Get into the holiday spirit at the Annual Ornament Open House at AR Workshop on Saturday, November 29 at 10AM! This family-friendly event is full of festive fun and creativity. No registration or payment is required, though registering in advance is appreciated to help ensure enough supplies for everyone. Seats are first-come, first-served—bring the whole family and celebrate the season!

Join the mayor and a host of holiday friends at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 22 at 6PM in Market Square (301 King St.). Admission is free, and the event will occur rain or shine.

Tree Lighting is expected to occur sometime between 6:40 - 6:55 PM following the arrival of Santa by way of the King Street Trolley. Then, after 7PM enjoy the start of the holiday season with music and merriment while Santa and Mrs. Claus walk the Square and visit with families until 8PM.

Looking for a new app to help you log your commute? Download the ConnectingVA app, log your trips when you carpool, vanpool or take the bus – and you’ll earn a free ride home!

If you have an emergency. If you get sick at work, your child gets sick or you have to work unexpected overtime, you’re covered. Some restrictions apply.

Learn more by visiting the ConnectingVA webpage.

You’re invited: STEM Fest at Bright Horizons at Old Town Alexandria!
What do magnets, blocks, and smiles have in common? They’re all part of STEM, learning at Bright Horizons. Join them for STEM Fest on Thursday, November 6 at 4PM to see these future-ready skills in action:

• Explore STEM learning - science, technology, engineering, and math

• Participate in hands-on activities with your child or bring activity ideas home!

• Learn how our curriculum prepares children for success in school and life

You’ll get to know their center community, too! Learn more about Bright Horizons by visiting their website

The Alexandria Film Festival returns from November 7-9 for a weekend of independent films, filmmaker Q&As, and community connection. Enjoy around 60 films spanning every genre, shown at venues across the city—including Patagonia Old Town, Beatley Library, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, and NOVA’s Alexandria Campus Auditorium.

After each screening, meet the directors, producers, and actors behind the stories during engaging Q&A sessions. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity and cinema in the heart of Alexandria!

Alexandria businesses are invited to join the Eco-City Business Program’s upcoming webinar on Wednesday, November 5 at 10AM to learn how reducing waste can improve your bottom line. Discover practical strategies for waste reduction and explore city resources to help your business become more sustainable.

Hosted by Samantha Heitsch, City of Alexandria Sustainability Coordinator and program manager for the Eco-City Business Program, with guest speaker Howard Lee, City of Alexandria Resource Recovery Manager.

Since 2014, Volunteer Alexandria (VolALX) has been supporting children ages 0–10 through their annual Holiday Toy Drive. Donations benefit the Fund for Alexandria’s Children’s Holiday Sharing program, other local agencies in need, and low-income working families not registered with an agency.

Help make the holidays brighter by donating new, unwrapped toys by Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Looking for care for your furry friend? Livewell Animal Hospital of Alexandria is welcoming new patients with $50 off your first exam!

To redeem, simply call to book your appointment and mention this ad when you arrive for your first visit. Give your pet the care they deserve with Livewell’s modern facilities and dedicated veterinary team - right here in Alexandri

Don't miss the 29th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade on Sunday, October 26 at 2PM. This event is family and pet friendly so bring you rchildren, pets, and decorated strollers to march and show off their costumes! This parade ends with live music and an award presentation at the Mount Vernon Rec Center field. This hometown favorite event is a must-see!

Step into a world where science gets spooky! Now in its 10th year, the Spooky Mad Science Expo brings hundreds of curious minds together for an afternoon of hands-on experiments, glowing demonstrations, and Halloween-inspired STEM fun. Check out this free event on October 18 from 3-7PM that features 100+ STEAM stations led by universities, nonprofits, federal and local agencies & teen STEM teams.

Get your four-legged friends ready - Paws in the Park returns on Sunday, October 12 from 11AM-4PM! Paws in the Park is afree, fun-filled day for the whole family (including pets), featuring entertainment and live music, activities, food and drink, vendors, shopping, and adorable adoptable animals!

Join Elaine’s Literary Salon and Made in Alexandria for the first-ever Alexandria Book & Craft Festival on October 18 from 10AM-4PM! Meet 25 authors and 15 artists showcasing their books and artwork, all available for purchase. Enjoy delicious food from Elaine’s while exploring this free, family-friendly celebration in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District.

Seafood lovers, rejoice! Old Town Oyster Week returns for its 6th year, celebrating everything oysters. The week kicks off on October 11 with a thrilling Oyster Shucking Competition, followed by seven days of delicious flavors, culinary events, and community fun. Don’t miss this week-long oyster extravaganza!

Raise a stein and celebrate fall at Oktoberfest at Aslin! Mark your calendars, on Saturday, October 4th, from 12-5PM, They'll be serving up German-style beers that are sure to impress even the most seasoned stein-hoisters.paired with delicious sausages and pierogis. Try your hand at Games of Strength, groove to live music, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready for a day of fun and maybe a little dancing!

Step back into the roaring ’20s at Sips & Secrets: A Speakeasy Night a night of jazz, ragtime, and speakeasy-style fun! Join the friends, board, and staff of the Lee-Fendall House Museum in their historic garden for the return of Alexandria's best party on Saturday, October 4th at 7PM.

Captain Gregory’s and Global Spirits presents Old Town Cocktail Week from September 25th - October 5th!

It is a celebration of the imagination and innovation within Alexandria’s cocktail scene. Grab a featured cocktail from one of the over 40 participating restaurants or enjoy a staycation at one of the participating hotels with a stay and play package specially curated for Old Town Cocktail Week.

Check out the full list of events at the Old Town Cocktail Week website.

Negroni Week returns from September 22-28! Trademark - An American Brasseriewill be joining thousands of bars and restaurants around the world in celebrating the Negroni while supporting Slow Food USA’s mission to foster a more equitable and sustainable world of food and beverage. Trademark will donate $1 to Slow Food for every Lo-Fi Londoner Negroni sold during Negroni Week! 

Enjoy more than 25 vendors, food, music, and activities at Port City's Make in ALX Fall Maker's Market on September 6th from 12-5PM. This event is kid and pet-friendly!

Make your own charm bracelet, create a relief print, design your own tote bag and much more. Special thanks to event sponsors Williams Professional Painting and Willway Services!

Celebrate global flavors and traditions at the 2025 Around The World Cultural Food Festival, the only event of its kind in the DMV area. This free, all-day festival offers a vibrant mix of international cuisine, beverages, live performances, and artisan crafts representing cultures from across the globe. It’s a perfect outing for families, foodies, and anyone looking to explore the world without leaving town.

Alexandria Restaurant Week returns August 22 to 31, 2025. You can visit dozens of restaurants across Alexandria’s neighborhoods, all of which will offer $30, $40 or $50 per person special menus for in-person dinner. Plus, find additional special offers and discounts at fast casual restaurants throughout the city..

This event highlights the city’s vibrant food scene and encourages visitors and locals alike to discover new neighborhoods and tastes.

Check out the menus and start planning your visits!