So without further ado, here are a number of the family fun
things to do in Old Town this year:
See a tree lighting
This is a great event the city throws every year. It
includes live entertainment, caroling, a community sing-along and a visit from
Santa. The last time I attended, Santa stuck around for a while and visited
with the kids. Great event, we had a blast. This year's event
takes place on Fri., Nov. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Market Square in Old
Town. Admission is free.
Hangout with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Prior to the big night, visitors to Old Town can meet Santa
& Mrs. Claus at the Union Street Public House (located at 121 South Union
St.) from 1 to 5:30 p.m. There will be storytelling and magic tricks at 4 p.m.
At 5:30 Santa will head on over to the tree lighting playing his bagpipes in a
festive parade.
Union Street Public House is also offering cookies, cocoa and coffee for sale
(along with a full menu if you want to stop and eat).
Shopping
Old Town is pretty
well known for its shopping. With many chic, quaint and fabulous boutiques and shops,
there is plenty of selection. On Nov. 28, to coincide with other city events,
the city will host its Black Friday sales starting at 6 a.m. If you're one who
likes to support local, this is the perfect event! Discounts start at 30
percent off, but do drop throughout the day. The official website offers more
details on these specials. The shops are usually nicely decked out and
are pretty to look at.
Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
A great event that happens every year during the first weekend in December. This year's event is scheduled for December 5 - 6 with the parade taking place at 11 a.m. on Saturday. For more information about this parade, please see my earlier post about local Christmas parades.
Boat Parade of Lights
Now in its 15th year, the Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat
Parade of Lights will take place on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Alexandria
Marina (right behind the Torpedo Factory). See more than 50 boats all festively
lit up for the holidays cruise the Potomac River. Admission is free.
A Soldier's Christmas at Carlyle House
Another annual event, this year's presentation at the
Carlyle House museum takes place on Sat., Dec. 6 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come
learn about how soldiers celebrated the holidays during the Revolutionary War.
Admission is free. Carlyle House is located at 121 N. Fairfax St. in Old Town.
Waterskiing Santa
Santa swings by for another visit to Old Town on Dec. 24 to
get in some waterskiing before his big night. He is accompanied by Frosty, the
Grinch, his flying elves and kneeboarding reindeer. Showtime is at 1 p.m.
(pre-show at 12:45 p.m.) at Alexandria's waterfront between King St. and
Oronoco St. Show is free, and happens rain, snow or shine! More information: http://www.waterskiingsanta.com/
These are a few of the big events happening, but honestly, there
is just so much going on. There are many theatre performances, live music,
special candlelight tours of the city's historic museums
and more. You can peruse the city's website to learn more about other specially scheduled events.
Related post: Christmas and holiday-themed events in Northern Virginia
I am not sure if this doesn't sound more fun than Winchester, maybe next November or December!!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is all good stuff! I loved walking around and looking at all the businesses and homes all decked out. Thanks for stopping by!
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