Historic Alexandria Holiday Events
OHA 2023 Holiday Events
Historic Alexandria is excited to announce its 2023 Events:
Friendship Firehouse House open
Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m.—5 p.m.
Admission: $2 per person, free for City of Alexandria residents.
107 S. Alfred Street
While visiting Old Town Alexandria for the Scottish Walk, stop by the Friendship Firehouse Museum. Young visitors will receive a free fire hat.
Ship Biscuit Ornaments
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Torpedo Factory Art Center
Saturday, December 2, 2-5 p.m.
Free, no registration required
A nearly complete ship’s biscuit from the 18th century was found in Alexandria. Make your own ship’s biscuit ornament to commemorate the discovery and the city's waterfront history! Each biscuit ornament will be stamped with the year and then baked at home to track its preservation. No registration required.
SOLD OUT-Holiday Magic Show
Wednesday, December 6, 7—9 p.m.
Free, but registration encouraged as space is limited. Alexandriava.gov/shop
Alexandria History Museum
Kwanzaa Workshop
Saturday, December 9, 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm
$3 per person, tickets available online at alexandriava.gov/shop
Alexandria Black History Museum
Learn about the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa and leave knowing how to do your own celebration. Families of all ages welcome.
Christmas in Camp
Saturday, December 9, noon—4 p.m.
Suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
Learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War! The program features a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors celebrating the holiday in winter camps decorated for the season, a Victorian parlor tree, and children's activities.
Colonial Handbell Ringers
Sunday, December 10, performances at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Free
Alexandria History Museum, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
The Colonial English Handbell Ringers proudly present “A Cool Yule” concert for the 2023 holiday season. After an unprecedented heat wave this year, chill out with some winter favorites. Enjoy such classics as “Let it Snow,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “White Christmas,” and “Sleigh Ride” as well as the original and amusing “Carillon Christmas” plus several others that will keep you cool and at the same time warm your heart. Our Lyceum performances are FREE to the public, although we happily take donations to assist with equipment replacement and upkeep. Seating is first-come-first-served. Thank you for your support through the years, and we look forward to bringing you this cool 2023 holiday concert. We hope Yule love it!
Old Town Gingerbread Decorating
Sunday, December 17, 1-6 p.m.
$25 per decorating kit, pre-purchase at alexandriava.gov/shop to guarantee a kit.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Learn about local architecture as you decorate a flat “façade” (front) based on historic buildings around Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Ticket includes one flat gingerbread façade, all the supplies needed to decorate, and admission to the museum. Inspiring samples highlight architectural details you can recreate in candy and search for in the neighborhoods on your way home. Event ideal for families or adult groups; up to four people welcome per ticket. Select a start-time for decorating when purchasing your kit. Hot cider and spiked cider available for purchase during the event.
Friendship Firehouse House Open
Saturday, December 30, 11 a.m.—5 p.m.
Admission: $2 per person, free for City of Alexandria residents.
Friendship Firehouse Museum
Friendship Firehouse Museum is open! Whether looking for fun activities during winter break or things to do with visiting family, be sure to stop by. Young visitors will receive a free fire hat
To request a reasonable disability accommodation or an alternative format, e-mail historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.4848, or Virginia Relay 711.
For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969.
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This release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/5234.