In observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Duke Street Pedestrian Tunnel will be closed and the Carlyle shuttle service will not operate on Thursday, December 25, 2025 and Thursday, January 1, 2026. In addition, the shuttle will not run in the afternoon of Wednesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 31. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday!

Kick off the Christmas season with a festive night out in Old Town at the Official Christmas Bar Crawl on December 20 from 4PM-Midnight.

Historic Alexandria is joining 70 premier historic destinations across Virginia to launch the Virginia 250 Passport, a first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Celebrate the season as Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront comes alive for the 25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on December 6 from 2-8PM.

Experience the magic of Ice & Lights, from November 15 to February 28, 2026! Ice & Lights is a fun outdoor family event featuring dazzling light displays, perfect spots for selfies and family photos, cozy fires, hot chocolate, and tasty snacks. Want to glide on the ice? Ice skating tickets are available for a spin on the rink. Bring the whole family for an evening of festive fun!

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a three-course dinner at Trademark on Thursday, November 27 at 4PM. Featuring their signature turkey, 24-hour brined with chai rum, apple juice, and festive spices, then roasted to perfection, this festive meal draws inspiration from their popular Tempest in a Teacup cocktail.

Reservations required - don’t miss this special holiday dining experience!

Start your Thanksgiving morning with the Alexandria Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 27 at 9AM. It's a beloved local tradition since 1975!

Run or walk 5 miles through the heart of Del Ray and enjoy a festive morning of community, exercise, and holiday spirit. It's family and pet-friendly so everyone can participate!

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!