The Office of Historic Alexandria invites the public to celebrate Black History Month this February with a dynamic lineup of events and activities. Black History Month is an annual recognition of the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of African Americans and persons of African descent in U.S. history. Join us in commemorating this important month with events all month long.

Santa, Mrs.Claus, and his merry crew will once again visit the D.C. region via historic Alexandria for his Waterskiing Santa Show on December 24th. There is also a rumor the Grinch will try and steal the show at 12:45 PM before the show starts! Santa and his pals begin at BARCA Pier at 1PM and ski north to Founders Park before circling back south and finishing at Ford’s Landing.

Join the Alexandria Independent Policing Auditor (AIPA) and Board members from the Independent Community Policing Review Board (ICPRB) for a discussion regarding changes to enabling ordinances on December 16 from 6:30-8:00PM at Charles Houston Recreation Center – 901 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA.

Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Dozens of Scottish clans, dressed in colorful tartans, parade through the streets of Old Town joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups, and more. This year's parade will be held on December 7, 2024 from 11AM- 1PM.

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), aimed at combating illicit financial activity, went into effect on January 1, 2021. Under the act, small businesses in the United States need to file beneficial ownership information reports (BOIR) with the Department of the Treasury by January 1, 2025.

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Dozens of brightly lit boats will cruise along a one mile stretch of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including: a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more. This year's boat parade will be held on December 7, 2024 at 5:30PM.

Experience the region’s signature family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival of music and more. This year’s 30th Annual First Night celebration will feature a twilight fireworks display at 6PM on December 31st on Alexandria’s waterfront geared to families who want to enjoy the show with their kids and loved ones. First Night Alexandria will also host an abbreviated encore display of the New Year’s fireworks at midnight on the waterfront

The Alexandria Domestic Violence Program and Sexual Assault Center are preparing for their annual Children’s Holiday Toy and Gift Card Drive. This event helps make the holiday season a special time for domestic and sexual violence survivors and their children.

They are accepting donations through December 9 and their office at 123 North Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Operation Elf is a community service holiday project for the families of inmates. The sheriff’s office collects new toys and gift cards for the children of incarcerated families. Gifts for children of all ages are welcome. All donations need to be received by December 16, 2024.

Volunteer Alexandria is partnering with Fairlington United Methodist Church for their 10th Annual Toy Drive to serve children, ages 0-10 years old. So, far over 800 families have signed up to be recipients of these generous donations.

It’s Small Business Saturday! Shop from more than 30 different local makers while sipping craft beer, enjoying music and more at the Holiday Makers Market at Port City Brewing on November 30 from 12-5PM. This is a dog-friendly and kid-friendly event. Santa will arrive between 2:00pm – 3:00pm that day!

Run (or walk) for 5 miles through the heart of Del Ray on Thanksgiving morning for the 2024 Alexandria Turkey Trot. This has been a Thanksgiving tradition in Alexandria since 1975. Join in on November 28th from 9AM-12PM.

Kick off the holidays early during the annual Old Town Cookie Crawl from November 23 - November 24.

Join Mayor Justin Wilson for the annual tree lighting at Market Square on November 23 from 6-8PM. After 7PM, you can enjoy holiday music and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free and this event will happen rain or shine!

Enjoy ice skating through a winter wonderland at Cameron Run Regional Park at Ice & Lights from  Friday, November 15, 2024 – Friday, February 14, 2025.

Wine Gallery 108 will have a bounty of specially chosen wines to dazzle all palates this Thanksgiving season at their It's Time to Eat, Drink and Be Thankful! event on November 16th from 3-5PM

The Alexandria Film Festival brings independent films of all genres to the city of Alexandria through its signature, multi-day festival of screenings and Q&A panels with filmmakers.

The City of Alexandria plans to mill and repave Emereson Avenue from John Carlyle Street to Holland Lane from October 10 to October 17, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding weekends, weather permitting.  The work will occur in 3 block sections with the intent to complete each section within 4 days.  Scheduling is highly dependent on weather conditions.

The Alexandria Police Youth Camp’s Annual Send a Kid to Camp Golf Classic is back!  Mark your Calendars – Wednesday, September 11, 2024!

Upcoming milling and paving will occur in the John Carlyle area beginning late next week. Crews are scheduled to start milling (weather permitting) on Thursday, September 5 and continue through the following week. below. Crews will work to minimize any disruptions to businesses during this time.