This Historic Town Outside of Washington, D.C. Is One of the Most Charming Places to Visit During the Holidays

Alexandria, Virginia, located south of Washington, D.C. on the opposite side of the Potomac River, is like the capital’s older, more enchanting sister. It's perhaps best known for its Old Town neighborhood, founded in 1749, and is packed with historic Southern charm thanks to its plethora of gas lanterns, cobblestone streets, and 18th-century townhouses. While Old Town is a must-visit any time of year, it shines the brightest during the holiday season.

There is no shortage of things to do in Old Town during the holidays, but one of the most exciting events to attend is the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (taking place this year on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Alexandria was founded by Scottish merchants and gets its name from John Alexander, the Scotsman who once owned the land that became the city. To honor its heritage, Alexandria celebrates with an annual mile-long parade that has multiple Scottish clans giving bagpipe and drum performances alongside their terriers and hounds.

Then, in the evening on Dec. 7, a different kind of parade will take off — a nautical one. At 5:30 p.m., dozens of boats aglow with holiday lights will sail down the Potomac for Old Town’s annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Those watching from dry land can enjoy the pop-up Port City Brewing Company beer garden and food vendors that will set up shop for the occasion.

The heart of Old Town is arguably King Street, a pedestrian-only, mile-long avenue packed with independently owned boutiques and restaurants. One of my favorite places to peruse is Old Town Books, which has a great selection of reading materials for both kids and adults. There's also Crème de la Crème, which sells a curated selection of French and Italian homewares, and The Hour, a petite shop specializing in vintage barware and cocktail accessories. 

Just outside of town at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is one of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions: Christmas Illuminations. During the event, Mount Vernon is transformed into a recreation of an 18th-century winter encampment and visitors can even watch a blacksmith at work or purchase wares from artisans specializing in historic crafts. The event takes place from Dec. 20 – Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. each night, and every evening will end with fireworks. If you can't make it up to Mount Vernon but are still interested in Washington history, keep your eyes peeled around Alexandria for plaques that mark places where the first president ate, slept, and danced.

Old Town will end the holiday season with its First Night Alexandria celebration. Beginning at noon on New Year’s Eve and stretching until midnight, the event is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and budget-conscious extravaganza involving comedy performances, live music, and fireworks. There will also be an abbreviated encore firework display at the stroke of midnight for those still awake — not a bad way to ring in the new year.