Top things to do during the Holidays in Old town Alexandria

When planning a visit to Washington DC during the holidays, make sure to add a visit to Old Town Alexandria at Christmas time.

Old Town Alexandria is just so charming during the holidays, and the city gets even more magical with all the twinkling lights, festive holiday decor, and fun holiday activities for the whole family!

On the blog, I will share the top things to do during the holidays in Old Town Alexandria, to help you plan a visit to one of the most charming small towns in America.

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Take a stroll and admire the Christmas Decor

One of the best things to do on a visit to Old Town Alexandria during the holidays is a stroll along the historic cobblestone streets.

You will definitely get into the Christmas spirit as you make your way along the streets of Old Town.

The city gets all festive during the holidays and the homes are all decorated so beautifully!

We especially love the fruit garlands and wreaths that you will find on most people’s doorsteps which are quite unique.

READ NEXT: Best Christmas events in the Washington DC area

Shop at King Street 

Since it’s Christmas, make sure to visit one of the many local boutique stores in Old Town Alexandria for some unique holiday gift ideas!

There are so many cute little stores here, and when you shop small, you will not only find the perfect gift for those on your list, but you’ll also be supporting the local businesses in the area.

Don’t forget to grab a bite at one of the many restaurants and cafes along King Street.

Many restaurants have set up heated outdoor seating with a festive ambiance.

There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, plus a restaurant gift card makes a perfect gift!

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

One holiday event to look forward to in Old Town Alexandria is the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. 

This annual event features a Scottish Walk parade that pays homage to Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with bagpipers and more. 

This weekend event also features the Taste of Scotland, a holiday Heather and Greens Sale, and a Holiday Homes tour.

• When: December 2, 2023 at 11am-1pm
• Ticket Prices: FREE EVENT
• Location: Old town Alexandria
• Visit website here

Visit the Market Square

On your visit to Old Town Alexandria make sure to visit the Market Square, especially on Saturdays.

Old Town Alexandria is home to one of the oldest-running farmer’s markets and it’s the perfect place to shop for those on your list.

You can also find some fresh produce at the market, and some yummy foods for purchase as well. It’s a can’t miss event in Old Town Alexandria.

Admire the Christmas Trees

Make sure to visit the Christmas Tree at the Market Square in Old Town Alexandria during the holidays. It’s especially beautiful all lit up at night along with the Christmas wreaths.

The lighting ceremony usually happens in person during the holidays, but because of the pandemic, it can now be streamed online.

There’s also another Christmas tree along the Alexandria waterfront that’s just as pretty as well!

Visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center

One of our favorite holiday activities at Old Town Alexandria is a visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

During the holidays, the Torpedo Factory hosts a few holiday events in town, and it’s the perfect place to complete your holiday shopping.

The Torpedo Factory is home to the largest number of publicly accessible working artist studios in the U.S., with three levels of artist’s studios.

You will for sure find something here for everyone on your shopping list, plus you can truly appreciate that what you purchase here is handmade and one of a kind!

There are also a few Christmas events to look forward to at the Torpedo Factory, which includes a visit with Santa along with some fun craft activities for the kids. Visit the website here for upcoming holiday events.

Old Town Alexandria’s Holiday boat parade 

One of the most fun holiday events at Old Town Alexandria is the Holiday boat parade.

Watch the boats along the historic waterfront as they compete for the best Christmas decor as they make their way along the Potomac River.

This annual holiday event is fun for the whole family, plus there are many fun activities for the kids along the Waterfront Park, which includes a letter to Santa station, and much more.

There is even a pop-up beer garden, along with some hot cocoa for sale to keep you warm.

The DC Wharf also hosts a similar boat parade on the same day, which is another fun holiday event to add to your visit to Washington DC during the holidays.

• When: Dec. 2. 2023- Parade 5:30pm- Dockside activities 2-8pm
• Ticket prices: FREE EVENT
• Location: Alexandria Waterfront
• Visit website here

READ NEXT: Guide to Christmas in Philadpelphia

The Ice & Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run

Experience a winter wonderland complete with holiday lights and Ice Skating at Cameron Run Park in Alexandria.

• Ice & Lights Winter Village at Cameron Park
• When: Nov. 17, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024 from 5:00-10pm
• Ticket prices: $9.19/person-$22.03 (Winter Village and Ice Skating) Tickets must be purchased online here
• Skating sessions are limited to one hour and admission includes FREE skate rentals!
• Location: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304

Christmas and Holiday Craft Show

Shop for those on your holiday list during Old Town Alexandria’s Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show. There will be lots of vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, arts and crafts, baked goods, and more!

• Christmas Market & Holiday CraftShow at John Carlyle Square
• When: Dec. 9, 2023 from 11am-4pm
• Ticket prices: FREE EVENT
• Location: John Carlyle Square Park 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Tall Ship Providence Christmas Story Time

Climb aboard the Tall Ship Providence in Old Town Alexandria’s Waterfront for a special Christmas Story Time event for the whole family featuring the tale “The Christmas Ship”.

• When: Dec. 16, 2023 at 10am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am
• Ticket prices: $5 per person with a special family rate of $25 for families with more than 5
• Location: Tall Ship Providence 1 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA

27th Annual First Night Alexandria

Ring in the New Year in Old Town Alexandria with a fireworks show, live performances throughout the day, fun events for the whole family, and more!

• When: Dec. 31, 2023 from 12pm-12am
• Ticket prices: Free for Market Square kickoff, Battle of the Buskers, Block Party, and fireworks finale.
• Ticket prices vary for individual shows
• Location: Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA
• Visit the website here

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