Photo above courtesy of Visit Alexandria

Step into a real-life holiday movie in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia—named “” by Travel + Leisure. Just minutes from Washington, D.C., and on the Potomac River waterfront, Alexandria blends centuries-old architecture with festive cheer and modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination during the holidays.

From twinkling lights along boutique-lined streets to festive waterfront parades and cozy neighborhood markets, this walkable destination offers endless inspiration for travel features and seasonal roundups. Feel transported by a sense of holiday wonder with a stroll along the King Street mile, dine around a firepit on heated patios or duck into cozy restaurants, and shop independent boutiques that provide personal service and curated gift selections all season long.

Daily through the 30^th

The Winter Village Ice & Lights

Cameron Run Regional Park

4001 Eisenhower Avenue

5 pm – 10 pm

Enjoy ice skating amidst a winter wonderland at Cameron Run Regional Park. Ice & Lights offers a fun, unstructured outdoor family experience to explore new, stunning light displays, snap family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Capacity is limited; reservations are required to ensure access on a specific date. visitalexandria.com/events/ice-lights-the-winter-village-at-cameron-run/

December 6^th

54^th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

Downtown Old Town

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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. 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. Sponsored by Wegmans.

25^th Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Old Town North to Fords Landing

5:30 pm

This year’s parade will feature more than 50 brightly lit boats cruising along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline from Old Town North to Ford’s Landing Park. From 2 to 8 p.m., parade-goers can enjoy dockside festivities at Waterfront Park, including a pop-up beer garden from Alexandria’s award-winning Port City Brewing Company, 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. Sponsored by Amazon.

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.

December 7^th

Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off

Mount Vernon & Oxford Avenues

6 pm

Join the Del Ray community for holiday cheer at the Del Ray Holiday Kick-Off! After the event, get an early start on holiday shopping and check out the hand-painted holiday windows while strolling down Mount Vernon Avenue as it is lit with thousands of luminarias in honor of the late Nancy Dunning.

In the spirit of the season, participants are urged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Alexandria Sheriff Department’s Operation Elf; and travel-size toiletries and non-perishable foods (including breakfast bars, oatmeal, cereal, ground coffee, powdered coffee creamer, hot sauce, salad dressing, individual bagged chips, and healthy snacks) for Carpenter’s Shelter.

The event is free and open to all. visitalexandria.com/events/del-ray-holiday-season-kickoff/

December 24^th

Waterskiing Santa Show

Old Town Waterfront Park

1 pm

Carve out some time in the afternoon on Christmas Eve to witness a sight you have to see to believe, head to the waterfront to 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. Waterskiingsanta.com

December 31st

31^st Annual First Night Alexandria

Ring in the new year on the 31^st with live entertainment and fireworks at the 31st annual First Night Alexandria, the region’s signature family-friendly New Year’s Eve event. This event is an all-day affair culminating with fireworks at twilight and an encore at midnight. Firstnightalexandria.org

Connect with us!

Web: VisitAlexandria.com
Facebook: VisitAlexandriaVA
Twitter:  AlexandriaVA
Instagram: VisitAlexVA
Hashtag: #visitALX

 

Check Out These Holiday Markets

5th – 21st

Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market

2704 Mount Vernon Avenue

Weekly

visitalexandria.com/events/del-ray-artisans-holiday-market/

7^th

4^th Annual Holiday Makers’ Market

Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market

9AM – 3PM

visitalexandria.com/events/4th-annual-holiday-makers-market/

13^th

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show

John Carlyle Square

11AM – 4PM

visitalexandria.com/events/old-town-alexandria-christmas-market-and-holiday-craft-show/

Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market

All Along Mount Vernon Avenue

9AM – 2PM

visitalexandria.com/events/del-ray-vintage-flea-market/

14^th

Old Town North Holiday Market

901 North Royal Street

9AM -2PM

visitalexandria.com/events/otncp-annual-holiday-market/