Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Alexandria, VA

Just a few minutes south of Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA have a wonderful mix of historic sites, shops and a wonderful view of nation capitol. It's also a great place to celebrate the Christmas holiday seasons. Here are some of the holiday events taking place in Alexandria, VA.

City of Alexandria's Tree Lighting Ceremony: After spending Black Friday looking for gifts for your loved ones, you might need a break from the marathon shopping to check out a Christmas tree. The City of Alexandria lights up their Christmas on November 24 at Historic Market Square in Old Town from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight: What happens when History and Holiday tradition joins forces? You get the annual Candlelight tour of Mount Vernon. You can see this historic site in a different manner. Visitors will learn about the Washington's' Christmas traditions, tour the candlelit Mansion including the rarely-seen third floor, and meet historical characters 'Martha Washington' and 'Tobias Lear.' In addition, visitors will be treated to caroling and refreshments. It's the only time Mount Vernon is open for evening public tours.

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend: Entering its 36th year, The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend celebrates Scottish culture with fresh scent of heather and the festive melody of bagpipes throughout the quaint streets of Old Town. The main attractions include a Christmas Marketplace, Taste of Scotland, Children's Tea Party and the Scottish Walk Parade. This Alexandria tradition takes place from November 30 to December 2. The Taste of Scotland and Children's Tea Party require buying a ticket to attend the event. Other events have free admission.

Kwanzaa Craft and Game Workshop: For those unfamiliar with the celebration of Kwanzaa, the staff at Alexandria Black History Museum has the answer for you. They will present the principles of Kwanzaa in a fun, interactive workshop for families. This event is perfect for those with no knowledge of the African American celebration, or is great for someone who wants to learn new ways to incorporate Kwanzaa into their holiday season. This free event happens on December 2nd from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Ornament Decorating Workshop: The Alexandria Archaeology Museum hosts this ornament decorating event. You and your family can decorate artifact-shaped take-home dough ornament inspired by patterns and colors of the artifacts from Alexandria's rich history.
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
The Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street, #327
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703-838-4399

Christmas in Camp Open House: What happens when you mix holidays and history? This holiday event interprets how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. You and your family can catch Re-enactors, soldiers opening holiday packages from home, a Victorian tree and decorations, period music, readings of "The Night Before Christmas" and light refreshments. In addition, you can get a Soldier-guided tours of the fort, weather permitting. The event is held on December 9th from 12-4 p.m. Donations are $2 for adults and $1 for kids.

Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road.
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-838-4848

Victorian Christmas Ball: How would like to celebrate Christmas in luxurious way? Gadsby's Tavern Museum hosts this elegant holiday dance. This unique event will include live music, dance instruction, period desserts, and a cash bar. Period attire, either civilian or military, is optional. In other works, no jeans, sweats or work clothes are part of this party's dress code. This event takes place on December 2nd from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Reservations are required.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: 703-838-4242

Soldiers' Christmas: On December 2nd, The Carlyle House is hosting the Soldiers' Christmas. The First Virginia Regiment visits the Carlyle House. Musket and cannon, fife and drum, encampment and drills on the front lawn. It's a good way to celebrate the holidays and out troops. The price for admission hasn't been announced at this time, but you can call the museum for more details.

The Carlyle House Historic Park
121 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-549-2997

6th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights: Similar to the Parade of Lights in Annapolis, MD., Alexandria version of this holiday tradition features more than 50 brightly lit sailing and powered leisure boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City's historic waterfront. It takes place on December 2nd from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Alexandria Marina at the foot of Cameron St., behind the Torpedo Factory. This event is free for the public.

Home For The Holiday Tour and Tea: Would you like tea with your holidays? The Woodlawn Plantation is opening it doors for a holiday tour and tea tasting. You can sample tea from the 19th century and get a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House. Tickets are $30 for tea and tour, and $25 tickets are for the tasting. Reservations are required.

Woodlawn Plantation
9000 Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1)
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703/780-4000, ext. 27

Holiday On The Avenue: Similar to the Midnight Madness Black Parties in Annapolis, MD., The Del Ray neighborhood kicks off the holiday season with its annual holiday tree lighting at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center. Its luminaria display, with entertainment, stretches from Commonwealth to Monroe avenues along Mount Vernon Avenue. It free to the public, but no date has been announced!

First Night Alexandria: Celebrate the New Year's with this annual, drug and alcohol free party. Various shops, stores, office lobbies, museums and public buildings are turned into performance venues to showcase incredible local and regional talent. Past performers at First Night Alexandria include clowns, face painters and magicians for children to a world-class Scottish fiddler, a Grammy-nominated rock and roll guitarist and a classical cellist for adults. There's a small fee for adult admission, but kids 12 years old and under are free.

Here are some links to holiday events in Alexandria, VA.

http://www.firstnightalexandria.org

http://ci.alexandria.va.us/sitenav/tour_hist.html

http://www.funside.com/cal_nov.asp

http://www.funside.com/cal_dec.asp

http://www.scottishchristmaswalk.com

http://www.mountvernon.org

http://dc.about.com/od/christmasevents/a/ChrisOldTown.htm