexandria’s independent boutiques that provide personal service and curated gift selections all season long.

The first Saturday of December (7^th) kicks off Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend, as we celebrate the return of two of the region’s top signature events.

The 53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade sponsored by Wegmans in historic Old Town Alexandria hits the streets at 11 a.m.

The Parade, sponsored by Wegmans, is a celebration of Alexandria’s founding in 1749 by Scottish merchants and its naming after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. The 2024 parade features more than100 parade units, including dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans, pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds and community groups. This year’s Grand Marshal is Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, and the Masters of Ceremonies are Julie Carey, the Northern Virginia bureau chief for NBC4, and Heather Haddock, president of the Scottish American Women’s Society of Washington, D.C. The parade is produced by Visit Alexandria in partnership with Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria. Additional support is provided by Wegmans, Scottish Government USA and First Watch Strategies & Events.

Stick around town after the parade and catch the 24th Annual Holiday Boat Parade along the Potomac River shoreline at 5:30 p.m. with dockside activities from 2 to 8 p.m.

This year the parade is sponsored by Amazon and will feature more than 50 brightly lit boats cruising along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline from Canal Center to Ford’s Landing Park. Parade-goers can enjoy dockside festivities at Waterfront Park, including a pop-up beer garden, food and beverage vendors and family-friendly activities. The parade is produced by Visit Alexandria in collaboration with the City of Alexandria, City Cruises – Alexandria and the Old Dominion Boat Club.

For more information on programming, parade routes, viewing locations, transportation considerations, FAQs and additional weekend happenings, please visit the parade webpages at ALXScottishWalk.com and ALXBoatParade.com.

Winter Markets

Stroll through open-air winter markets complete with live music, Santa sightings, shopping and more throughout Alexandria’s neighborhoods.

New this year, be immersed in a magical new European Christmas market experience in Del Ray during the inaugural Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market located at 2213 Mount Vernon Avenue from the 13^th to the 15^th.

Celebrate a weekend chock-full of holiday happenings including the Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square on the 14th and the Old Town North Holiday Market & Farmers Market on the 15^th,  and more.

Holiday Lights Experiences

Get ready to kick of the holiday season with the Del Ray Tree & Menorah Lighting on the 8^th. There will be tunes, hot chocolate and much more!  Enjoy hand-painted holiday windows in storefronts and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias.

Explore unique light displays and ice skate through a winter wonderland at Ice & Lights through through January 5 with the ice skating continuing through February 14.

For an enchanting evening filled with wintry lights, a winter encampment and market, and a fireworks show, head down the GW Parkway to the Mount Vernon Estate for the annual Christmas Illuminations show between the 20^th and 22^nd.

Seasonal Shopping

Shop at more than 100 independent boutiques throughout Alexandria this holiday season. Find some of the lowest prices of the year plus special offers.

Head to the Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop on the 12th for special promotions and complimentary wine and refreshments. Locations all along Mount Vernon Avenue.

Family-Friendly Festivities

Carve out some time in the afternoon on Christmas Eve to witness a sight you have to see to believe, head to the waterfront between BARCA Pier and Founders Park on the 24^th at 1 pm to witness the Waterskiing Santa Show, featuring Santa and his friends gliding along the Potomac River.

Ring in the new year on the 31^st with live entertainment and fireworks at the 30th annual First Night Alexandria, the region’s signature family-friendly New Year’s Eve event.

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