This Historic City Exterior of Washington, D.C. Is One of many Most Charming Locations to Go to In the course of the Holidays

Alexandria, Virginia, situated south of Washington, D.C. on the alternative 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 attraction because of 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 probably the most thrilling occasions to attend is the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Stroll Parade (happening 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 unique sort 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 center of Previous City is arguably King Avenue, a pedestrian-only, mile-long avenue filled with independently owned boutiques and eating places. One among my favourite locations to peruse is Previous City Books, which has an excellent collection of studying supplies for each youngsters 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 outdoors of city at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is without doubt one of the space’s most beloved vacation traditions: Christmas Illuminations. In the course of the occasion, Mount Vernon is remodeled 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 evening, and each night will finish with fireworks. If you cannot make it as much as Mount Vernon however are nonetheless inquisitive 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 Evening Alexandria celebration. Starting at midday on New Yr’s Eve and stretching till midnight, the occasion is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and budget-conscious extravaganza involving comedy performances, reside music, and fireworks. There can even be an abbreviated encore firework show on the stroke of midnight for these nonetheless awake — not a nasty method to ring within the new yr.