Christmas Tree Lighting Set For Weekend At Alexandria's Market Square

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria will ring in the holiday season early with a Christmas tree lighting at Market Square on Saturday, Nov. 20.

The city's tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at Market Square (301 King St.). The Town Crier will welcome visitors, and holiday music will follow as Santa Claus arrives by King Street Trolley. Then count down to the tree lighting as Alexandria officially welcomes the holiday season. Mayor Justin Wilson and others will be present for the ceremony.

Afterward, visit Alexandria's variety of restaurants and get started on holiday shopping at independently-owned boutiques. The Alexandria Choral Society will host a performance at 8 p.m. at the Carlyle House Historic Park. The performance kicks off its Snow Globe Series concert tour, a series of free holiday pop-up concerts around Alexandria. Other performances will include Nov. 23 at John Carlyle Square Park, Nov. 30 at Casa Chirilagua, Dec. 7 at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden and Dec. 14 at William Ramsay Recreation Center. All performances are at 8 p.m.

There is no cost associated with the tree lighting event. The Alexandria Health Department is recommending masks at outdoor public gatherings during crowded conditions regardless of vaccination status.

Attendees are encouraged to use public transit or walk to the tree lighting. Visitors can arrive in Old Town via the Metro Blue or Yellow Line, then the King Street Trolley to Market Square. There are also various parking garages and on-street parking options around Old Town.

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