Alexandria dresses up for the holidays like it was born to do it. Brick sidewalks, nostalgic gas lamps, and colonial facades make Old Town feel like a stage set for a Hallmark movie, and the city backs the look with parades, tree lightings, markets, and small-business energy that keeps the season local and lively.
Whether you’re planning a one-night holiday date, a family weekend, or a season of giving back, use this guide to map an Alexandria itinerary that fits your style.
Holiday Events
Alexandria stages a compact but full calendar of signature seasonal events that act as anchors for holiday plans. Here are dependable favorites to put on your calendar.
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
A decades-old tradition celebrating Alexandria’s Scottish roots, the Scottish Christmas Parade features pipe bands, clans in tartans, and community groups; it’s also a major fundraiser for the Campagna Center. Expect this parade on the first Saturday of December.
December 6, 2025 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dozens of festively lit boats cruise the Potomac River for the Parade of Lights, while Waterfront Park hosts dockside activities, a pop-up beer garden, and family entertainment. This parade is a highlight for waterfront watching and community gatherings.
December 6, 2025
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show (John Carlyle Square)
A juried holiday market with crafters, edible gifts, and artisan wares, this event is a single-stop shopping option for locally made presents. Look for dates and vendor lists on Visit Alexandria.
December 15, 2025
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
A short drive from Alexandria, Mount Vernon’s candlelit guided tours and historic holiday programming offer atmospheric evening visits and a chance to experience 18th-century holiday traditions. It’s ideal for a family outing paired with Old Town dining.
Multiple Dates
Neighborhood Light Shows
Part of Alexandria’s charm is that neighborhood displays are walkable, and the city’s waterfront and surrounding counties offer several big light experiences. These are both local and within easy driving distance.
Bull Run Festival of Lights (drive-through, nearby Centreville)
If you want a drive-through spectacle, Bull Run’s 2.5-mile animated displays are a short drive from Alexandria and offer a warm, car-friendly option for families. Finish with the holiday village for snacks and shopping.
Multiple Dates
Mount Vernon By Candlelight
Join us for a candlelit guided tour and hear about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Learn about the build-up to the American Revolution as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of 1775.
The first and second floors of George Washington’s Mansion will be open during this event.
Multiple Dates
Santa-Approved Shopping
Alexandria’s shops are the reason strolling is still the best form of shopping. Below are reliable Old Town and neighborhood stores, artists’ centers, and specialty purveyors where you’ll find well-curated gifts.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
A one-of-a-kind art center housing dozens of studios where you can buy original art, jewelry, ceramics, and limited-edition works directly from artists. Torpedo Factory runs a seasonal “Made in Alexandria” pop-up and holiday shopping programs.
Red Barn Mercantile
A longtime King Street home-goods and gift shop, Red Barn Mercantile features curated décor, toys, and artisan housewares that make for strong hostess and home gifts.
Boxwood Old Town
Beautifully merchandised home décor, candles, and small gift sets; Boxwood also hosts workshops and seasonal events ideal for experiential gifts.
Penny Post
A dedicated stationery and paper-goods store with cards, wrapping, and quirky small gifts for correspondents and hosts. Great for holiday cards and thoughtful stocking stuffers.
The John Carlyle Square Market
Join us for the biggest Christmas market in Old Town Alexandria at the Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show! This festive event is a holiday shopper’s dream, featuring tons of seasonal items like unique gifts, holiday décor, and more, all crafted by talented local artisans. With carolers filling the air with joyous tunes and a DJ spinning holiday classics, it’s sure to get you in the spirit of the season.
Restaurants and Bars
Old Town and nearby neighborhoods offer everything from old-school seafood to quiet wine bars. Reserve early during December weekends.
The Majestic
A historic King Street landmark offering modern American comfort food in a cozy, art-filled dining room. The Majestic is a go-to for holiday dinner reservations.
Hank’s Oyster Bar (Old Town)
Hank’s is a local favorite for oysters, seafood, and casual, crowd-pleasing menus; excellent for family gatherings and lively holiday lunches.
Chart House (Alexandria Waterfront)
Known for views and seafood classics, Chart House is a predictable pick for holiday meals with a waterfront view — plan ahead for window seating.
The Light Horse
Classic Old Town bar and restaurant with a warm, tavern feel, often available for private holiday parties and late-night toasts. See the calendar for holiday events.
Christmas Tree Farms and Lots
If you prefer a real tree and the tradition of choosing it, Alexandria sits within convenient driving distance of several Virginia and Maryland farms, plus reliable local lots and nurseries.
Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm (Berryville, VA)
A family-run cut-your-own farm with a large Christmas shop and seasonal dates; it’s a scenic drive and offers the full farm experience. Moose Apple Tree Farm has over 30 acres of beautifully hand-sheared Christmas Trees. With a wide variety of trees from Canaan Fir and Concolor Fir to Norway Spruce, we have something for everyone.
Miller Farms Market (Locust Grove region)
Local market offering pre-cut trees and seasonal decorations; they often source Virginia-grown Fraser firs and run giveaways and tree care guidance.
Almost Heavenly Christmas Trees (Falls Church / Falls Church area locations)
A seasonal vendor with several Northern Virginia locations offering Fraser and Douglas firs, delivery, and tree services.
Milltown Creek Tree Farms (Lovettsville / Loudoun County)
Choose-and-cut farm with family activities and an old-fashioned farm feel, accessible for a day trip from Alexandria.
Volunteer Opportunities
The holidays are the busiest time for nonprofits, and Alexandria organizations need volunteers for food distribution, shelters, donation sorting, and holiday-specific drives. Here are effective local partners and how to reach them.
ALIVE! (Alexandrians InVolved Ecumenically)
A long-standing community coalition, ALIVE! runs food distributions, furniture and housewares programs, and seasonal drives. Volunteers can help at the food hub, with holiday deliveries, or with special events.
Carpenter’s Shelter
A key provider of emergency shelter and case-management services, volunteers support meal service, mentoring, and shelter operations, and the organization runs seasonal meal programs through the winter.
Food For Others (regional partner)
While based in Fairfax, Food For Others supports Northern Virginia’s hunger network, and volunteers help with food distribution, packing, and delivery shifts that benefit Alexandria neighbors as well.
Happy Holidays from Curcio Law
Alexandria’s holiday scene blends small-town atmosphere and big-city offerings: parades and tree lightings in historic squares, waterfront boat parades, vibrant markets full of local makers, comforting restaurants for every kind of celebration, and nearby farms if you want to choose and cut your own tree.
The real magic of the season here is that nearly every experience supports a local business, nonprofit, or maker — so your evenings out or volunteer hours help keep the community warm.
Come for twinkling lights, warm hospitality, and a holiday that looks and feels distinctly Alexandrian.
