Annual Old Town Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest

The Old Town Walled Garden Club announces the annual holiday outdoor decorating contest. Founded in 1959, this will be the 55th year the Old Town Walled Garden Club has sponsored this contest. From traditional greens to more contemporary designs, Alexandria’s decorations make Old Town a holiday destination. The contest recognizes the most striking holiday exterior decorations in the Historic District. In keeping with Old Town’s historic provenance, contest rules require that - except for festive bows and ribbons - the decorations should feature only natural materials. For the residential contest, the decorations must all be made by the homeowners themselves. Professionally-made decorations are not eligible for the residential contest. For the commercial contest, decorations can be professionally created, however decorations should only feature natural materials. Judging criteria include originality of design, scale, color, contrast, and attractiveness from the street. The first, second, and third place winners for the residential contest will receive gift certificates from local area restaurants or businesses. Judges will consist of Old Town Walled Garden Club members and judging will take place Wednesday, December 11th,, so they encourage everyone to start planning today. The contest is free to enter. If you’re interested in participating in the contest, send an email to OTWGClub@gmail.com and provide your name, address, email address and telephone contact, and our judges will be sure to come by and check out your décor. 

Ending Dec. 8

Susan J. Goldman Exhibit. At The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Artist talk, Saturday, November 30, 1 p.m.

Through Dec. 21

“A Focus on Nature.” At Coldwell Banker Realty, 310 King Street, Alexandria. Art exhibit featuring the nature-themed photographs of Steven Halperson and mosaics of Nina Tisara. Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography, has over 30 years’ experience in portrait and event photography. For this exhibit, he is returning to his roots in fine art photography and making use of digital camera software to create strikingly beautiful images. Nina Tisara retired from the photography studio in 2007 and began creating intricate mosaics which are now widely exhibited and collected. Nina is the founder of Living Legends of Alexandria. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Coldwell Banker Realty Cares Foundation, a program that helps support selected nonprofits in Alexandria and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. For additional information, contact Rachel Carter, RCarter@cbmove.com or Nina Tisara, Ninat@ninatisara.com.

Ending Dec. 10

Pope-Leighey House Tours. 12-1 p.m. At Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. By 1941, the year Pope-Leighey House was completed, Frank Lloyd Wright had studied Japan for almost a half-century. He had become a serious collector of woodblock prints--even writing a book on the subject--and had won acclaim for his design of the Tokyo Imperial Hotel, one of the few buildings to survive the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. On this special tour, visitors will discover how the famous American architect incorporated his love of Japanese art, architecture, and philosophy into Usonian homes, and how this East Asian influence shines in Wright’s Pope-Leighey House.

Dec. 6 - 8

Alexandria’s iconic holiday weekend. Taste of Scotland.Friday, Dec. 6. The 53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is Saturday, Dec. 7, followed by the 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. https://visitalexandria.com/holidays/biggest-weekend/

Friday/Dec. 6

Taste of Scotland Event. 6:30-10:30 p.m. At The Atrium, 277 S. Washington Street, Alexandria. Campagna Center and partners will celebrate the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend from December 6 - 7, 2024. This holiday party always occurs on the Friday before the Scottish Christmas Walk parade and offers guests the chance to sample Scotland via its distinct spirit, Scotch, as well as to enjoy delicious catering, music, and entertainment, with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s work. For the past 50 years, Campagna Center, which is committed to improving the lives of Alexandria’s children and families through a variety of impactful programs that promote learning and growth for everyone, has embraced the Scottish-filled event as tradition. Visit the website: https://www.campagnacenter.org.

Dec. 6-21

Holiday Tours. 5-7:30 p.m. At Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. Tour the Pope-Leighey House during special evening tours and see the home decorated for a mid-century holiday. Tours are offered Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, with tours every half hour between 5 and 7 p.m. Space is limited, advance registration is recommended. Cost: $20. Visit the website https://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org 

Dec. 6-22

29th Annual Holiday Market. At 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. Del Ray Artisans 29th Annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists. Choose from wall art, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, and much more! Plus 2025 wall calendars support Del Ray Artisans nonprofit. Free admission. Holiday Market is the first three weekends in December (Dec 6-8, Dec 13-15, Dec 20-22). Different artists each weekend! Open Fridays 6-9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Details: DelRayArtisans.org/holiday-market-2024

Saturday/Dec. 7

Holiday Parade Day. Alexandria’s two signature holiday parades starting with the 53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade sponsored by Wegmans at 11 a.m. followed by the 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon at 5:30 p.m., with riverside festivities for the whole family starting at 2 p.m.

Saturday/Dec. 7

Fall Book Sale. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria. The Friends of Barrett Library will hold their annual Fall Book Sale. Come browse a great selection of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, as well as DVDs and CDs. Prices are $3 for hardbacks, $2 for paperbacks, and vary for special volumes and collections. Info: (703) 746-1703. 

Saturday/Dec. 7

Used Book Sale: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Selection of over 20,000 gently used children’s books, fiction, history, biography, home and garden, cooking, crafts, sports, religion, travel, CDs, DVDs, and more. Unless specially priced, $1 for hard backs and large paperbacks, and 25 cents for mass market paperbacks. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/friends-of-sherwood-regional.

Saturday/Dec. 7

Support Youth Musicians. WMPA – Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. 3 p.m. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Join both the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and the Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra as they perform. The program offers a variety of music: Hoffmeister Viola Concerto, Mvt. I - Isaiah Reed, soloist Seitz Viola Concerto, Mvt. I - Tate Commission, soloist Capriol Suite - Peter Warlock Slavonic Dance in C - Furiant - Antonin Dvořák. Free.

Sunday/Dec. 8

Holiday Joy. 2024 Senior Citizens’ Holiday Luncheon. 2-4 p.m. At Alexandria City High School Cafeteria, 3330 King Street, Alexandria. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Zeta Chi Omega Chapter and the Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia.

Featuring games, prizes, gifts and dancing.

Sunday/Dec. 8

Holiday Dreams Orchestra Concert. 3 p.m. At the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Street, Alexandria. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic performs with the Alexandria Choral Society. Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite” headlines, under the baton of Music Director Anna Binneweg. This concert promises to transport the audience into a realm of festive delight, “Holiday Dreams” offers a captivating blend of seasonal cheer and musical charm. Grace-Evangeline Mason’s “The Imagined Forest” sets a magical tone, weaving together melodies that evoke the spirit of the holidays. Tickets $35 adults, $30 seniors, 18 & under just $5.

Breakfast with Santa

At Joe Theismann’s Restaurant. 8 a.m. Located at 1800A Diagonal Road, Alexandria. Dates: Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, 21; Sunday, Dec. 8, 15, 22. This holiday season, create unforgettable memories with Breakfast with Santa in the enchanting Old Town Alexandria at Joe Theismann’s Restaurant. Start with a festive family-style breakfast featuring delectable options like french toast, smoked salmon, and tater tots. Children will love the take-home treats and a magical moment meeting Santa Claus, complete with a keepsake photo. Adults can indulge in bottomless Prosecco bellinis or classic mimosas for $15. Babies join for free, while kids are $29.50 plus tax and adults are $53 plus tax. 

Breakfast with Santa

At Mia’s Italian Kitchen. 8 a.m. Located at 100 King Street, Alexandria. Dates are Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, 21; Sunday, Dec. 8, 15, 22. At Mia’s Italian Kitchen, children will enjoy take-home treats and a magical visit with Santa Claus, complete with a keepsake photo that captures the Christmas spirit. Adults can enjoy bottomless classic mimosas and Prosecco bellinis for $18. Babies join for free, while kids are $34 plus tax and adults are $57 plus tax.

Breakfast with Santa

At Ada’s on the River. 8 a.m. Located at 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria. Dates are: Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, 21; Sunday, Dec. 8, 15, 22. Join Ada’s on the River for a a delicious family-style spread including breakfast pastries, pancakes, yogurt parfait, and tater tots. Children will receive take-home treats and a magical visit with Santa Claus, complete with a keepsake photo. Adults can indulge in bottomless Prosecco bellinis or classic mimosas for $15. Babies join for free, while kids are $29.50 plus tax and adults are $53 plus tax.

Thursday/Dec. 12

Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop. Special promotions and complimentary wine and refreshments.

Thursday/Dec. 12

Joe Jamaldinian “Us” Exhibit. 6:30-8:30 p.m. At Principle Gallery, Alexandria. “Us” is a 12’ x 4’ piece by Virginia artist Joe Jamaldinian executed in acrylic paints on raw canvas, and depicts 15 human qualities through the ages that enrich and plague humanity, driving both progress and conflict. The Dec. 12 event will include a talk by the artist at 7:15 p.m. and feature other selections from Jamaldinian’s work, including his series, Androgyny; his “Women” collection; and his signature piece, In Search of One’s Self; as well as a collection of his drawings.

Dec. 12 to Jan. 12, 2025

A Gentle Unroot: A Latinx Perspective. At the Athenaeum, Alexandria. Curated by Claudina Hannon. Artist Reception: Sunday, December 15, 4 - 6 p.m. Artist Talk: Sunday, January 12, 2:30 p.m. A Gentle Unroot: A Latinx Perspective uncovers the possibilities for what happens when someone leaves their native Latin American land to reside elsewhere, and what they choose to keep with them physically and mentally throughout their daily lives.

Dec. 13-15

Gustave Marche de Noel Gift Market. New this year, be immersed in a magical new European Christmas market experience in Del Ray during the inaugural Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market, a weekend chock-full of holiday happenings including the Old Town North Holiday Market & Farmers Market, Christmas Market & Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square and more.

Capital Art & Craft Festival/Dec 13-15

Join 300+ artists and vendors, and thousands of attendees at the Winter Capital Art and Craft Festival. Enjoy shopping for beautiful one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, clothing, furnishings, pottery, décor, and more. www.capitalartandcraftfestivals.com

Saturday/Dec. 14

Wreaths Across America-Alexandria. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. At Alexandria National Cemetery, 1450 Wilkes Street, Alexandria. The 9:30 a.m. kickoff ceremony commences with a 10-minute tribute, including Civil Air Patrol Cadets escorting eight military service representatives (active duty or retirees) carrying ceremonial wreaths to hang at the Alexandria Cemetery American Flag Pole. Come early for a free parking spot, on the streets local to the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. About 250 cars will be admitted into the Bethel Cemetery access roads and parking spots as well. VFW parking attendants will assist. Then the public volunteers who show up are admitted to the cemetery and are normally issued two wreaths each to respectfully place on the 4,229 veterans’ graves within the cemetery bounds. For the past three years, over 60 active duty military attache officers from foreign embassies joined us wearing their respective country’s uniforms, in paying their respects. 

Saturday/Dec. 14

Fine Art Photography, Food and Merriment. 2-4 p.m. At Multiple Exposures Gallery, Studio 312, Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 North Union Street, Alexandria. Enjoy light refreshments, the Capital Perspectives exhibition that decks the walls, and an abundance of holiday cheer. This Holiday Open House is also a special chance to wish MEG member Tim Hyde a fond farewell as he gets ready to leave at the end of the year. (Special bonus — you might also meet the two talented artists who’ll be joining us in 2025.)

Dec. 14-15

Nutcracker Ballet. At Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Drive, Alexandria. At 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. both days. Presented by the Metropolitan School of the Arts. Veronica Quezada, MSA alumnus and part of the International Tour of West Side Story, will play the part of Sugar Plum Fairy, joining a cast of 150 MSA students. Tickets are $21 to $35. Visit www.metropolitanarts.org

Saturday/Dec. 21

The Gift of Music. 7:30 p.m. At Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Alexandria. Join the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with this holiday musical tradition. Celebrate the season with family and friends. Join Conductor James Ross and the Alexandria Symphony for carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites. Plus, special guest violinist, Chelsey Green and The Green Project, fuse classical and contemporary, jazz and R&B.

Tuesday/Dec. 24

Waterskiing Santa Show. 1 p.m. Begins at BARCA Pier, 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria. For a sight you have to see to believe, head to the waterfront between BARCA Pier and Founders Park to witness the Waterskiing Santa Show, featuring Santa and his friends gliding along the Potomac River. There is also a rumor the Grinch will try and steal the show at 12:45 p.m. before the show starts. Santa and his pals begin at BARCA Pier at 1 p.m. and ski north to Founders Park before circling back south and finishing at Ford’s Landing.

Christmas Eve Dining, Dec. 24

Ada’s On the River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Ada’s will be serving two delicious Christmas Eve specials, the Chilean Seabass made with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, herbs, and miso brown butter for $45 or the Prime Kansas City Strip 24 Oz for $89. 

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria. BARCA Pier is inviting guests to enjoy two festive specials in addition to their regular menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Featured specials include the Catalan Lamb Kebab for $26 or the Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp for $27. BARCA Pier will open on Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and 12 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.

The Majestic, 911 King Street, Alexandria. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Majestic will offer two special additions to their regular menu on Christmas eve. Guests can enjoy Pan Seared Duck Breast made with butternut squash purée, honey glazed parsnips, and orange sauce for $35 or Oven Roasted Rockfish made with zucchini, eggplant, red peppers, onions, tomato-caper sauce, and herb oil for $32. 

Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King Street, Alexandria. On Christmas Eve, Mia’s will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering two special dishes. Guests can enjoy Veal Chop Parmigiana, made with a pounded and breaded bone-in veal chop, spicy rigatoni pomodoro, melted mozzarella, and saba for $39, or Lobster Ravioli, featuring Maine lobster, pecorino, lobster sauce, ricotta, and sherry cream sauce for $29.

Vola’s Dockside Grill, 101 North Union Street, Old Town Alexandria. On Christmas Eve, Vola’s will be open during regular hours, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., ensuring a smooth and festive transition into the holiday spirit. For $35 each dish, guests can enjoy two special dishes: Lobster & Spinach Ravioli with asparagus, tomato cream sauce, pecorino romano, and fried sage, or King Salmon with quinoa, confit pearl onions, roasted butternut squash, watercress, and salsa verde. The regular menu will also be available.

Christmas Day Dining, Dec. 25

Ada’s On The River, 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria. Ada’s will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day, offering a three-course prix fixe menu for $79 per person. The menu features dishes like Preserved Root Vegetable Tartare, Shrimp-Stuffed Halibut, Coal-Roasted Rack of Lamb, and more. For $29, kids can enjoy options such as White Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Petite Filet Mignon.

Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, 1800A Diagonall Road, Alexandria. Indulge in a sumptuous Christmas Day Buffet, available from 11:30am to 9pm. The buffet features a Carving Station, a Salad Table, a Bread and Dessert Table, and a Hot Table. Priced at $59 per person and $19 for kids, this festive buffet promises a delectable spread to satisfy every palate with dishes like Praline-Sweet Potato Casserole, Spiral Ham, Brioche Stuffing and more. 

The Majestic, 911 King Street, Alexandria. On Christmas Day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Majestic will offer a Christmas dinner for $79 per person, featuring a four-course prix fixe menu with a variety of delicious options. Dishes include Butternut Squash Soup, Crab Croquettes, Roasted Turkey, Truffle Mash Potatoes, and more. The Majestic will also offer a Thanksgiving Bar Menu with an array of starters, main dishes, sides, and desserts. Children ages 12 and under can enjoy the Kids Menu, which includes three delicious courses.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen, 100 King Street, Alexandria. Mia’s Italian Kitchen, the beloved traditional Italian eatery located at the riverside end of King Street in Old Town Alexandria, is offering a three-course Christmas feast for $49 per person. The menu includes dishes like Shrimp Fra Diavolo Bruschetta, Lobster Ravioli, Braised Lamb Shank, and more. The restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Royal Restaurant, 730 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria. Royal will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering its regular menu, along with a new breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, plus two Christmas specials. Guests can choose between Prime Rib with garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, horseradish cream, and au jus for $35, or Spiral Ham with mashed sweet potatoes, candied pecans, garlic green beans, and pineapple glaze for $25.

Vola’s Dockside Grill, 101 North Union Street, Old Town Alexandria. Spend Christmas Day at Vola’s Dockside Grill and enjoy a special three-course prix fixe menu for $49 per person. The menu includes dishes like Charred Octopus, Pork Shank Osso Buco, Lobster & Spinach Ravioli, and more. Vola’s will be open from 11:30am to 10 pm, offering plenty of time for friends and family to gather and savor a festive holiday meal with a beautiful waterfront view.

Dec. 31, 2024

30th Annual First Night Alexandria. 2 p.m. - 12 a.m. Throughout Old Town Alexandria. Experience the region’s signature family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival of music and more. A community celebration of the performing arts, First Night Alexandria rings in the new year with music, comedy, and dance. This year’s celebration will feature a twilight fireworks display at 6 p.m. on Alexandria’s waterfront geared to families who want to enjoy the show with their kids and loved ones. First Night Alexandria will also still host an abbreviated encore display of the New Year’s fireworks at midnight on the waterfront. Visit https://visitalexandria.com/events/30th-annual-first-night-alexandria

The Birchmere 

At 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. All shows are at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com. Contact The Birchmere at 703-549-7500 or www.Birchmere.com.

DECEMBER

Wed. 4: Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Xmas Show ft. Paul F. Tompkins, Nellie McKay & Josh Gondelman $69.50 SOLD OUT!

Thu. 5: Hot Tuna Acoustic $69.50 SOLD OUT!

Fri. 6: Chris Botti $110.00

Sat. 7: Chris Botti $110.00 SOLD OUT!

Sun. 8: The Musical Box - The 50th Anniversary of Genesis - “Selling England By The Pound” $59.50

Mon. 9: Musiq Soulchild $95.00 SOLD OUT!

Tue. 10: Musiq Soulchild $95.00

Thu. 12: Micky Dolenz of The Monkees: Songs & Stories $75.00 SOLD OUT!

Fri. 13: Don McLean “A Starry Starry Night” A Night of Hits & Holiday Favorites $79.50

Sat. 14: Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes $59.50

Sun. 15: The String Queens “Home For The Holidays” $35.00

Mon. 16: A Christmas Brass Spectacular feat. The Capitol Bones All-Brass Big Band $39.50

Tue. 17: Tab Benoit w/ Jesse Dayton $49.50

Wed. 18: A John Waters Christmas 2024 $59.50 SOLD OUT!

Thu. 19: Carbon Leaf “Time Is The Playground Tour” $49.50

Fri. 20: Carbon Leaf “Time Is The Playground Tour” $49.50 SOLD OUT!

Sat. 21: Pieces of a Dream $49.50

Sun. 22: Luther Re-Lives ‘Holiday Show’ starring William “Smooth” Wardlaw $49.50

Thu. 26: Tarsha Fitzgerald Prod. Presents VOICES OF MOTOWN Christmas Concert! $39.50

Fri. 27: Charles Esten “Love Ain’t Pretty Tour” $59.50

Sat. 28: A Very MAYSA Christmas $69.50

Sun. 29: Bela Dona Band $39.50

Tue. 31: New Year’s Eve with The Seldom Scene and Tim & Savannah Finch & Eastman String Band -7:30pm- $49.50