Ready for a fun day watching the Scottish Christmas Walk? Or going to see "A Christmas Carol" at the Little Theatre of Alexandria?
The holiday season can be hectic, but with a little planning, you and your friends and family are sure to enjoy the magic of the season. Here's a look at some of the events coming up in Alexandria and the surrounding area to add to your calendar. Click on the links for dates, times and more information.
Northern Virginia Christmas Market (Nov. 7-9, Chantilly): Held at the Dulles Expo Center, this large market features over 300 artisans selling fine arts, crafts, and holiday collectibles.
Fifth Annual St. Nicholas Market (Dec. 7, Alexandria) The Market is held mostly outdoors and will feature over 40 local Catholic artists and makers selling their creations for the Christmas season at Saint Rita Catholic Church.
(Dec. 5-21; first three weekends in December, Alexandria) The 30th annual market offers unique handmade fine arts and fine crafts from local artists.
McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival (Dec. 5-7, McLean): This three-day indoor show at the McLean Community Center features regional artisans selling a variety of handmade items, including pottery, jewelry, and holiday decor.
Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show (Dec. 13, Alexandria): This large holiday market at John Carlyle Square features local artisans, holiday music, and seasonal food and drinks.
Mosaic Holiday Village (Nov. 22-23; Dec. 13-14, Fairfax): Enjoy shopping at the Holiday Market, which features local artisans, and participate in other festivities in the Mosaic District.
Farmer John's Holiday Market (Dec. 6-7, Leesburg): Get into the spirit at this festive market with Christmas trees, wreaths, handmade crafts, and hot cider.
Holiday Shopping Village at The Barn (Nov. 14, Ashburn): Part of the annual Festival of Trees, this village offers a special holiday shopping experience.
54th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (Dec. 6, Old Town Alexandria): For more than 50 years, Campagna Center has celebrated Alexandria’s Scottish heritage during the holiday season with both the Taste of Scotland and the annual Scottish Christmas Walk parade.
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run (Begins Nov. 15, Alexandria): Ice & Lights provides a fun, outdoor family experience to explore new, dazzling light displays, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of festive scenes, enjoy a hot beverage and snack, and take a spin on the ice rink under the stars.
Bull Run Festival of Lights (Begins Nov. 14, Centreville): Drive through this popular park to see a spectacular festival of lights.
Christmas Illuminations (Dec. 20-21, Mount Vernon): George Washington's Mount Vernon hosts an evening with fireworks over the Potomac, a historic winter encampment, and tours of the illuminated mansion.
Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights (Begins Nov. 7, Vienna): This popular seasonal event features a half-mile walk through decorated gardens.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Dec. 6, Alexandria): Watch decorated boats light up the waterfront in the 25th annual parade.
Greater Manassas Christmas Parade (Manassas): A long-running tradition held on the first Saturday in December, featuring floats and performers.
Santa Lights Manassas (Dec. 5, Dec. 6 Manassas): On the first Friday of December, join the annual tree lighting ceremony to welcome Santa to Historic Manassas. The 79th annual parade takes place the next day.
39th Annual Santa's Wonderland Parade and Winter Festival (Dec. 6, Colonial Beach): A winter festival kicks off with a parade of decorated floats and vehicles.