december 1–7, 2025
What's New
FEATURED EVENT
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 free event is hosted jointly by Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME of VA) and the Office of Historic Alexandria.
Seating is limited, so register now! Register here: https://homeofva.givecloud.co/zoning-for-justice-and...
End of Year Giving
Please consider making a gift to Historic Alexandria this Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season. Your support helps preserve our city’s rich history and sustain the programs, exhibits, and educational experiences that make Alexandria special. Make your contribution today at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/historicalexandria/.
Upcoming Events
View the Historic Alexandria Calendar
Lecture: Alexandria Skating Rink
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St.
Wednesday, December 3
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Free
The Alexandria Roller Rink served as an integral landmark for those in the community. Besides skating and hosting live bands, the Rink served as a social conduit before there was social media. Come and listen to the memories and experiences of the skating rink from the perspective of the African American community. Hear panelists from Alexandria share their experiences and discuss how we can preserve and learn from the Alexandria Roller Rink’s rich history. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors!
Family Holiday Magic Show
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
Wednesday, December 3
7 - 9 p.m.
Free, but donations of unwrapped toys encouraged
Free event Registration here.
Join us at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum for a free holiday magic show, performed by professional magicians who are members of Ring 50, the DC-area chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Magic is a part of The Lyceum's history and 19th-century magicians like Signor Blitz and Wyman the Wizard performed there in the 1840s. This modern family-friendly show will be geared toward children ages 5 to 12, but all are welcome. Please bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Fund for Alexandria's Child Holiday Sharing Program, which benefits kids who might otherwise go without holiday gifts this year in lieu of paying an admission fee. For more information, email info@ibmring50.org. The show is free, but space is limited so please reserve a space!
Scottish Walk Parade Open House
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Saturday, December 6
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Free
Visit Old Town to enjoy Alexandria’s rich Scottish heritage and see the Scottish Walk Parade march past Alexandria’s oldest stone building, Carlyle House. Before or after the parade, enter the museum gates and step back in time for a free open house in the spirit of the holiday season. Family friendly activities will take place outside. Last entry into the house at 2 p.m.
Ship Biscuits Ornaments
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union Street, Unit 327
Saturday, December 6
2-5 p.m.
Free
A nearly complete ship’s biscuit from the 18th century was found in Alexandria. Make your own stamped with this year at Alexandria Archaeology!
Gingerbread Decorating
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.
Sunday, December 7
Noon-5 p.m.
$25
Purchase tickets.
Learn about local architecture as you decorate a flat “façade” (front) based on historic buildings around Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. The ticket includes one flat gingerbread façade, all the supplies needed to decorate, and admission to the museum. Inspiring samples highlight architectural details you can recreate in candy and search for in the neighborhoods on your way home. This event is ideal for families or adult groups. Hot cider and spiked cider available for purchase during the event. A ticket is not required for each person--the ticket is to purchase a decorating kit, which people may share.
Join us for two Kwanzaa events!
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, December 13
10-10:45 a.m. - Storytime for Little Historians.
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.
Noon - 2 p.m. - Kwanzaa Celebration
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.
Celebrate Kwanzaa with Historic Alexandria in a vibrant, hands-on workshop led by Danielle Branche-Brown, LCMFT, Founder of The Self-Care Academy. Explore the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) through art, storytelling, and creativity while designing a personal vision board that reflects unity, purpose, and joy. Also, enjoy a small taste of Kwanzaa as we carry the spirit of the season into the new year.
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
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
Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax Street
Sunday, December 14
11 a.m.- Noon
$15, $12 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.
Learn about the muggle botanical science that inspired the potions and herbology of Harry Potter's wizarding world on a tour of this 19th century apothecary, and make your own magical potion! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
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!
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.
Shopping Late Night at The Lyceum: December 5, 4-9 p.m.
Kick off the shopping season and head over to the Lyceum’s shop to receive 10% off all purchases!
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, December 6, 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.
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.
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 7, 1855, Alexandria educator Benjamin Hallowell gave a lecture on astronomy at The Lyceum on South Washington Street, almost sixteen years to the day after the first lecture was given at the facility. Hallowell, a Quaker abolitionist who lived and taught at Lloyd House, now the headquarters for the Office of Historic Alexandria, was a major force behind the construction of the Greek Revival-style Lyceum building in Alexandria, patterned on the popular centers for learning and knowledge in the 19th century that were located in major European and American cities. Hallowell was also well-known for designing Alexandria’s first public water system in 1852 and years later accepted the position of President of the University of Maryland. In that role he declined a salary for the position on the condition that the University would discontinue the use of enslaved labor on the campus.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Events
Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
- December 2 Public Records Advisory Commission
Archives and Records Center, 801 South Payne Street
7:30 p.m.
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.