Want to celebrate Alexandria's biggest holiday weekend but don't know where to start? Dinna fash yersel! (That's Scottish for don't worry.) We've rounded up our top picks to keep you covered all weekend long, from The Campagna Center's Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights to happenings at historic sites and holiday traditions in Del Ray.
November 30, 2018, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Get into the Scottish "spirit" and book your ticket to The Campagna Center's Taste of Scotland event, where you can sample varieties of scotches and other Scottish spirits and lift a glass to our city's founding fathers.
December 1, 2018, starting at 11 a.m.
The Campagna Center's Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is the can't-miss event of the weekend—maybe even the year—in Alexandria. More than 20,000 parade-goers enjoy the event annually, with bellowing bagpipes leading over one hundred marching dancers, reenactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus, and much more. The Campagna Center will also host the Heather and Greens Sales on Friday and Saturday, as well as the Holiday Home Tours Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Have fun at Scottish Walk and feel good doing it—proceeds from all events benefit The Campagna Center's core programs that help children and families in the local area.
December 1, 2018, from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Explore Alexandria's history and take advantage of this rare opportunity to stroll through some of Old Town's most splendid homes decked out for the holidays by acclaimed interior designers and local florists. Find a list of this year's participating homes here.
December 1, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy a free tour of the historic Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and learn about this family run business and the products they sold to the residents of Alexandria between 1792 and 1933. Don't miss the Apothecary's museum shop, which is filled with fun, creative, and unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list!
December 1, 2018, from noon to 4 p.m.
Step back in time to see Carlyle House decorated for the holidays in the style of the 18th century. John Carlyle, one of Alexandria's town founders, was a British merchant of Scottish descent. Come into the museum to warm up after the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and learn more about 18th century Alexandria!
December 1, 2018, from 1 to 4 p.m.
An almost completely intact ship's biscuit from the 18th century was found in Alexandria last year. To commemorate the discovery, visitors are invited to make their own ship's biscuit. Each biscuit will be stamped with the year and then baked at home to track its preservation. It's fun, it's free, and it's for the entire family.
December 1, 2018, from 2 to 8 p.m.
Before and after the 19th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, parade-goers are invited to step in to the Torpedo Factory Art Center, which will be open until 8 p.m. with its annual Holiday Festival. Shop for handmade artful gifts while exploring open studios and meeting artists. Special performances at the art center include appearances by the Alexandria Choral Society Pro Coro and the Silver 5 Brass Quintet.
December 1, 2018, at 5:30 p.m.; Festivities at the marina from 2 to 8 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m. on the day of The Campagna Center's iconic Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, Alexandria's historic waterfront shines as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River for the 19th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. The parade was named a Top 10 Best Holiday Parade by the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards in 2017.
December 2, 2018, starting at 8 a.m. followed by brunch at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Everyone knows the holidays are made for friends, fun, running and delicious food. Come out in your holiday finest (running shoes strongly encouraged!) and join Pacers for a run that will take you south through Old Town on Union Street and then connect to the George Washington Memorial Parkway Trail. There will be different turnaround options from 4 miles up 20 miles—plenty of options to fit your training goals. Tickets are required for a seat at Chadwicks' "Run then Brunch." One run group will have brunch at 9 a.m. and the second group will go at 10 a.m. Come in your holiday sweater to receive 20% off your tab.
December 2, 2018, at 6 p.m.
UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast, the event has been moved to Sunday, December 2.
In Del Ray, take part in the annual holiday tree lighting, featuring a special appearance by Santa Claus who will lead carols and sit for photos with children. Continue the celebration and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminaries. Pick your favorite in the neighborhood business association's annual Christmas tree decorating contest.
December 2, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find the perfect gift at this pop-up market featuring local artisans and at-home entrepreneurs.
November 30-December 1, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At the holidays you can't go far in Alexandria without being wowed by the historic homes donning beautiful wreaths and festive greenery. Bring a bit of the signature Old Town holiday décor home or to your office at The Campagna Center's Heather and Greens sale where you can buy fresh heather bundles, wreaths or garlands.
November 30, 2018, from 6 to 9 p.m.
December 1-2, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shop small at the Del Ray Artisans' Annual Holiday Market and find unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists, including pottery/ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber, paper crafts and glass. Artists donate a percentage of their sales back to Del Ray Artisans to help support future exhibits and programs.
This holiday season, experience Mount Vernon in the soft glow of candlelight! You will be guided into the 18th century for a lantern-lit tour of the historic area, where you will see the Slave Quarters and the Blacksmith Shop. Inside the Mansion, Martha Washington and other Mount Vernon residents will welcome you into their home and share stories of past Christmases. After the tour concludes, continue the experience by visiting the Greenhouse and participating in 18th-century dancing, just as the Washingtons might have done during the holidays. Enjoy cookies while sipping warm cider, listening to fireside caroling, and paying a visit to Aladdin the Christmas camel.
November 30, 2018, at 8 p.m.
December 1, 2018, at 3 and 6 p.m.
December 2, 2018, at 3 and 6 p.m.
December 1, 2018, at 3 and 8 p.m.
December 2, 2018, at 3 and 7 p.m.
Christmas 1912. The Old Bull and Bush Public House, Hampstead, London, is alive with British music hall songs and Christmas carols. Come and enjoy a pint or two, eat mince pies and sausage rolls, laugh at corny jokes and funny sketches, toe-tap to tuneful melodies and join in the sing-a-longs. The show was a staple at the Old Vat Room at Arena Stage for years, and this season welcomes Florrie Forde, the most famous music hall star of the era, and her troupe of British performers as we celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
To everyone coming out for Alexandria's biggest weekend, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Don't forget to use #visitALX on all your photos from the weekend. For more information on holidays in Alexandria, click here.