Unfortunately, two of Alexandria’s signature holiday events, the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, will not take place this year due to the pandemic (boo, 2020!). But that does not mean there’s no fun to be had in Alexandria this holiday season? Definitely not! Read on for our round-up of fun things to do in Alexandria this holiday season.
Fun Things To Do in Alexandria This Holiday Season
Support Small Businesses
It’s always important to support small and local businesses but never more so than in 2020. Make small businesses a priority in your holiday shopping this year. Alexandria shoppers will enjoy special 
deals, promotions, and Instagram giveaways from participating local shops. As an added bonus, submit a receipt before December 20 from any of these shops for a chance to win a Santa-gram!
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Check out this amazing winter wonderland, open until January 3 (4001 Eisenhower Avenue). Parking is free and the experience is stroller friendly! “Slice n’ Ice” offers pizza, hot dogs, donut holes, and hot and cold beverages. Tickets are $8.16 for general admission and $20.68 for admission with skating (one-hour session and skate rentals). Social distancing and the statewide mask mandate will be enforced.
Dine In an Igloo
King and Rye (480 King Street) is offering a totally unique holiday dining experience from December 2 to January 30. For a $50 rental fee (and $100 food and beverage minimum), you can dine in your very own igloo, complete with a heater and Bluetooth speaker to customize the temperature (and music!). Enjoy a specialty cocktail like the warm “Cozy by the Fire” and a shareable “Southern Paella,” served in a cast-iron skillet!
The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “A Christmas Carol”
Enjoy this Christmas classic from the LTA from December 4-19 (600 Wolfe Street). This special production features actors portraying traditional roles — plus a few new ones (hello, ghosts!). The production combines animation, 3D, and virtual reality to take this beloved Christmas tradition to a whole new level! Shows are on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 p.m. and weekends at 3 p.m. Admission is $20. Seating is limited due to social distancing requirements.
Colonial Winter Nights at Carlyle House
Visit the Carlyle House (121 N. Fairfax Street) to learn first-hand how the Carlyle Family — and its enslaved workers — marked the holidays during the 18th century. Reservations are required and COVID-19 protocols will be in place for all tours. Tours take place December 5-6 and 12-13 from 5 – 8 p.m. Cost is $10, with children under six free ($3 for children over six).
Holiday Candlelight Tours at Lee-Fendall House
Enjoy a candlelight tour of the Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco Street) in all of its Victorian splendor, including an antique toy exhibit. Reservations are required and 
COVID-19 protocols will be in place for all tours. Tours are offered every half hour on December 5, 12, and 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is $8 per adult and $3 per child (six and over).
Visit Del Ray
Starting December 5, enjoy a Holiday Scavenger for the chance to win gift cards to local businesses. Check out window displays of Del Ray’s shops and restaurants. On December 6, watch the neighborhood’s Christmas tree lighting, complete with carols by the Alexandria Singers, a traditional countdown, and an appearance by Santa himself! Del Ray will also host Menorah lightings at 6:30 p.m. on each night of Hanukkah, December 10 to 18.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
See the home of our nation’s first President as never before — illuminated with soft lights and holiday patterns! At Winter Glow, you’ll be able to visit an 18th-century 
winter encampment and meet the estate’s beloved holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel, all while enjoying Christmas carols. Food and drink, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase. Tickets are $25 youth, $40 adult for members and $30 youth, $45 adult for non-members. Reserve tickets here (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway).
Take an Old Town Art Walk
Take a stroll along Old Town’s holiday-themed ArtWalk. Old Town businesses partnered with 25 artists from The Art League to create holiday-themed art decorating the lamp posts along King Street and select side streets. Maps of the artwork can be found at here beginning December 1.
Visit Cox Farms
Take a drive and pick up a Christmas tree and other holiday essentials (greens, apple cider, and mulling spices) at this Northern Virginia landmark. Trees of all sizes are available to order online and can be picked up from November 27 until December 21. Cox Farms (5621 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA 20120) also offers a holiday version of its Halloween hit, the self-driven hayride, Fridays – Mondays. Also, be sure to visit Foamhenge, the farm’s famous full-size replica of Stonehenge, made entirely of styrofoam!
Celebrate First Night Alexandria
First Night Alexandria brings “A Night of Nostalgia” with a drive-in concert experience. Load up the family car and celebrate the arrival of 2021 with a VIP drive-in concert experience in Alexandria’s West End. Sing-along to a night filled with classic hits, local food truck favorites, and exciting giveaways. The event can also be live-streamed from home as well.
Cut Down Your Christmas Tree
Travel a little further to cut down your own Christmas tree this year! Below are the best area farms to visit.
Mayne’s Farm
3420 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown, MD 21717
Snicker’s Gap Tree Farm
34350 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill, VA 20141
Dan and Bryan Christmas Trees
264 Knott Road, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm
2425 Wickliffe Road, Berryville, VA 22611
The Bottom Line
While the 2020 holiday season will certainly look and feel different than any other, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Alexandria this holiday season. So bundle up, think outside the box, and enjoy the spirit of the season!
Do you have an idea for a fun holiday outing this year? Drop us a line so we can check it out too!
