OHA 2024 Holiday Events: Festive Fun for Everyone!
This holiday season, immerse yourself in the charm of Historic Alexandria with tours, exhibits, children’s scavenger hunts, concerts, and more! Whether you’re an adventurer, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to embrace the festive spirit, there’s something special waiting for you. Check out the full lineup of holiday events at alexandriava.gov/Historic and find more seasonal fun at VisitAlexandriaVA.com. While you’re out celebrating, don’t forget to stop by all eight museum stores for unique gifts like books, ornaments, and jewelry!
Historic Alexandria is excited to announce its 2024 Events:
Family Holiday Magic Show
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Wednesday, December 4
7 p.m.
Free, but encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to donate to the Fund for Alexandria’s Child Holiday Sharing Program.
Pre-register.
Join us at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum for a free holiday magic show, performed by professional magicians who are members of Ring 50, the DC-area chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Magic is a part of The Lyceum’s history and 19th-century magicians like Signor Blitz and Wyman the Wizard performed there in the 1840s. This modern family-friendly show will be geared toward children ages 5 to 12, but all are welcome. The show is free, but please bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Fund for Alexandria’s Child Holiday Sharing Program, which benefits kids who might otherwise go without holiday gifts this year. For more information, email info@ibmring50.org.
Friendship Firehouse Open
Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Saturday, December 28, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: $2 per person, free for City of Alexandria residents.
107 S. Alfred Street
See how local volunteer fire companies served the community faithfully in the 19th century. Some of their stories and equipment are preserved today in the Friendship Firehouse Museum. The museums' historic firefighting vehicles include the Rodgers Suction Engine (1851) and the Prettyman Hose Carriage (1858). 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.
Ship Biscuit Ornaments
Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union Street
Saturday, December 7
2-5 p.m.
Free
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. Free, no registration required.
Old Town Gingerbread Decorating
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Sunday, December 8
1-6 p.m.
$25
Purchase tickets.
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. Hot cider available for purchase during the event. $25 per decorating set for up to four people.
Traditional Music Series Concert
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Thursday, December 12, 7-9 p.m., $25/$10 under 18
Becky Tracy (fiddle) and Keith Murphy (guitar, mandolin, piano and foot percussion) performing
Purchase tickets.
December 19, 7-9 p.m., $25/$10 under $18
Diarmuid Ó Meachair (accordion) and Matt Mulqueen (piano)
Purchase tickets.
In the 19th century, traveling singers and musicians including groups from Hungary, Austria, Spain, England, and Ireland also performed at Lyceum Hall. In keeping with that tradition, join us at The Lyceum for periodic traditional music concerts.
Story Time & Kwanzaa Workshop!
First, attend the dynamic Storytime then learn about the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa! Leave knowing how to do your own celebration! Families of all ages welcome.
Story Time for Little Historians
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, December 14
10 a.m.- 10:45 a.m.
Free
Dynamic storytellers use books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to engage with ages 5-8.
Kwanzaa Workshop
Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, December 14
11 a.m.- 12 p.m.
$3 per person
Learn about the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa! Members of the staff will share the historical foundation of Kwanzaa and its seven principles. Program includes a candle lighting, a food tasting, and information on craft projects will be shared.
Christmas in Camp
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.
Saturday, December 14
12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Free
Get in the holiday spirit and learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War at this popular family-oriented event. Enjoy a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camp settings, period decorations, fort tours, and kids' activities.
Specialty Tour: A Toast to the Ladies!
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Saturday, December 14 & 21
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
$20, $15 Historic Alexandria Members
Purchase tickets.
This special tour and discussion will highlight the many women over the centuries associated with Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. From Hannah Griffith, the first woman to operate a coffeehouse in the tavern, to the spearheading preservationist Rebecca Ramsay Reese, these women’s stories will spark conversations about political, economic, and social conditions for women in the past and the present. Ticket includes tea, which can be carried throughout the tour and discussion.
Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street
Sunday, December 15
2 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Free, donations welcome
The Colonial Ringers Present: Repeat the Sounding Joy! The Colonial English Handbell Ringers will bring some joy to your world this year as we proudly present “Repeat the Sounding Joy!” The 2024 holiday concert will feature fun, uplifting classics such as “Caroling, Caroling” and “Jingle Bells,” beautiful arrangements of “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Simple Gifts” and “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and the rousing finale “Three Carols for Three Countries.” We will hopefully hear from you as well, as you participate in our sing-a-long! As always, we thank you for your support over the years, and we hope you enjoy our sounds of the season! The event is free, donations accepted. Seating will be first-come-first-served.
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For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.