You can experience the magic of Ice & Lights, until 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!

Plan your visit and book your session at cameroniceandlights.com.

Step into a magical winter escape just blocks from the Old Town Alexandria waterfront! King & Rye is hosting its festive Winter Wonderland Igloos experience through February 15, 2026. 

On January 18, 1976, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority reopened Carlyle House following a six-year restoration. In celebration of the historic site’s 50th anniversary, visitors are invited to step back in time with a special 1976 museum admission price of just $1 per person on January 18 from 12 - 4PM. Learn how Carlyle House has been preserved over the decades through engaging insights from preservation experts. No registration required. Last entrance at 3:30PM.

The 53rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Program will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026 starting at 5:30PM at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The evening celebration will feature uplifting music, inspiring speakers, and opportunities for community engagement. Admission is free, and all are invited to attend and be part of this meaningful tribute. 

Thinking about buying your first home but not sure where to begin? Virginia Housing’s free First-Time Homebuyer Class is a two-day seminar designed to walk participants through the entire homebuying process - from budgeting and credit to closing day and long-term homeownership success.

The Old Town Farmers’ Market will temporarily move to the 100 block of North Royal Street and the courtyard at Tavern Square in January 2026. The new location is just across the street from Market Square. This move allows the market to keep operating during the upcoming renovations to City Hall and Market Square. The Market continues to run every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to noon, year-round, rain or shine. 

The City of Alexandria will finish relocating City services and employee offices in January 2026 to prepare for major renovations to City Hall and Market Square.  

Ring in the New Year at First Night Alexandria on December 31 from 4-8PM, the city’s beloved annual celebration!

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.

After 18 months of discussion and collaboration, the COG and Metro boards have jointly endorsed the DMVMoves Task Force recommendations. The plan calls on regional leaders to secure funding solutions that will modernize Metro and strengthen coordination across the region’s 14 transit operators, including Metro, MARC, VRE, and local bus systems.

Support a great local cause and bring home the perfect holiday tree!

The Alexandria Police Youth Camp will be selling Christmas trees from November 28–December 15, 2025 at 110 Callahan Drive. All proceeds go directly to supporting youth programs and camp operations.

Celebrate Alexandria’s rich Scottish heritage at the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on December 6 from 11AM-1PM.

While the federal shutdown has ended, many in our community continue to face serious financial strain. For families already living paycheck to paycheck, the interruption in income has led to tough choices like paying rent or buying groceries, keeping the lights on or filling a prescription. NeighborShare ALX is a campaign to support neighbors impacted by the federal shutdown.

To donate or learn more, visit the NeighborShare ALX website.

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!