Del Ray 2020 Tree Lighting, Menorah Lighting, To Be Virtual

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The holiday kick-off in Del Ray typically features Christmas tree and Menorah lightings along with Christmas carols and visits with Santa. This year, the pandemic means the holiday kick-off will be virtual.

There's still plenty of holiday cheer to go around. The Del Ray Business Association is planning a month-long holiday celebration with socially-distant activities. It kicks off on Small Business Saturday, with the Shops of Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Out expanding from a full week. From Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, pick up a Shopping Passport at your favorite Del Ray retailer and support local businesses while enjoying promotions and entering to win giveaways.

The annual Del Ray Christmas tree lighting will be a virtual event on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. There will be the traditional countdown, an appearance by Santa, and carols with the Alexandria Singers. The Menorah lightings will take place at 6:30 p.m. on each night of Hanukkah, from Dec. 10 to 18.

Below are other activities planned for the holiday season in Del Ray.

Del Ray Holiday Market: This pop-up market features local artisans, at-home entrepreneurs, and wellness providers on Nov. 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market will be located at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Bellefonte Avenues.

Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market: On weekends from Dec. 4 to 20, browse handcrafted fine arts and crafts from local artists. Artists offer a variety of media, such as botanical drawings, fiber and textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, painting, paper crafting, photography and more. Hours are Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at the Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue. For more information, visit DelRayArtisans.org/event/holiday-market-2020.

Donation Drive for Carpenter's Shelter: The Del Ray Business Association will collect toiletries for Carpenter's Shelter, which serves the homeless with shelter, guidance, education, and advocacy. Needed items include unscented lotion, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Donations will be collected from Dec. 5 through Christmas at designated bins along Mount Vernon Avenue. Check back for bin locations at visitdelray.com/holiday.

Twelve Days of Wellness in Del Ray: The Wellness District of Del Ray will offer twelve days of self-care during the holidays from Dec. 5 to 16. Follow @thewellnessdistrictdelray on Facebook and Instagram for short videos on Wellness Wisdom during this unique holiday season.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Starting on Dec. 5, visit Pat Miller Neighborhood Square to pick up a scavenger hunt, or download one at visitdelray.com/holiday. Complete the holiday hunt for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses. The scavenger hunt will include hand-painted holiday windows being created by local artists at businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue.