Merry Christmas, Alexandria!
Boats & Bagpipes.
If you are a bagpipe fan like I am, Alexandria invites you to their unique Christmas celebration: Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (Dec. 7). Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans march through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups, and more. What’s the connection to Scotland? Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants, and the city pays homage to its heritage with this annual event.
The same day, as dusk falls across Old Town, people rush to the shores of the Potomac River to witness another beloved tradition: the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. View 50 boats ablaze with colorful lights and decked out with Christmas trees, costumed characters, and all the trimmings. At this parade, you never quite know what to expect, and that’s part of the fun!
Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting events include the City of Alexandria Tree Lighting on Market Square (Nov. 23). Santa sightings have been reported. Don’t miss the Del Ray neighborhood’s annual Christmas tree lighting, Menorah lighting, and holiday carols (Dec. 8). Stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, where thousands of luminarias line the streets, and admire hand-painted holiday windows in storefronts.
Still have items on your Christmas list? Then walk the King Street mile in Old Town, where you’ll find that perfect gift for the hard-to-please person on your list at one of Old Town’s charming boutiques, galleries, and shops. You might think you’ve been transported to a European Christmas village as you pass by lantern-lit doorways and glittering holiday decorations. Eateries offer special holiday meals but also welcome diners looking for a quick bite, coffee, or adult beverage.
Another signature event in Alexandria is First Night Alexandria (Dec. 31), the largest family- and budget-friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve event in the region. With a mission to showcase new artists, the schedule is packed with music, comedy, and shows for young and old. How about juggling, line dancing, kids’ entertainment, roots music, and silent disco? You bet! Finally, a thrilling fireworks display caps off the evening, a bright reminder of the promise of possibility in 2025. VisitAlexandria.com
More to explore…
Manassas
Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show is perfectly positioned for Christmas shopping, Dec. 7. It’s followed by Christmas in Candyland, the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, with floats, marching bands, high-flying balloons, and more. GMChristmasParade.org
Ashburn
Celebrate the holidays on Dec. 14 at Ashburn’s Ringing In Hope Jingle Bell Rock & Run, a 5K, 10K, or 1-mile Jammie Jingle Run that supports Inova Life with Cancer. Run, walk, or jog your way into the Christmas spirit, plus entertainment, games, food, and a visit from Santa. RingingInHope.org
Middleburg
Nothing beats Middleburg at Christmas. It’s a quintessential small-town America holiday event, Dec. 7, with shopping, parades, Santa, and performances guaranteed to put you in the spirit. Scan the QR code to read the cover story from our Dec. ’23 issue. ChristmasInMiddleburg.org
Merry Christmas, Virginia!
Christmas in Virginia wasn’t always celebrated with the pomp and circumstance it is today. Early colonists attended church, likely followed by a special meal. The big excitement was firing guns on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Photos with Santa, cut-your-own trees, jingle bells, and presents? These were not Christmas hallmarks or staples back in the day.
Today, it’s hard to imagine the holiday season in Virginia without decorating homes, making Christmas cookies, singing carols, and unwrapping presents around the tree on Christmas morning. Yuletide festivities seem to put everyone in a good mood—except maybe Ebenezer Scrooge, and eventually even he sees the light!
It’s a time of year when we open our doors to strangers and friends alike, and our traditions add to the cheeriness and warmth. My mother always made her Scottish grandmother’s shortbread. As kids, we helped “spank the dough” when Mom got tired of kneading. It’s a time for joyful experiences, whether cutting your own tree or attending a tree lighting in a festive town square.
If you’re ready to adopt new holiday traditions, Virginia is brimming with inventive ways and ideal places to celebrate. Need inspiration? Virginia Living breaks the state into five distinct regions. Here’s how a handful of Virginia’s small cities and towns across the regions celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
- Christmas in Central Virginia
- Christmas in the Shenandoah Valley
- Christmas in Southwest Virginia
- Christmas in Eastern Virginia
This article originally appeared in our December 2024 issue.
