Discover the winter magic in Washington, DC, and beautiful Old Town Alexandria, VA, in a luxurious and spacious Dodge Durango, and enjoy plenty of exciting winter activities along the way. Watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, shop at the annual Downtown Holiday Market, and join the festivities at Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
1. Visit the National Christmas Tree
President Calvin Coolidge first lit a fir tree with 2,500 red, green, and white electric bulbs in 1923, and today this 100-year holiday tradition continues with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, which stands proudly in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse. The surrounding trees are decorated with one-of-a-kind handmade ornaments from every U.S. state and territory and accompanied by nightly live musical performances throughout the holiday season.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is on November 30 from 4:30 to 10 p.m. and continues through the holiday season. Visiting the tree is free from the White House Visitors Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington by walking down the Southern Trail to the Eclipse.
2. Shop at the Downtown Holiday Market
The vibrant and beloved Downtown Holiday Market is held annually from November 18 to December 23 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. on F Street and stretches for two blocks between 7th and 9th streets. Stroll through hundreds of pop-up tents at this outdoor shopping village and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Browse through the vast selection of wares from entrepreneurs and small businesses across the region while listening to favorite holiday tunes performed live in the background.
3. Experience Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend
Head to the historic brick-lined streets of Old Town Alexandria on the first weekend of December to experience the city’s holiday magic. Stroll down the streets under a canopy of sparkling lights, sip piping hot chocolate and steaming cups of freshly brewed coffee at cozy cafes, and experience the holiday festivities.
The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Every year, for more than five decades, Alexandria, founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and named after Scotsman John Alexander, celebrates its Scottish heritage with the spectacular Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.
Dozens of Scottish clans in colorful tartans and Scottie dogs, joined by bagpipe and drum bands, take to the historic streets at 11 a.m. on December 3. Watch the parade for free from anywhere along the one-mile route along Saint Asaph, Queen, Fairfax, King Street, or Market Square.
The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Join the exciting dockside festivities in Waterfront Park at 1A Prince Street, usually held on the first weekend in December at 2 p.m. Watch the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at dusk when the colorful lights of more than 60 dazzling boats floating down the Potomac River illuminate Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront. A spectacular firework display ends the iconic parade at 8 p.m.
Enjoy every minute of the holidays by joining the festive celebrations in the area. Swing by Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today and ensure your vehicle is ready for the road this winter.
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