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 competition that every one relations will actually take pleasure in.
Founded in 1749, Alexandria is nationally acknowledged for its abundance of 18th- and Nineteenth-century structure. The quite a few historic sights and sights, together with close by Mount Vernon which celebrates George Washington’s legacy as the primary president of the US, provide a wealth of fascinating 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” — an enormous parade — has celebrated the town’s Scottish heritage for the previous 51 years.
Alexandria has created its personal fashionable American custom by means of the Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.
The spotlight, Scottish Christmas Walk, takes place this yr on Dec. 3, 2022. Watch and revel in dozens of Scottish clans wearing colourful tartans. Enjoy the bagpipe and drum bands, dwelling 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 a whole lot of canines. It’s true — most canines are some type of Scottish breed and so they march by means 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 would possibly discover that good reward for somebody particular. Join a Holiday Designer Tour of Homes to see the work of high inside designers and florists. Stroll by means of their six adorned houses in Old Town Alexandria to search out inspiration in your dwelling decor.
Many of the residential houses in Old Town are fairly spectacular and splendidly adorned. 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, at all times a preferred 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 preserve all ages busy whereas ready for sundown.
As it approaches the 5:30pm begin, search for extra refreshments and reside 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 recognize the fascinating, intelligent, and festive gentle shows much more.
Shopping, Touring, Learning About Alexandria Traditions
Alexandria, Virginia in winter is particularly festive and photogenic. Many actions, resembling purchasing within the area’s largest focus of distinctive boutiques, proceed by means of New Years.
The Holiday Markets at Old Town North open Dec. 4-18. Like European Christmas Markets, they provide recent baked items, handmade arts and crafts, small reward objects, ornamental objects and seasonal floral arrangments.
Bring or lease ice skate to Cameron Run Regional Park the place an illuminated ice rink surrounded by festive gentle shows awaits. It’s open Nov. 18 to Jan. 1. Capacity is restricted; reservations are required to make sure entry on a particular date.
Plan to go to the Carlyle House to study extra about life in colonial America throughout the holidays, with army 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 very best 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 tip of the yr and a few that proceed by means 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 website as soon as housed the Franklin and Armfield Slave Pen, one of many largest and most profitable companies for slave buying and selling in America. Explore the brand new African American Heritage Trail which highlights the folks, 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 every day, each quarter-hour, from 11am to 11pm. Don’t fear; it stops steadily in order that guests can hop on and off at greater than 200 retailers and eating places alongside Alexandria’s historic predominant road.
Alexandria has a wealth of decisions for lodging in all kinds of value ranges, with most of the main resort chains represented. A list of those will be discovered on the Visit Alexandria web site. Stay longer and discover Washington DC and all of its many sights 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 fascinating and thrilling actions proper in Alexandria. Enjoy!
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