Celebrate the Holidays with the City of Alexandria

Page updated on November 9, 2026 at 3:24 PM
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Celebrate the Holidays with the City of Alexandria

The holiday traditions you love are happening in Alexandria! This year, we're celebrating in new places with friends both old and new.  

Kick off the season on Saturday, November 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at our annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Waterfront Park. This new location is the perfect festive place to gather with friends, family, and community to celebrate the light of the season. Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Members of City Council will be there, along with a special visitor from the North Pole.

Plaid Friday on November 27 and Small Business Saturday on November 28 are a great time to shop local this season. Find out more at visitalexandria.com.  

Saturday, December 5, brings several of the City's favorite holiday traditions together for one full day of celebration. Start your day with the Scottish Walk Holiday Parade sponsored by Wegmans, explore Old Town and support local businesses, then head to the waterfront for Dockside Festivities and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

End the year at the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Thursday, December 31. The same show runs at 8 p.m. for families and again at midnight.

Save the Dates

  • Holiday Tree Lighting: Saturday, November 21, Waterfront Park (1 Prince St.), 6 to 8 p.m.  
  • Scottish Walk Holiday Parade sponsored by Wegmans: Saturday, December 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Old Town Alexandria
    • Parade starts at Wolfe and S. St. Asaph Streets and marches to Queen St. The parade then turns east down Queen St. before turning south down Pitt St. and ending at Pitt and Duke Streets.
A map of the "Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade" route, sponsored by Wegmans. It shows road closures and parking restrictions. The parade starts at St. Asaph and Wolfe streets and ends at Pitt and Duke Streets. Navy and red lines mark the parade route and no parking zones, and orange icons with numbers indicate specific closures: 1) Road closed from 3:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; 2) No parking and road closures in assembly area from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A map of the Scottish Walk Holiday Parade Route, showing the road closures, parade route, and available parking.

 

  • Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: Saturday, December 5, along the Alexandria Waterfront, 5:30 p.m. parade start. Dockside activities run from 2 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park (1 Prince St.)
  • First Night Alexandria: Thursday, December 31. See website for more details.
  • New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Thursday, December 31, Alexandria Waterfront (Viewing Map), 8 p.m. and midnight  

Getting Around This Season

City Hall and Market Square are under renovation this season, so some holiday traditions have new homes and Old Town parking is limited. Consider walking, biking, public transportation, or another car-light option. Find updates on events at alexandriava.gov/Holidays, on City Hall at alexandriava.gov/CityHall, and on parking and getting around Old Town at alexandriava.gov/VisitOldTown.

Stay Connected

Follow the City on social media and visit alexandriava.gov/Holidays for all the latest information. To get updates by text, text "HOLIDAYSALX" to 8559252801. To get updates by email, visit our Holiday Sign Up page.