This Historic City Outdoors of Washington, D.C. Is One of many Most Charming Locations to Go to Throughout the Holidays

Alexandria, Virginia, situated south of Washington, D.C. on the other aspect of the Potomac River, is just like the capital’s older, extra enchanting sister. It is maybe finest recognized for its Previous City neighborhood, based in 1749, and is filled with historic Southern appeal due to its plethora of fuel lanterns, cobblestone streets, and 18th-century townhouses. Whereas Previous City is a must-visit any time of yr, it shines the brightest through the vacation season.

There is no such thing as a scarcity of issues to do in Previous City through the holidays, however one of the vital thrilling occasions to attend is the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Stroll Parade (going down this yr on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Alexandria was based by Scottish retailers and will get its identify from John Alexander, the Scotsman who as soon as owned the land that grew to become the town. To honor its heritage, Alexandria celebrates with an annual mile-long parade that has a number of Scottish clans giving bagpipe and drum performances alongside their terriers and hounds.

Then, within the night on Dec. 7, a distinct form of parade will take off — a nautical one. At 5:30 p.m., dozens of boats aglow with vacation lights will sail down the Potomac for Previous City’s annual Vacation Boat Parade of Lights. These watching from dry land can benefit from the pop-up Port Metropolis Brewing Firm beer backyard and meals distributors that can arrange store for the event.

The guts of Previous City is arguably King Avenue, a pedestrian-only, mile-long avenue filled with independently owned boutiques and eating places. One in every of my favourite locations to peruse is Previous City Books, which has an excellent collection of studying supplies for each children and adults. There’s additionally Crème de la Crème, which sells a curated collection of French and Italian homewares, and The Hour, a petite store specializing in classic barware and cocktail equipment. 

Simply exterior of city at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is without doubt one of the space’s most beloved vacation traditions: Christmas Illuminations. Throughout the occasion, Mount Vernon is reworked right into a recreation of an 18th-century winter encampment and guests may even watch a blacksmith at work or buy wares from artisans specializing in historic crafts. The occasion takes place from Dec. 20 – Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. every night time, and each night will finish with fireworks. If you cannot make it as much as Mount Vernon however are nonetheless enthusiastic about Washington historical past, preserve your eyes peeled round Alexandria for plaques that mark locations the place the primary president ate, slept, and danced.

Previous City will finish the vacation season with its First Night time Alexandria celebration. Starting at midday on New 12 months’s Eve and stretching till midnight, the occasion is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and budget-conscious extravaganza involving comedy performances, stay music, and fireworks. There can even be an abbreviated encore firework show on the stroke of midnight for these nonetheless awake — not a foul technique to ring within the new yr.