Top Holiday Events in Alexandria, Virginia

From dazzling parades and waterfront lights to cozy markets and Santa sightings, here’s your 2025 guide to Alexandria’s most magical holiday traditions. Planning your holiday calendar? We have rounded up the best Christmas and holiday events in Alexandria for 2025, from the Scottish Walk Parade to Ice & Lights at Cameron Run, so you can make the most of the season.

Celebrate the Season in Alexandria

Alexandria shines brightest during the holidays. Historic streets glow with twinkle lights, the waterfront sparkles, and the city fills with timeless traditions.

Whether you are looking for family fun, romantic outings, or a cozy community celebration, these are the events that make the season unforgettable.

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Enjoy ice skating amidst a winter wonderland and explore stunning light displays, perfect for family photos and festive fun. Alexandria’s favorite outdoor light show returns for another season of cheer. Goodhart Tip: Visit on a weekday evening for fewer crowds and discounted tickets. Dates: November 15, 2025 – February 28, 2026 Location: Cameron Run Regional Park Learn more →

Holiday Tree Lighting

Join the City of Alexandria and the mayor in Market Square for the official start of the season. Sing along with carolers, sip cocoa, and watch Santa and Mrs. Claus help light up Old Town. Goodhart Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to grab a front-row spot and enjoy live music before the ceremony begins. Date: November 22, 2025 Location: Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria Learn more →

Annual Santa Railway Express Train

Take a magical round-trip train ride with Santa aboard the Virginia Railway Express. Now in its 19th year, this festive experience runs between Alexandria and Manassas, complete with holiday treats and a visit from the big man himself. Goodhart Tip: Bring your camera and arrive early — the event sells out quickly each year. Dates: December 1–18, 2025 Location: Alexandria VRE Station Learn more →

54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade sponsored by Wegmans

Celebrate Alexandria’s Scottish roots as dozens of clans, pipe and drum bands, terriers, and hounds march through Old Town in a holiday spectacle unlike any other. Goodhart Tip: Watch from St. Asaph Street for the best views and easier parking access. Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 (morning) Location: Old Town Alexandria (St. Asaph & Wolfe Streets to Market Square) Learn more →

25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon

As night falls, the Potomac River comes alive with dozens of beautifully lit boats gliding past the waterfront. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a festive beer garden from Port City Brewing Company. Goodhart Tip: Bundle up and grab a riverside seat at Waterfront Park or Founders Park for the best views. Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 (evening) Location: Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria Learn more →

Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off

Join the Del Ray community for a festive evening featuring a tree and menorah lighting, live music, and plenty of neighborhood cheer. It’s one of Alexandria’s most heartwarming holiday gatherings. Goodhart Tip: Bring the whole family and stay after for dinner on Mount Vernon Avenue — Del Ray restaurants go all out with seasonal specials. Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 Location: Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, Mount Vernon Ave & Oxford Ave Learn more →

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

Witness sparkling fireworks above the Potomac and tour George Washington’s Mansion by candlelight. This magical event also features an 18th-century winter encampment and a chance to meet General Washington and Aladdin the Camel. Goodhart Tip: Tickets sell out early, so secure your spot by mid-November. Dates: December 20–21, 2025 Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy Learn more →

Waterskiing Santa Show

For a holiday tradition like no other, head to the waterfront on Christmas Eve to watch Santa and his friends waterski along the Potomac River. It’s quirky, festive, and pure Alexandria fun. Goodhart Tip: Bring a thermos of cocoa and watch from Founders Park for the best view. Date: December 24, 2025 Location: Between BARCA Pier and Founders Park, Alexandria Learn more →

First Night Alexandria

Now in its 31st year, this annual celebration brings families, visitors, and local artists together for a citywide New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy live music, art, food, and family activities at John Carlyle Square Park. Goodhart Tip: Get your admission wristbands in advance for faster entry. Date: December 31, 2025 Location: John Carlyle Square Park Learn more →

New Year’s Eve Fireworks presented by the City of Alexandria

Ring in 2026 with a dazzling fireworks show over the Potomac River. There will be two displays — one early for families and another at midnight for the night owls. Goodhart Tip: Bring a blanket and find a waterfront spot by 7 PM for the best view. Date: December 31, 2025 Location: Alexandria Waterfront Learn more →

More Holiday Guides You’ll Love!

Keep the holiday spirit going with these seasonal favorites from our blog:

Goodhart Tip: Bookmark this page and check back each year. We update our guides annually to help you plan the perfect Alexandria holiday season.

Make the Season Bright with The Goodhart Group!

From tree lightings to waterfront parades, Alexandria captures the magic of the season like no other city. If you are thinking about buying or selling, or simply want to learn more about life in Alexandria, our team would love to help. Sue Goodhart | sue@thegoodhartgroup.com | 703-362-3221 Allison Goodhart DuShuttle | allison@thegoodhartgroup.com | 703-266-7277 Looking for more real estate insights and the latest listings delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter right here.

Newsletter Signup

"*" indicates required fields

Looking For Additional Resources?

We’ve got you covered. Click the button below to download our lifestyle, real estate, and area guides.

Get Our Guides