Holiday Traditions Abound in Alexandria, Virginia
December 3rd, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray, Old Town
We like an orderly progression of holidays – and traditions – and now that Thanksgiving has been generously celebrated and shared with family and friends, we’re ready to talk about Christmas.
Alexandria, Virginia celebrates its Scottish history with the 38th Annual Campagna Center Scottish Walk Dec. 4-6. Old Town homes are decked for the holidays, a Christmas Marketplace sells traditional heather and greens and a parade rounds out the celebration.
- Thursday, noon to 5:00pm – Christmas Marketplace at the George Washington Masonic Memorial
- Friday and Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm – Christmas Marketplace at the George Washington Masonic Memorial
- Saturday, 10:30am – Scottish parade in Old Town with more than 100 Scottish clans showing their tartans, bagpipe bands, local dignitaries, dog clubs (visualize hundreds of “Scotties”), antique cars and living history units. This year’s Grand Marshall is Willard Scott of NBC’s Today Show.
The mission of the Campagna Center, an Alexandria institution since 1945, is to “draw together the resources of the Alexandria community to strengthen families and provide programs that help children become caring, productive adults.”
Later on that same Saturday, Del Ray (formerly known as the Town of Potomac) will host its own tree lighting at Colasanto Park at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues at 6:00pm. Following the illumination, everyone is invited to “stroll the avenue” to:
- Enjoy the Luminarias
- Sing holiday carols
- Visit local businesses open late for shoppers
- Sip on a cup of hot cider or hot chocolate at participating stores
- Sit on Santa’s lap at the end of the walk
And, in the true spirit of the holidays, neighbors and visitors are asked to bring items that will be donated to Carpenter’s Shelter for the homeless. The following items are greatly needed and may be dropped in marked boxes at the tree lighting:
- Food – cereal or canned goods
- Hats, gloves, scarves
- New socks, underwear
- Disposable diapers
Carpenter’s Shelter is the largest organization of its kind in Northern Virginia and their mission is “to end homelessness through services education and advocacy.”
Saturday is a great opportunity to both support community services in Alexandria and simply enjoy the traditions of the day. Put your walking shoes on and we’ll see you there . . .
Michael
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