Del Ray Tree, Menorah Lighting 2021: Sheriff To Lead Countdown

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Del Ray's annual Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting is back in 2021 after being held virtually last year.

The holiday kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. Del Ray business owners Bill Blackburn and Mike Anderson will once again be donating the Christmas tree.

Come early to see Friends of ROAM (Rock of Ages Music) perform a holiday concert to support scholarships for kids who cannot afford music lessons. The Alexandria Kinderchoir will also perform just before the 6 p.m. event.

Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, who is retiring at the end of 2021, will lead the countdown to the tree lighting. Aside from the tree and menorah lighting, visitors can walk along Mount Vernon Avenue to see over 2,000 luminaries in memory of the late Nancy Dunning, a real estate agent who helped revitalize the Del Ray neighborhood. Businesses will also be decorated with hand-painted windows, and a holiday scavenger hunt is planned. Del Ray Artisans will also hold a Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5 along with other dates.

Menorah lightings started Sunday, Nov. 28 and continue nightly for Hanukkah. The 2021 Hanukkah holiday continues through Dec. 6.

A collection for Carpenter's Shelter will be held during the holiday kickoff. Donations of full-size lotions, deodorants, body wash, ground coffee, flip flops or shower shoes in various sizes will be accepted for Carpenter’s Shelter.

The Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting event is held by the Del Ray Business Association.