Things to See and Do in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria, the hometown of George Washington, still retains the character and charm of a historic port city. Today, Alexandria boasts citizens who are noted for their participation in local government and for their strong sense of community. Alexandria was recently cited as one of only six cities in the nation to receive the coveted "Innovation Award for Outstanding Community Building" by the National League of Cities. In addition, Alexandria is ranked as the fifth best "Big City for Doing Business" in the U.S. and is first in the rankings of the "Best Cities for Women."

Fall and Winter Highlights

Washington | Arlington | Alexandria |  Montgomery County

National Harbor
Hop aboard a water taxi at Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront and check out the sights and sounds of one of D.C.’s biggest new developments—“National Harbor,” a $2 billion, 300-acre, urbanist mixed-use waterfront development located across the Potomac River. The 20-minute cruise will land at one of the development’s two docks, where you can plan to begin a full day wandering this immense hotspot. Check out the Gaylord Resort & Conference Center’s 18-story atrium, lunch and shop at any one of the countless cafes and retail shops, stroll the riverside promenade, and pose for a picture with J. Seward Johnson’s magnificent “The Awakening” sculpture. In November, visitors can also take in a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s “Kooza.”

Torpedo Factory Art Center
Escape the cold with a visit to Old Town Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory, which today houses the Alexandria Archaeology Museum and plays host to nearly 100 artists who use the three-story former World War I factory for their studio workspace and as a gallery to showcase—and sell—their work. Considered one of the nation’s finest visual arts centers, the Torpedo Factory is open daily from 10:00 to 6:00, with “Second Thursday Art Nights” held every month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Torpedo Factory Web site.

Christmas in Old Town
Join in the holiday spirit in historic Old Town, with several programs on the docket guaranteed to warm even Grinch’s heart. First up is the 38th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, consistently named a Top 20 Event in the South by the Southeast Tourism Society. Scheduled for December 4-6, the weekend will feature a parade, children's concert, Celtic concert and taste of Scotland. On December 6, Alexandria's harbor will light up when more than 50 brightly lit sailing and powered leisure boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City's historic waterfront for the 9th Annual Holiday Lights Boat Parade. Santa will arrive by boat at 3:30; the parade is 5:30-6:30 p.m. On December 13, four of Old Town’s most beloved, historic buildings will be open for candlelight tours at 5:00 p.m. and again at 9:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended, as this is Old Town Alexandria’s most popular holiday event! And on December 21, join the Colonial Handbell Ringers for a free concert at The Lyceum, as they play more than 60 bronze bells. Concert times are 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is the most popular historic estate in America, and for good reason: Every visitor is treated to a spectacular peek into the life of our First Family. Admission to Mount Vernon includes tours of the mansion, as well as access to more than a dozen outbuildings, four gardens, a four-acre working farm, burial grounds, and the newly opened and expanded museum and education center. Visitors from November 28 through December 14 (5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) will be treated to a special holiday program—the only time all year that the mansion is open exclusively for public evening tours by candlelight. On the grounds, fireside caroling, free cookies and hot cider will warm even the chilliest of evenings. Regular tours of Mount Vernon are available year-round, as the mansion and grounds are open seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays and Christmas. Click here for more information about the Candlelight Tours; click here for information about visiting during regular hours.

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