Holiday magic awaits in Alexandria! Dive into our guide for all the must-see events and fun. From Alexandria enthusiasts to curious explorers, our guide illuminates the path to holiday wonder.
Popular events include the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, a festive procession showcasing beautiful floats and bagpipers, blending tradition with seasonal cheer. The Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon transform the historic estate into a glowing holiday landscape, featuring stunning light displays. And the Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker is something you definitely don’t want to miss, as it brings the enchanting tale to life on stage. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Alexandria
- Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
- A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre (Washington)
- The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Washington)
- Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- Cirque: Spirit of Christmas (National Harbor)
- ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (National Harbor)
- Handel’s Messiah at Washington National Cathedral (Washington)
- Mount Vernon by Candlelight (Mount Vernon)
- Winter Glow at Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
- ZooLights at the National Zoo (Washington)
See these and even more events listed below!
Alexandria Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Historic estate illuminated with wintry lights and fireworks.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Mount Vernon with lantern-lit historic areas, a glowing mansion, and stunning fireworks over the Potomac River. Enjoy an 18th-century winter encampment, working blacksmith shop, and Aladdin the Camel. Explore 18th-century traditions and shop for holiday gifts at the Winter Market.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
Winter Glow at Mount Vernon
What to Expect:
Lantern-lit historic area with 18th-century entertainment and holiday traditions.
Description:
Explore Mount Vernon's historic estate illuminated with brilliant lights and festive music, featuring an 18th-century winter encampment and the holiday guest, Aladdin the Camel.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Winter Glow at Mount Vernon
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays and seasonal plant arrangements.
Description:
Brookside Gardens transforms into a vibrant display of twinkling lights and unique, hand-crafted art forms featuring flowers, plants, insects, and animals. The outdoor walk-through exhibit spans a half-mile paved trail, showcasing intricate light displays throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem.
Where: Wheaton | More Info: Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
ZooLights at the National Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday light display featuring animal-themed LED lights.
Description:
At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, ZooLights transforms the zoo into a vibrant holiday spectacle with thousands of LED lights depicting animals and their habitats. Visitors can explore immersive displays, watch live musical performances, and enjoy seasonal treats while taking a spin on the Conservation Carousel.
Where: Washington | More Info: ZooLights at the National Zoo
Winter City Lights in Olney
What to Expect:
Technologically advanced Christmas light display with snow tubing and diverse food options.
Description:
Winter City Lights in Olney features over 1 million twinkling lights spread across 18 acres, including 33 bonfires, a 52-foot tall programmable Christmas lights tree, and an 8-lane Snow Tubing Ride. Enjoy tasty concessions like s'mores, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and more in an eco-friendly setting.
Where: Olney | More Info: Winter City Lights in Olney
City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus visits.
Description:
The City of Alexandria invites the community to join Mayor Justin Wilson and holiday friends at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Market Square. Admission is free, and the event will occur rain or shine. The Town Crier will call everyone to gather around the tree to help countdown to the lighting. After 7 p.m., enjoy a singalong at the tree while Santa and Mrs. Claus visit families until 8 p.m.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony
Alexandria Holiday Markets and Shopping
Swedish Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Nordic holiday market with Saint Lucia celebration.
Description:
The Swedish Holiday Market at House of Sweden features Nordic vendors selling holiday ornaments, decorations, textiles, Swedish glass, gifts, books, packaged food, Glögg, candy, and more. The event includes a Saint Lucia celebration with an open-air concert.
Where: Washington | More Info: Swedish Holiday Market
National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
What to Expect:
Rotating selection of unique, handcrafted items from local artisans.
Description:
The National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show offers a vibrant and ever-changing holiday experience with a rotating selection of talented artisans and crafters, along with an array of delectable holiday sweets and desserts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy delightful treats.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local artisans and festive food vendors.
Description:
The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show features local artisans, delicious food vendors, and heartwarming holiday activities at John Carlyle Square. Explore a treasure trove of handcrafted delights, indulge in culinary treats, and immerse yourself in Christmas music and holiday vibes.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show
Herndon WinterMarkt
What to Expect:
Traditional German-style market with hand-crafted items and local artisans.
Description:
Herndon WinterMarkt is a community-oriented holiday market in Herndon, Virginia, featuring traditional European Christmas market traditions. It showcases diverse holiday food, drinks, gifts, and decorations, highlighting hand-crafted items and local artisans.
Where: Herndon | More Info: Herndon WinterMarkt
The Parks at Walter Reed Holiday Market & Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday market with local vendors and live music.
Description:
The Parks at Walter Reed Holiday Market & Celebration is a vibrant event featuring local vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal items, along with live music and festive atmosphere.
Where: Washington | More Info: The Parks at Walter Reed Holiday Market & Celebration
Alexandria Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of 18th-century holiday traditions.
Description:
Join Mount Vernon for a candlelit tour of the historic area, learning about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Interact with costumed 18th-century Virginians and enjoy festive decorations, light refreshments, and live music.
Where: Mount Vernon | More Info: Mount Vernon by Candlelight
The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet with D.C.-themed production and historical figures.
Description:
The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a captivating ballet performance set in 1882 Georgetown, featuring stunning dance, elaborate sets, and nods to DC's rich history.
Where: Washington | More Info: The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre
What to Expect:
Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge in a music-infused production.
Description:
A music-infused production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Ford's Theatre, featuring Craig Wallace as Ebenezer Scrooge, with a rich visual and vocal performance.
Where: Washington | More Info: A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre
Handel’s Messiah at Washington National Cathedral
What to Expect:
Historic cathedral setting for a timeless classical music performance.
Description:
The Washington National Cathedral Choir and Baroque Orchestra perform Handel's beloved Messiah, featuring the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus" under the Cathedral's soaring architecture.
Where: Washington | More Info: Handel’s Messiah at Washington National Cathedral
The Holiday Show by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC
What to Expect:
Inclusive holiday celebration with diverse musical performances and social justice focus.
Description:
The Holiday Show by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC is an annual celebration featuring eclectic songs, exciting rhythms, and beautiful harmonies. The event includes performances by the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Songs include See Amid Winters Snow, Feliz Navidad, Love is Christmas, and Silent Night. The show also features a special guest performance by the World Music Collective, blending jazz, world music, and contemporary styles.
Where: Washington | More Info: The Holiday Show by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC
ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
What to Expect:
Unique ice sculptures of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" scenes.
Description:
ICE featuring "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is a spectacular holiday attraction where scenes from the beloved movie are brought to life in intricate ice sculptures. The display is kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but guests are provided with Gaylord National's signature blue parkas to keep them warm and toasty.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: ICE Featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
What to Expect:
Broadway-style spectacle with high-flying acrobats and stunts.
Description:
Cirque: Spirit of Christmas is a Cirque-styled show featuring dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. The show centers around Noel, a child dismayed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, who is visited by spirits bringing back the true meaning of the season in energetic, dreamlike chapters.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Cirque: Spirit of Christmas
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
What to Expect:
Unique blend of classical and jazz music for a family-friendly holiday celebration.
Description:
The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season, featuring conductor Peter Wilson and a diverse ensemble of over 60 professional musicians. The performance includes seasonal favorites, a narrated "Night Before Christmas," and toe-tapping classics with the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble. This event is suitable for all ages and includes an audience sing-along.
Where: Manassas | More Info: Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Capital City Symphony: Sing Annual Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Renowned soprano Amber Monroe joins Capital City Symphony for a festive holiday concert.
Description:
Capital City Symphony presents their annual holiday concert featuring renowned soprano Amber Monroe, performing heartwarming holiday classics with a sing-along experience.
Where: Washington | More Info: Capital City Symphony: Sing Annual Holiday Concert
Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca
What to Expect:
Traditional flamenco dance and live music celebrating Spanish and Puerto Rican holiday traditions.
Description:
Celebrate the holidays with a journey through Spanish and Puerto Rican festive traditions. Enjoy Spanish holiday music and song (villancicos) alongside flamenco dancing, including a "parranda." The event features Furia Flamenca Dance Company and a rich cast of musicians.
Where: Washington | More Info: Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca
A Candlelight Christmas at The Kennedy Center
What to Expect:
Celebratory concert with spirited brass and festive chorus.
Description:
The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas, a family-friendly concert celebrating the holiday season with spirited brass, a festive chorus, and extra special guests. This beloved holiday tradition features Eugene Rogers as conductor and Suzzette Ortiz as soloist, with performances by the National Capital Brass and Percussion and side-by-side high school choirs.
Where: Washington | More Info: A Candlelight Christmas at The Kennedy Center
Alexandria Other Holiday Activities
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
What to Expect:
Celebration of Scottish heritage with a parade of clans and community groups.
Description:
The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is a festive event celebrating the city's Scottish heritage. It features a parade of Scottish clans, pipe and drum bands, and various community groups, showcasing colorful tartans and traditional Scottish attire.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Chanukah Festival
What to Expect:
Traditional Jewish holiday celebration with festive food and activities.
Description:
Celebrate Chanukah with music, delicious latkes, hot cocoa, doughnuts, and more in Old Town Alexandria.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Chanukah Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Rose Hill (4 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (4 miles)
- Lincolnia (5 miles)
- Baileys Crossroads (5 miles)
- Arlington (6 miles)
- Washington (6 miles)
- Fort Washington (7 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (7 miles)
- Suitland (7 miles)
- Springfield (8 miles)
- Woodlawn (8 miles)
- Annandale (8 miles)
- Clinton (8 miles)
- West Falls Church (9 miles)
- West Springfield (10 miles)
- McLean (11 miles)
- Chillum (11 miles)
- Landover (12 miles)
- Burke (12 miles)
- Bethesda (12 miles)
- Silver Spring (13 miles)
- College Park (14 miles)
- Waldorf (14 miles)
- Fairfax (14 miles)
- Oakton (15 miles)
- Saint Charles (15 miles)
- St. Charles (15 miles)
- Lake Ridge (16 miles)
- Wheaton (16 miles)
- Greenbelt (17 miles)
- North Bethesda (17 miles)
- Potomac (17 miles)
- Dale City (18 miles)
- Aspen Hill (19 miles)
- Fairland (19 miles)
- Reston (19 miles)
- Bowie (20 miles)
- Rockville (20 miles)
- Centreville (21 miles)
- Oak Hill (21 miles)
- South Laurel (21 miles)
- Herndon (22 miles)
- Chantilly (22 miles)
- North Potomac (23 miles)
- Laurel (23 miles)
- Manassas (23 miles)
- Crofton (24 miles)
- Olney (24 miles)
- Sterling (25 miles)
- Scaggsville (25 miles)
- Gaithersburg (25 miles)
- South Riding (26 miles)
- Odenton (27 miles)
- Montgomery Village (27 miles)
- Linton Hall (29 miles)
- Ashburn (29 miles)
- Severn (30 miles)
- South Gate (32 miles)
- Hanover (32 miles)
- Columbia (32 miles)
- Annapolis (32 miles)
- Severna Park (33 miles)
- West Elkridge (33 miles)
- Arnold (33 miles)
- Pasadena (34 miles)
- Glen Burnie (34 miles)
- Ilchester (34 miles)
- Ellicott City (35 miles)
- Leesburg (35 miles)
- Arbutus (36 miles)
- Catonsville (36 miles)
- Woodlawn (40 miles)
- Milford Mill (40 miles)
- Baltimore (41 miles)
- Lochearn (41 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (41 miles)
- Randallstown (41 miles)
- Fredericksburg (41 miles)
- Eldersburg (42 miles)
- Dundalk (42 miles)
- Pikesville (43 miles)
- Owings Mills (45 miles)