december 8–14, 2025
What's New
FEATURED EVENT
Storytime for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, December 13
10-10:45 a.m.
Free
Dynamic storytellers use books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to engage with ages 5-10.
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.
The 2025 Holiday Ornament is Here!
$28 - 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.
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Addressing Our Housing Shortage: History, Policy, and Solutions
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Monday, December 8
6:30-8 p.m.
Free Registration Here.
We’re co-hosting a conversation with Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Atlantic editor Yoni Appelbaum. This panel conversation will explore the historical roots of our current housing shortage and examine policy solutions that could be achieved through local and state collaboration. The discussion will bring together municipal leadership, national media perspective, and fair housing policy expertise to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our community and Commonwealth.
This event is hosted jointly by Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME of VA) and the Office of Historic Alexandria.
The event is free, but seating is limited, so register now! Register here.
Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace-Indoor Season
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturdays, December 13 - April 4
10:15 a.m.
$10 a class
Purchase tickets.
Join our yoga instructor for an hour long Yoga Class gentle flow yoga class indoors at the Carlyle House. We will build heat with sun salutations then progress to balance, deep stretching and finally relaxation. Please bring water, a towel, and a yoga mat. Wear comfortable yoga wear.
Winter Crafts & Carols
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St.
Saturday, December 13
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$10 per adult/$5 per child
Purchase Tickets
Experience the joys of the winter season at the Lee-Fendall House! Create, craft, and carol in this fun and festive community event. Entry times are on the hour starting at 11:00 AM with the last time at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 2+). Children under 2 are admitted for free.
All-Day Activities:
- Carols & festive music
- Knitting & crochet "crafting corner"
- Winter-themed arts & crafts
- History of the house provided by our docents
- Sweet treats & delicious drinks
The Adult Music Student Forum will be hosting sing-alongs and seasonal music each hour! The AMSF is a group of volunteer adult amateur musicians who love music and perform regularly in the DMV. The organization has been in existence since 1988 and the President is pianist, Michelle Powell. AMSF performers for Victorian Christmas include:
Morning Performers
- Louis Reichwein - Saxophone
- Florian Wegelein - Baritone
- Joelle Harris - Trumpet
Carol Henry - mezzo soprano voice
Afternoon Performers
- Don Foy – Violin 1
- Laura Garawski – Violin 2
- Marion Spahn - Viola
Carol Pew – Cello
Christmas in Camp
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.
Saturday, December 13
12-4 p.m.
Free
Get in the holiday spirit and learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War at Fort Ward Museum’s annual Civil War Christmas in Camp program on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12-4 p.m. This popular family-oriented event features a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camp settings, period decorations, fort tours, and kids' activities. Sponsored by the Friends of Fort Ward.
Holiday Concert featuring Alexandria Baroque
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
The concert will be held in the Bank of Alexandria next to Carlyle House, please check-in at the Carlyle House Museum Shop (121 N. Fairfax Street).
Saturday, December 13
2-3 p.m.
$12 per person, $10 for Friends of Carlyle House members
Purchase Tickets
Join Alexandria Baroque for sounds of the season, Baroque-style. Michael De Sapio (Baroque violin) and John Armato (theorbo) perform Biber's "Annunciation" Sonata and early Christmas carols alongside Biber's amusing Sonata representativa (representing numerous birds and animals) and mellifluous sonatas and variations by Walther, Corelli, and Bonporti." While enjoying the concert, sip on a holiday mocktail included in the ticket price. This program is non-refundable unless the museum cancels the program.
Having trouble registering? Please call 703-549-2997 or email carlyle@nvrpa.org
Colonial Handbell Ringers Concerts
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Sunday, December 14
2-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m.
Free
The Colonial English Handbell Ringers bring peace to your world and joy to your hearts this holiday season as we proudly present our 2025 holiday concert “Tidings of Comfort and Joy.” This year‘s concert will feature several serene, beautiful, nostalgic winter pieces such as “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” and “White Christmas,” fun, festive, original holiday selections “Ding Dong Medley” and “Away in a Jingle,” as well as the haunting, stirring “Arab Dance” from The Nutcracker Suite. We will also be performing several cherished old and new classics including “Silent Night” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” And of course, we hope to hear your joyful voices as we present our traditional sing-along. These performances are FREE and appropriate for all ages, although donations are very much appreciated. Seating is first come first serve, so please arrive early.
We look forward to seeing and as always, we thank you for your support as we celebrate our 35th season ringing with you!
Community Pre-Construction Meeting for the Douglass Cemetery Stormwater Improvement Project.
Douglass Memorial Cemetery, 1421 Wilkes Street
(Spans 1367-1473 Wilkes Street)
Tuesday, December 16
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Free
The public is invited to attend a Community Pre-Construction Meeting about the upcoming project to improve stormwater drainage at historic Douglass Memorial Cemetery. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16, at 2:30 p.m. at Douglass Cemetery, 1421 Wilkes Street. Participants are invited to meet the contractors from Jacobs, an engineering firm, and Wetlands Studies and Solutions, Inc., an archaeology firm, who will carry out the work. City of Alexandria staff from the Department of Project Implementation and the Office of Historic Alexandria will also be present at the meeting to provide information and answer questions. Construction work in Douglass Cemetery is anticipated to occur from December 2025 through July 2026.
Douglass Cemetery, Alexandria’s largest African American cemetery, is a historically significant and sacred space. The cemetery currently faces several preservation challenges, including flooding and standing water. In 2023, the City of Alexandria contracted with Jacobs to undertake a drainage analysis of Douglass Cemetery and produce recommendations to improve stormwater conditions. The implementation of the stormwater drainage improvements will help overcome preservation challenges at this burial ground.
Visit the Douglass Memorial Cemetery webpage for more information about the stormwater improvement project.
In the event of severe weather, the meeting will be held at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Late Night Shopping
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Tuesday, December 16
6-9 p.m.
Free
For last-minute stocking stuffers, visit The Lyceum for 10% off your purchase!
Help ACRP Share Our Whole History with ACHS Students
The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project (ACRP) still needs funds for the Banned Truth Tour for our Alexandria City High School students. Please consider donating - learn more and donate on ACRP’s campaign page.
Support Historic Alexandria
Your gift fuels preservation, education, and programs that bring Alexandria’s past to life. Donations, special revenue, and grants make it possible to expand educational programs, conserve treasured collections, and support our dedicated staff. Your gift today helps preserve Alexandria’s history for generations to come.
Historic Alexandria Museum Hours
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Tuesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 –5 p.m.
Alexandria Black History Museum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1– 5 p.m.
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.
Fort Ward Museum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.
Freedom House
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 5 p.m.
Friendship Firehouse Museum
Saturday, January 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Thursdays & Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1– 5 p.m.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Wednesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays 1 - 5 p.m.
Virginia 250 Passport
Historic Alexandria is proud to join 70 premier historic destinations across Virginia in the launch of the Virginia 250 Passport, a first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey celebrating America’s 250th. Featured Alexandria museums include Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, and the Alexandria Black History Museum. The passport offers prizes and discounts to encourage families to explore Virginia’s rich history together. Beginning November 11, 2025, free passports will be available at major historic sites and Virginia Welcome Centers. Learn more at VirginiaHistory.org/250Passport.
New Exhibit: “Disease and the Apothecary” – Now open
Explore how epidemics like Smallpox, Yellow Fever, and Influenza shaped Alexandria’s past and how science and public health saved lives. Included with admission. Free for Alexandria residents! The new exhibit is also available online.
Union Navy Exhibition Opens at Fort Ward Museum
A new exhibition, “Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy,” opened October 2 at the City of Alexandria’s Fort Ward Museum. The exhibit focuses on the U.S. Navy during the Civil War and is being held in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1775. The exhibition will continue through 2026. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/FortWard.
2026 George Washington Birthday Parade Registration is Now Open!
Registration for the George Washington Birthday Parade to be held Saturday, February 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria is now open! The theme of the parade is Virginia's Son ~ America's Founding Father, in honor of Washington’s leading role in the founding of the country during its 250th Anniversary Year. Visit our Parade Registration Page for more information on how to register as a 2026 parade participant.
Explore with Ease – The New Museum Mobility Guide
Historic Alexandria and the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) have launched a colorful, easy-to-use map and guide connecting all of Alexandria’s museums via walking, biking, and transit. The guide also acts as a passport—visit every site and earn a prize! Available at museums, rec centers, public libraries, and more.
Visit our website and follow us on social media to discover new things about your hometown. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic. Admission to City of Alexandria museums is complimentary for city residents.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
This Week in Alexandria's History
On December 8, 1981, the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to turn the former Blacks-only library at North Alfred and Wythe streets over to the Parker-Gray Alumni Association and the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage for use as a museum and meeting space. This site became the Alexandria Black History Museum.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Events
Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
December 8 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King Street
7-9 p.m.
December 10 Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
8-9:15 a.m.
December 15 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.
December 16 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.
December 17 Alexandria Archaeology Commission
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-9 p.m.
January 5 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC)
Via Zoom: Register here.
7-9 p.m.
January 6 Public Records Advisory Commission
Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
7:30 p.m.
January 12 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) - Dundee and Helsingborg
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street
7-8:30 p.m.