8 FESTIVE THINGS TO DO IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA FOR CHRISTMAS
If you’re looking for a holiday destination that allows you to step back in time to the 1700s look no further than Alexandria, Virginia – a hop, skip and a jump over the Potomac River from Washington DC – and the perfect add-on to a trip to the nation’s capital.
Alexandria has an extra bit of holiday charm due to its small, neighborhood feel and multitude of events throughout the holiday season. From tree lightings, to parades, to Instagrammable holiday treats, to a boat parade it makes for the perfectly quaint holiday experience.
Why Should You Visit Alexandria During the Holidays?
Alexandria’s location makes it prime for holiday exploring around the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) area. By basing yourself in Alexandria you will be able to experience the charm of this Northern Virginia neighborhood, have easy access to the Christmas sights in DC, and head out on a couple of day trips to additional Christmas locations in Loudon County and Maryland.
Where Should You Stay in Alexandria?
Alexandria has the benefit that because it’s not right in the middle of DC you have more options when it comes to types of accommodations and price points. Many of the activities are going to be centered around Old Town Alexandria so my suggestion would be to stay in a hotel that is near King Street.
Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa
The Kimpton Hotel always know how to treat their guests right. With a generous pet policy, nightly wine hours, amazing restaurants and impeccable room decor and room options it’s a place you can actually afford to stay while feeling like you’re on a luxurious vacation. The Lorien is situated on the west end of King Street closer to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, making it the perfect place to stay away from the hustle and bustle with easy access to all of the sights.
Find availability and rates for Kimpton Lorien here.
Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo is tucked off of King Street on Union Street, making it not only perfectly placed but also right on the waterfront. It’s prime location is perfect for a quick trip to Starbucks, going on a jog, riding a bike around Old Town and checking out all of the holiday decorations. As nice as the hotel is it’s actually on the more budget end of this list, making it perfect for the budget solo traveler.
Find availability and rates for Hotel Indigo here.
The Alexandrian
This hotel is plopped right on the heart of King Street, making it the most convenient. Market Square is almost directly across the street, the waterfront is a 5 minute walk east, and prime shopping is a 5-10 minute west of the hotel. The Alexandrian also provides bikes for their guests, making exploring around town even easier.
Find availability and rates for The Alexandrian here.
The George of Old Town
The winner of the cutest place to stay is The George of Old Town, a bed and breakfast located a block north of King Street and a block west of Market Square. The best thing about this bed & breakfast is the fact that as you’re walking down Cameron Street you would have no idea that this is a place you can stay. The fully renovated home, located on a property once owned by George Washington, is one of Alexandria's most unique accommodations — giving you a colonial flavor with a modern twist.
Find availability and rates for The George of Old Town here.
What holiday things must you see and do in Alexandria?
Like DC, due to its small size, Alexandria and all of its Christmas sights and activities are easy enough to do in a couple of days.
If you’re looking for a white Christmas you may or may not get lucky but definitely make sure you pack some layers as most of your holiday sights will be outdoors.
Check Out the Christmas Tree in the City Hall Square
Not only is City Hall the center of Old Town but it also gets dressed up during the holidays with wreaths, lights, bows and a massive Christmas tree.
If you visit towards the end of November you will be able to attend the annual tree lighting (which is free to attend, rain or shine), featuring a welcome by the Town Crier, musical performances, a countdown to the lighting and even an appearance from Santa!
Day or night, pick up a hot chocolate from Dolci Gelato across the street, and head to a bench to sit and relax amongst the decorations and festive environment in the heart of Alexandria.
Get a Taste of Europe at a Holiday Market
There are three holiday markets in Alexandria, all with their own unique flair and flavor.
France and Germany’s quintessential Christmas markets stateside with their annual European-style holiday market in the Carlyle District. Unique art and craft items, enjoy live entertainment, traditional European food and sweets, hot wine, and beer permeate throughout the market, which is free and runs daily from the middle of December through Christmas Eve.
At the end of November begins the Alexandria Makers Market, showcasing local makers, designers and artisans. In addition to the great local Christmas shopping you can also try out various DIY workshops while sipping on a hot or cold beverage.
Del Rey is another Alexandria neighborhood that doesn’t get a huge amount of love but has a huge amount of character. There are two different markets in Del Rey, the Holiday Pop-Up Market in the middle of December, and another multi-day indoor market (the Del Ray Artisans’ Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market) which features handmade creations from different artisans each weekend in December.
Walk Through the Neighborhood (During the Day & at Night) to See the Decorations
Along King Street twinkling lights are strung through the trees of the brick-lined sidewalks and a bunch of the boutiques have decorated their exteriors with beautiful greenery.
Old Town brings a sort of Dickens Village to life with its brick-lined sidewalks and gas lanterns (yes, some people have kept the charm of these lamps rather than converting them to electric).
Many people fully embrace the holiday season with their impressive displays so make sure you grab a hot chocolate or coffee from Dolci Gelati Café, and slip off onto the side streets winding up and down and back around to the center of Old Town.
If you are in town for Small Business Saturday you can participate in the special in-store activities many of the boutique feature including free treats and hands-on activities. Be sure to watch out for carolers as they can pop up for a pleasant surprise throughout Old Town.
See the Spectacle That is the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade
Now before I moved here I had no idea this event existed, but boy am I glad I randomly found out about it days before.
Whether you are Scottish or not this parade, which typically happens the first weekend in December, floods Old Town with Scottish-style holiday festivities, saluting the city’s Scottish heritage. In addition to the parade which features with bagpipers, kilts and various dog breeds of Scottish descent, the weekend also includes events such as the Taste of Scotland Scotch tasting and Holiday Homes Tours – which offers a rare glimpse into some of Old Town’s most magnificent homes which have decked out for the holidays by local interior designers and florists.
Watch the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Also at the beginning of December is Alexandria’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, which can be seen from many spots along the waterfront walk.
Starting at sundown, dozens of brightly lit boats – some even featuring music and dressed up holiday characters – cruise along a one-mile stretch of the Potomac River shoreline.
In addition to the boat parade, if you head to Waterfront Park prior to sundown you can enjoy a multitude of festivities including a pop-up beer garden, craft activities, hot chocolate, apple cider, and photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Speaking of Santa… Don’t Forget to See Him Waterski
Yes, Santa arrives to Alexandria on Christmas Eve in true style. The day before the big day head to the waterfront in the afternoon for a hilarious show by Alexandria’s own “Waterskiing Santa” and his crew – if you arrive early you can also catch the pre-show which happens on jet skis.
Image Credit: Nick Eckert (via Visit ALX)
As you can expect this is a very popular event so it’s best to come early to scoop up one of the prime viewing spots at Waterfront Park, the Alexandria City Marina, Founders Park or Point Lumley Park.
Enjoy Festive Live Entertainment
Sure, the Kennedy Center and Ford’s Theater may get a lot of hype for their classic annual shows, but did you know that Alexandria also has its own Little Theater?
One of the most beloved traditions is The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s annual performance of “A Christmas Carol”, which starts at the beginning of December.
Also at the beginning of December is the Alexandria Singers’ annual holiday pops concert weekend – which features pop and jazz arrangements into holiday tunes.
Step Back Into the 18th Century at Mount Vernon
Now while George Washington’s Mount Vernon may not be in close proximity to Old Town Alexandria, as the rest of these activities are, it makes for the perfect day trip, and must be on your Alexandria holiday list.
Beginning the end of November and running all the way to New Year’s Mount Vernon has a multitude of festivities and is decorated to the nines to keep your holiday season merry and bright.
While touring the mansion is a classic experience, it gets a little more festive this time of year with a “Mount Vernon by Candlelight” lantern-lit walk featuring colonial dancing, hot drinks by a bonfire and a recreation of an 18th-century soldiers’ winter encampment; and the Christmas Illuminations event featuring local choirs, re-enactors and a fireworks display choreographed to holiday music as you stroll through the estate.
BONUS FESTIVE ACTIVITIES: Once you have experienced all of the holiday charm of Alexandria, make sure you head out on a couple of Northern Virginia holiday day trips including checking out all the festive trees in DC, and taking a day trip to experience the cute decorations in Loundon County.
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