Experience the magic of the holiday season in Alexandria, VA, where enchanting events bring festive cheer to both locals and visitors. Watch as twinkling lights dance across the Potomac River in the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, blending modern creativity with maritime heritage. Feel the city's Scottish roots come alive during the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, with bagpipes and kilted marchers filling the streets of Old Town.
Step back in time with the Mount Vernon by Candlelight tours, offering a unique glimpse into 18th-century holiday traditions at George Washington's estate. From historic parades to intimate evening tours, Alexandria transforms into a winter wonderland, promising memorable holiday experiences for all.
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The Top Christmas Events in Alexandria
- Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
- Christmas at the Old Town Farmers' Market
- Alexandria's Holiday Sing-Along
- Del Ray Holiday Market
- Holiday Candlelight Tours
- First Night Alexandria
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria's Christmas Show
Alexandria Holiday Light Displays
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated boats parading on the Potomac River
Description:
Twinkling lights dance across the Potomac River as decorated boats glide through the night. This nautical spectacle transforms Alexandria's waterfront into a floating gallery of holiday cheer. Visitors can vote for their favorite boat designs while enjoying hot cocoa on the shore. The parade continues a centuries-old tradition of maritime celebration in this historic port city, blending modern creativity with nautical heritage.
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Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Alexandria Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas at the Old Town Farmers' Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and farmers offering holiday-themed goods
Description:
Alexandria's historic Market Square transforms into a holiday bazaar, brimming with locally crafted gifts and seasonal treats. Artisans showcase their wares alongside farmers offering winter produce and festive fare. Visitors can craft their own wreaths using fresh greenery from local farms. This market has been a community staple since 1753, continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting local producers and artisans.
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Christmas at the Old Town Farmers' Market
Del Ray Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Artisanal gifts and handmade crafts from local makers
Description:
Del Ray's vibrant community spirit shines through at this charming holiday market. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their unique creations, from hand-poured candles to custom jewelry. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques. This market highlights Del Ray's reputation as a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses and fostering community connections.
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Alexandria Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Alexandria's Holiday Sing-Along
What to Expect:
Community-wide caroling event with live accompaniment
Description:
Voices rise in harmony as Alexandria residents and visitors join together for a spirited holiday sing-along. A live orchestra accompanies the crowd, filling the air with beloved seasonal melodies. Participants can request their favorite carols and join in with provided lyric sheets. This event embodies the community spirit of Alexandria, bringing people together through the universal language of music.
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Alexandria's Holiday Sing-Along
First Night Alexandria
What to Expect:
Alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration with multiple venues
Description:
Alexandria rings in the New Year with a city-wide celebration spanning multiple venues. Live performances, from jazz to magic shows, entertain revelers of all ages. Visitors can hop between locations to experience a variety of acts throughout the evening. This alcohol-free event, inspired by Boston's original First Night in 1976, promotes a safe and inclusive way to welcome the new year.
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The Little Theatre of Alexandria's Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Community theater production of a holiday classic
Description:
Local talent takes center stage in this heartwarming holiday production at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. The theater comes alive with elaborate sets and costumes, transporting the audience into a beloved Christmas tale. Theatergoers can meet the cast after the show for autographs and photos. This community theater, founded in 1934, has been a cornerstone of Alexandria's cultural scene for generations.
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The Little Theatre of Alexandria's Christmas Show
Alexandria Other Holiday Activities
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
What to Expect:
Celebration of Scottish heritage with bagpipes and tartans
Description:
Bagpipes echo through Old Town Alexandria as kilted marchers stride proudly down the streets. This unique parade celebrates the city's Scottish heritage, filling the air with the stirring sounds of Celtic music. Spectators can join in by wearing their own family tartans. The event honors Alexandria's Scottish founders, who established the city in 1749, creating a vibrant cultural bridge between past and present.
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Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Holiday Candlelight Tours
What to Expect:
Guided tours of historic homes by candlelight
Description:
Step back in time as candlelight flickers in Alexandria's historic homes, revealing holiday traditions of centuries past. These intimate tours showcase period decorations and customs unique to each era. Visitors can learn about forgotten holiday traditions and their origins. The tours highlight Alexandria's rich architectural heritage, from Colonial to Victorian, offering a glimpse into the city's evolving holiday celebrations.
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Nearby Events
Mount Vernon by Candlelight (Mount Vernon)
What to Expect:
Intimate evening tours of George Washington's estate
Description:
Flickering candlelight illuminates the paths of Mount Vernon, offering a rare glimpse into 18th-century holiday traditions. These intimate evening tours transport visitors back in time, revealing how the Washingtons celebrated the season. Guests can sample period-inspired refreshments and engage with historical interpreters. This event provides a unique opportunity to experience the personal side of America's first president in his beloved home.
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Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
What to Expect:
18th-century style fireworks over the Potomac River
Description:
Mount Vernon's night sky erupts with dazzling fireworks, recreating the spectacle George Washington himself might have enjoyed. This unique display combines pyrotechnics with 18th-century music, illuminating the grounds of the historic estate. Visitors can explore the mansion and outbuildings adorned with period decorations. The event offers a rare glimpse into how early Americans celebrated special occasions with "illuminations" - their term for fireworks.
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Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Holiday Lights on the Farm (Lorton)
What to Expect:
Rural setting with farm animals and light displays
Description:
A working farm transforms into a twinkling wonderland, combining agricultural charm with holiday cheer. Visitors can pet farm animals while surrounded by creative light displays depicting rural scenes. The event offers hayrides through illuminated fields, providing a unique perspective on the lights. This celebration highlights the region's agricultural heritage, blending modern holiday traditions with a rustic farm setting.
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Bull Run Festival of Lights (Centreville)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show in a park setting
Description:
Bull Run Regional Park becomes a glowing tapestry of light as visitors drive through a 2.5-mile illuminated wonderland. Intricate light sculptures depict holiday scenes and fantastical creatures. Families can tune their car radios to a special station playing synchronized holiday music. This event, which began in 1999, has become a beloved regional tradition, drawing visitors from across the Washington D.C. area.
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ZooLights at the National Zoo (Washington)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Description:
The National Zoo comes alive after dark with thousands of environmentally-friendly LED lights forming whimsical animal shapes. Visitors can stroll through illuminated pathways, enjoying the glow of exotic creatures. The event features special animal encounters, allowing guests to learn about nocturnal species. ZooLights carries on the Smithsonian's mission of education and conservation, raising awareness about wildlife while delighting visitors.
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Georgetown GLOW (Washington)
What to Expect:
Outdoor public art installations using light
Description:
Georgetown's historic streets become an open-air gallery of light-based art installations. International artists showcase innovative works that interact with the neighborhood's architecture and landscape. Visitors can take self-guided tours to explore the thought-provoking pieces. This event, initiated in 2014, has quickly become a staple of D.C.'s contemporary art scene, bridging modern creativity with Georgetown's historic charm.
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Kennedy Center Holiday Concerts (Washington)
What to Expect:
World-class performances in a prestigious venue
Description:
The Kennedy Center's grand halls resound with holiday melodies performed by renowned musicians and ensembles. From classical orchestras to jazz quartets, the concerts span a wide range of musical genres. Attendees can enjoy pre-show talks to deepen their appreciation of the performances. These concerts continue the Kennedy Center's legacy of artistic excellence, bringing world-class talent to the nation's capital during the holiday season.
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Kennedy Center Holiday Concerts
National Christmas Tree Lighting (Washington)
What to Expect:
Lighting of the National Christmas Tree near the White House
Description:
The President flips the switch, illuminating the National Christmas Tree in a time-honored ceremony. Surrounded by 56 smaller trees representing U.S. states and territories, the spectacle draws visitors from across the nation. Guests can enjoy performances by celebrated musicians and choirs. This tradition, dating back to 1923, symbolizes national unity and hope during the holiday season.
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National Christmas Tree Lighting
Holiday Parade at The Wharf (Washington)
What to Expect:
Waterfront parade combining land and sea elements
Description:
The Wharf's vibrant waterfront comes alive with a unique parade featuring both street performers and decorated boats. Marching bands and costumed characters entertain on land, while illuminated vessels parade along the Washington Channel. Spectators can enjoy the dual spectacle from the district's newest developed area. This event showcases The Wharf's maritime heritage while celebrating its recent revitalization as a premier waterfront destination.