Your Guide To 2020 Alexandria Holiday Events

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The holiday season will go on in Alexandria, albeit with some changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There's a reason Alexandria was named one of Oprah Magazine's Best Christmas Villages and Town in the World in 2020 and Southern Magazine's Perfect Southern Town for a Hallmark Christmas Movie last year. The city is known for having a wide variety of holiday events, from parades to holiday markets and other business events.

Two of the season's top events, the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade and Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, were canceled due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, many events will be happening with safety precautions and often admission limits. There are also activities and events to enjoy from home.

Below is our guide to holiday events in Alexandria during November and December. Events are listed by date. We will add to this list when more events are announced.

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

• Nov. 20-Jan. 3 and ice skating only on Jan. 9-Feb. 28
• Admission: $8.16 for general admission, $20.68 for admission with skating; starting on Jan. 9, admission is $12.19 for skating
• Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria

The Winter Village returns for another year. Visitors can stop at the ice rink, more than a dozen holiday light displays, retail area, food, music and more. Igloos are not available due to COVID-19 restrictions. Social distancing must be followed, and face masks are required except when eating and drinking in concession areas. Advance tickets are encouraged, and a limited amount of tickets will be available for purchase on site.

Office of Historic Alexandria’s “Winter in Alexandria” Kit

• Reservations open on Nov. 20 and kits will ship on Dec. 11

Purchase a Winter in Alexandria kit that includes materials to step-by-step instructions on how to explore Alexandria’s history through hands-on activities and stories. With ten different activities, there will be plenty to do over winter break. Reservations and pricing for kits will be available online at alexandriava.gov/shop.

City of Alexandria Tree Lighting

• Online beginning on Nov. 21, throughout season at Market Square, 300 King Street, Alexandria

This year, the City of Alexandria’s 2020 Tree Lighting ceremony at Market Square will move online in an effort to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual ceremony will feature virtual presentations, including a proclamation from the Town Crier, remarks from Mayor Wilson, a message from Santa and a poem read by Alexandria Poet Laureate KaNikki Jakarta. The ceremony will be posted online alexandriava.gov. Visitors can mask up to visit the Market Square tree in person throughout the season.

Old Town 2nd Annual Cookie Crawl

• Nov. 21-22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Admission: $30 registration fee
• Various locations in Old Town Alexandria

The Old Town Business Association will hold its second annual Old Town Cookie Crawl. Schedule a time to pick up your tin, then shop and fill your cookie tin with pre-wrapped treats among 25 retailers in Old Town Alexandria. Advance registration is required. Pickup times are available beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.

Alexandria’s Holiday Market at Carlyle

• Virtual from November 27 to December 4, 2020; in-person December 5-6, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Admission: Free
• John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria

This annual event transforms John Carlyle Square into a lively open-air festival. This year, shop online and preorder items before the in-person market, which will feature physically distant vendors and musical entertainment including Gretchen and the Sidecar Six. The holiday market and festivities are sponsored by The Carlyle Vitality Initiative.

Christmas at Mount Vernon

• Nov. 27-Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Admission: $23 for adults; $12 for youth (ages 6-11); free for children age 5 and below; extra cost for some activities
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon

Visit Mount Vernon this winter to participate in holiday activities and meet special guest Aladdin the camel. Learn about camels and George Washington’s interest in exotic animals during Camel Talks, offered Friday through Sunday starting on Nov. 27. There are also specialty tours such as "Mrs. Washington’s Mount Vernon," which takes guests through the day-to-day planning needed for a busy holiday season. The "Holiday Dinner for the Washingtons" tour shares how food was grown, preserved and served during the holidays. Mount Vernon is open on Christmas Day.

Winter Glow at Mount Vernon

• Nov. 27-29, Dec. 11-13 and 26-28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Admission: Starting at $25 for members; $30 for non-members
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon

Experience an enchanted evening of winter lights at Mount Vernon. See the estate illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns as you listen to Christmas carolers and visit an 18th-century winter encampment. You can also meet Aladdin the camel, shop for artisan-made goods, purchase warm food and holiday drinks at the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck and more.

Del Ray Holiday Market

• Nov. 28-29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Admission: free
• Del Ray Psych & Wellness parking lot, 1900 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria

Explore sidewalk sales and other promotions with this kickoff event on Small Business Saturday. This open-air market will feature Del Ray Business Association members and local artists from Art on the Avenue. Vendors will be physically distanced, and masks are required for entry. On Saturday, there will be a food drive for The Salvation Army in their adjacent parking lot, On Sunday, there will be food vendors and live music.

ArtWalk by The Art League and Old Town Business Association

• Map available beginning on Dec. 1
• Admission: Free
• Various locations along King Street (Union Street to Diagonal Road), and select side streets

Old Town Business Association is partnering with The Art League of Alexandria to offer a holiday themed ArtWalk in Old Town along King Street and select side streets. Each block will feature a work of art adorning a lamppost. Holidays trees will also be located on both upper and lower King Streets. Maps may be found at oldtownbusiness.org starting on Dec. 1.

Winter Wonderland at The Alexandrian’s King & Rye

• Dec. 2 to Jan. 30; igloos available Wednesday-Saturday with reservations beginning at 4:30 p.m.
• Admission: Free; $50 for igloo rental and $100 food and beverage minimum with igloo use
• King & Rye, 480 King Street, Alexandria

King & Rye’s courtyard will transform into a Winter Wonderland. In addition to general courtyard seating with heat lamps and holiday decor, new this year are igloos that can be booked for private dining for up to eight guests. This is ideal for social distancing as you are only in the space with your party, and the area is sanitized between parties. The igloos will each have heaters as well as the option to play your own music via a Bluetooth speaker. The igloos will be reservation required with a $50 rental and $100 food and beverage minimum. The rental will include a hot cocoa and cookie bar. For food and beverage, enjoy a tapas style menu with a southern twist and festive cocktails. Reservations can be booked online or via info@kingandrye.com as of Dec. 2.

Holiday Kissing Ball Workshop at Lee-Fendall House

• Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
• Admission: $20
• Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria

Learn how to create your own traditional holiday kissing ball using fresh boxwood from Lee-Fendall's own garden. All materials will be provided provided. Space is limited to 10 participants per workshop.

Del Ray Artisans' 25th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market

• Dec. 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20; Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Admission: Free
• 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria

During the first three weekends in December, the 25th annual Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market offers unique handcrafted fine arts and crafts from local artists. Artists offer a variety of media, including fiber and textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, painting, paper crafting, photography, pottery and ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, wood turning and more. Different artists are featured each weekend. Del Ray Artisans Gallery and the Holiday Market follows ALX Promise guidelines to protect the public. Face masks are required, and the number of individuals allowed in the gallery is limited.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s "A Christmas Carol"

• Dec. 4-19; Wednesday to Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday at 3 p.m.
• Admission: $20
• The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria

The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents the timeless holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol." This heartwarming story of compassion and transformation brings to life the beloved characters of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a number of other intriguing characters. This year’s production will feature seven "actual" actors portraying all the traditional roles and even a few new ones. The unique aspect of this production will be the inculcation of real ghosts. That’s right, a few characters may not be who they seem to be. The production combines animation, 3D and virtual reality to totally bemuse and confuse the audience. Seating will be socially distanced and limited.

Kwanzaa How-To Workshop with Office of Historic Alexandria

• Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Admission: Free (registration required)

Enjoy learning how to celebrate Kwanzaa in your home and all the family fun it brings. Learn about the principles, symbols, recipes, and crafts. Register online at alexandriava.gov/shop to receive the link to join the hour-long program.

Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival

• Dec. 5
• Admission: Free
• Virtual and at Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314

The Torpedo Factory Art Center’s annual holiday event moves online for a series of select art projects and download-ables to enjoy with your loved ones. Stop by the Art Center to visit artist studios and shop for your holiday gifts or browse Torpedo Factory’s web site for links to studio artists' online shops.

Colonial Winter Nights at Carlyle House

• Dec. 5-6 and 12-13, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (tours every half hour)
• Admission: $10 per adult; $3 per child; free for children under 6
• Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria

Experience the holiday season with Carlyle House focusing on how the Carlyles and the estate’s enslaved workers observed the holidays during the 18th century. Stay tuned for updates about live music and check out deals in the Museum Shop. Space is limited and reservations are required. All COVID-19 safety procedures will be in place during this tour.

Holiday Candlelight Tours at Lee-Fendall House

• Dec. 5, 12 and 19; 5 to 8 p.m. (tours every half hour)
• Admission: $8 per adult; $3 per child; free for children under 6
• Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria

Celebrate the holiday season with evening candlelight tours of the Lee-Fendall House decked out in Victorian splendor. The antique toy exhibit will also be on view. Space is limited and reservations are required. Face masks and social distancing will be in place throughout the tour.

A Victorian Christmas at Lee-Fendall House

• Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Admission: $8 per adult; $12 per child; free for children under 2
• Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria

Experience the wonder of the season by visiting the Lee-Fendall House for a family-friendly Victorian Christmas. Enjoy traditional decor, music, seasonal crafts, a visit by Santa and more. Timed tickets on the hour are available through advance registration. All recommended health requirements will be followed, including face masks and social distancing.

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

• Dec. 18-19, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Admission: Starting at $20 for members; $22 for non-members
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon

Attend the evening event Christmas Illuminations, a festive fireworks show choreographed to holiday music. You'll visit with re-enactors throughout the estate and stay toasty warm by the bonfire. Tickets for Christmas Illuminations are available to purchase online.

Mansion House Christmas at Carlyle House

• Dec. 19-20 and 26-27, 5 to 8 p.m. (tours every half hour)
• Admission: $10 per adult; $3 per child; free for children under 6
• Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria

Discover how Christmas was celebrated when the Green family lived at Carlyle House and the Mansion House Hotel was being used as a Civil War hospital. Tours are offered of the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Stay tuned for updates about live music and check out deals in the Museum Shop. Space is limited and reservations are required. All COVID-19 safety procedures will be in place during this tour.

Waterskiing Santa

• Available starting on Dec. 20
• Admission: free
• Virtual

The annual Christmas Eve tradition won't be live this year, but it will be aired on Dec. 20. Tune in to see Santa and his helpers — and of course the Grinch who tries to steal Christmas. The show originated after a bet between friends led to the loser waterskiing on the Potomac River. It turned into a tradition delighting families on the waterfront for over 30 years.

Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Virtual Olde Year's Day

• Dec. 31
• Admission: Free
• Virtual

Welcome 2021 from the comfort of your home with art videos and projects to create and share.

Holiday Open House at Carlyle House

• December 31, 5 to 8 p.m. (tours on the half hour)
• Admission: $10 per adult; $3 per child; free for children under 6
• Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria

Wrap up your year with a visit to Carlyle House on New Year’s Eve. Guests will learn about holiday traditions of old, some which we still enjoy today. Stay tuned for updates about live music. Be sure to check out the Museum Shop clearance sale. Tours offered of the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All COVID-19 safety procedures will be in place during this tour.

26th Anniversary First Night Alexandria

• Dec. 31 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (or virtual)
• Admission: $75 per car for VIP admission; $60 per car for general admission; $20 for virtual link. Ticket sales begin in late November with limited in-person capacity.
• 5001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria

New this year, First Night Alexandria brings "A Night of Nostalgia" with a drive-in concert experience. Load up the car and celebrate the arrival of 2021 with a VIP drive-in concert experience. Sing-along, dance and enjoy a night filled with classic hits, local food truck favorites and exciting giveaways. You can also enjoy First Night Alexandria at home with the same music as the live event, streamed to you virtually.

This annual festival of music and performing arts is a capstone holiday event in Alexandria and offers great options for family and friends to celebrate together safely. The site for entertainment this year expands the focus to the West End of Alexandria. A portion of the proceeds support young musicians studying choral, band and orchestra in Alexandria middle and high schools. Sponsorships are available and donations are welcome.