Celebrate the Season: Holiday Events Across Historic Alexandria
The holiday season has arrived, and Historic Alexandria is celebrating with a festive lineup of programs, performances, and family-friendly activities throughout December. From gingerbread decorating, concerts, and a holiday magic show to Ship Biscuit Ornaments, Christmas in Camp, Kwanzaa festivities, and a special Shopping Late Night at The Lyceum, there’s something for everyone as the year ends.
Browse the highlights below and visit the Alexandria Shop or the Historic Alexandria Events Calendar for full details, times, and registration or ticket-purchase links.
Upcoming Events:
Gingerbread decoration at Gadsby's Tavern Museum. Wednesday, December 3 — Family Holiday Magic Show
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum | 7 p.m. | Free
Enjoy a family-friendly holiday magic show performed by members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Toy donations encouraged. Space is limited—reserve a spot!
- Saturday, December 6 — Tour Friendship Firehouse Museum
11 a.m.–5 p.m.| $3
Explore the historic home of Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company.
- Saturday, December 6 — Ship Biscuit Ornaments
Alexandria Archaeology Museum | 2–5 p.m. | Free
Make your own stamped ship biscuit inspired by an 18th-century artifact uncovered in Alexandria.
- Sunday, December 7 — Gingerbread Decorating
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum | Noon–5 p.m. | $25
Decorate a gingerbread “façade” inspired by historic Alexandria buildings. Includes supplies and museum admission. One ticket per decorating kit; kits may be shared.
- Saturday, December 13 — Storytime for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum | 10–10:45 a.m. | Free
Storytelling for ages 5–10 featuring books by and about African American communities. This month, Oumie will lead a fun and engaging introduction to "Kwanzaa" —the seven-day celebration honoring African heritage, community, and culture. Children will enjoy interactive storytelling, call-and-response learning, and a creative craft inspired by the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
- Saturday, December 13 — Kwanzaa Celebration Workshop
Alexandria Black History Museum | Noon–2 p.m. | $15; $12 Members
Explore the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) through art and storytelling while creating a personal vision board.
- Saturday, December 13 — Christmas in Camp
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site | 12–4 p.m. | Free
Learn how Civil War soldiers observed the holidays with reenactors, winter camp displays, children’s activities, and a patriotic Civil War Santa.
- Sunday, December 14 — Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum | 11 a.m.–Noon | $15; $12 Members
Discover the botanical science behind wizarding-world potions and make your own magical creation. Recommended for ages 8+.
- Sunday, December 14 — Colonial Handbell Ringers Concerts
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum | 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. | Free
Enjoy festive favorites, nostalgic melodies, and the annual holiday sing-along. First-come, first-served seating.
Shop the Season!
Holiday Shopping - Late Night at The Lyceum
From books to ornaments to jewelry, find one-of-a-kind gifts at Historic Alexandria’s museum shops this holiday season. For those last-minute stocking stuffers, head to The Lyceum on Dec. 5 from 4-9 p.m. and Dec. 16 from 6-9 p.m. for 10% off all gifts!
- 2025 Historic Alexandria Holiday Ornament – Available Now in Historic Alexandria museum stores and in our online store!
Celebrate Alexandria’s 19th-century canal history with this beautifully crafted, American-made brass ornament. This year’s design honors the Alexandria Canal, featuring a canal boat exiting Lock No. 4 heading eastward toward the Potomac River, uncovered by archaeologists in the winter of 2025 on N. Pitt Street. The Alexandria Canal was in use from 1843 to 1886. Learn more here.
Looking Ahead: George Washington Birthday Parade
- Registration Now Open for 2026!
Join us on Saturday, February 14, as we honor Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father during America’s 250th Anniversary Year. Visit our Parade Registration Page for more information on how to register as a 2026 parade participant.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.