Historic Alexandria, Virginia in winter is all about Scottish traditions and vacation cheer. It’s a good time of yr to go to this small city neighboring the nation’s capital. Come ready for award-winning vacation occasions, decor and a pageant that every one relations will actually get pleasure from.
Founded in 1749, Alexandria is nationally acknowledged for its abundance of 18th- and Nineteenth-century structure. The quite a few historic points of interest and sights, together with close by Mount Vernon which celebrates George Washington’s legacy as the primary president of the US, supply a wealth of attention-grabbing and academic actions.
December is More Than the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Why does Alexandria have fun its Scottish heritage? In 1664, Scotsman John Alexander bought the land of current day Alexandria from an English ship captain for “six thousand pounds of Tobacco and Cask.” That’s why this “walk” — a giant parade — has celebrated town’s Scottish heritage for the previous 51 years.
Alexandria has created its personal trendy American custom by way of the Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.
The spotlight, Scottish Christmas Walk, takes place this yr on Dec. 3, 2022. Watch and luxuriate in dozens of Scottish clans wearing colourful tartans. Enjoy the bagpipe and drum bands, residing historical past reenactment teams and native dignitaries on parade. The children will get a kick out of the cannon and rifle firings. For many spectators that line the mile-long parade route, a favourite half is the tons of of canines. It’s true — most canines are some kind of Scottish breed and so they march by way of the streets of Old Town.
Christmas Walk Weekend is a Highlight of Alexandria Virginia in Winter
During the primary weekend in December, children can be part of a day of arts and crafts, or write Letters to Santa. Peruse a Christmas Marketplace, the place you simply may discover that good present for somebody particular. Join a Holiday Designer Tour of Homes to see the work of high inside designers and florists. Stroll by way of their six embellished houses in Old Town Alexandria to seek out inspiration on your dwelling decor.
Many of the residential houses in Old Town are fairly spectacular and splendidly embellished. Another particular occasion to search for is the Holiday Ornament Making. A Taste of Scotland is a enjoyable grownup occasion, showcasing the culinary achievements of Scotland’s high foods and drinks purveyors. If you’re not a Scotch fan, search for the pop-up Beer Garden, all the time a well-liked hang around.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
A vacation custom that has grow to be a treasured attraction in Alexandria is the Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. In its twenty second yr, the parade is being sponsored by Amazon, the corporate that famously opened a brand new headquarters within the space.
Alexandria’s harbor is aglow from greater than 50 brightly lit boats that cruise alongside the Potomac River on the metropolis’s historic waterfront. Festivities start at 2pm at a brand new household exercise middle on the north waterfront. The music, artisans, interactive demonstrations and children actions ought to maintain all ages busy whereas ready for sundown.
As it approaches the 5:30pm begin, search for extra refreshments and dwell leisure on the dock. The Boat Parade of Lights is a good-natured but aggressive occasion. Consider that boat homeowners and their crew labored hours on finish to arrange their vessels. You’ll respect the attention-grabbing, intelligent, and festive mild shows much more.
Shopping, Touring, Learning About Alexandria Traditions
Alexandria, Virginia in winter is very festive and photogenic. Many actions, akin to buying within the area’s largest focus of distinctive boutiques, proceed by way of New Years.
The Holiday Markets at Old Town North open Dec. 4-18. Like European Christmas Markets, they provide contemporary baked items, handmade arts and crafts, small present objects, ornamental objects and seasonal floral arrangments.
Bring or hire ice skate to Cameron Run Regional Park the place an illuminated ice rink surrounded by festive mild shows awaits. It’s open Nov. 18 to Jan. 1. Capacity is restricted; reservations are required to make sure entry on a selected date.
Plan to go to the Carlyle House to study extra about life in colonial America in the course of the holidays, with navy drilling, music, and officers and girls entertaining. The colourful, 2.5-mile Bull Run Festival of Lights is a drive-through attraction that typifies the most effective of Alexandria, Virginia in winter. It’s open Nov. 11 to Jan. 8, 2023.
Alexandria’s Black History is Proudly Celebrated Year Round
The actions in Alexandria don’t stop as soon as the winter holidays are over. There are a number of applications that final till the top of the yr and a few that proceed by way of January and February.
Learn and expertise African-American historical past on the Alexandria Black History Museum, comprised of the Museum’s assortment, the Watson Reading Room and the Alexandria African American Heritage Park.
Visit the newly reopened Freedom House Museum to study extra concerning the slave commerce within the 1800s. The museum web site as soon as housed the Franklin and Armfield Slave Pen, one of many largest and most profitable corporations for slave buying and selling in America. Explore the brand new African American Heritage Trail which highlights the individuals, locations and neighborhoods alongside Alexandria’s waterfront.
Trip Planning Details for Escaping to Alexandria Virginia in Winter
Take benefit of the colourful Old Town trolley that runs alongside King Street from the Potomac River waterfront to the King Street Metro station. The trolley is a boon to these with strollers (or the mobility challenged) and is freed from cost. It operates each day, each quarter-hour, from 11am to 11pm. Don’t fear; it stops ceaselessly in order that guests can hop on and off at greater than 200 outlets and eating places alongside Alexandria’s historic fundamental avenue.
Alexandria has a wealth of selections for lodging in all kinds of worth ranges, with most of the main lodge chains represented. A list of those may be discovered on the Visit Alexandria web site. Stay longer and discover Washington DC and all of its many points of interest throughout the river. Alexandria’s 5 totally different Metro stops make it simple and cheap to get to our nation’s capital.
We’ve made our case: If you solely have a couple of days to spend, you could find loads of attention-grabbing and thrilling actions proper in Alexandria. Enjoy!
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