The holiday season is here, and the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities has a calendar full of events to bring the community together. From tree lightings and concerts to family festivals and teen nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we wrap up the year.
Holiday Highlights & Special Events
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 22 | 6-8 p.m.
Market Square (301 King St.) | Free
Start the season in the heart of Old Town with Alexandria’s annual tree lighting. Enjoy music, carols, and a visit from Santa as we welcome the holidays together.
Grinchmas
Saturday, December 6 | 9:30-11 a.m.
Charles Houston Rec Center (901 Wythe St.) | $5
Join us for a Who-ville celebration featuring festive activities, delicious treats, and photos with the Grinch, plus a live reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Chinquapin Park Recreation & Aquatics Facility’s 40th Anniversary
Saturday, December 6 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
3210 King St. | Free
Join us this December as we honor four decades of splashes, smiles, and strength. Enjoy swim demos, pool inflatables, free soft play and racquetball access, giveaways, and special sales.
Family Winter Holiday Fun
Saturday, December 6 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Leonard Armstrong Rec Center | $7
Celebrate the holidays with gingerbread houses, crafts, cookie decorating, games, and Santa’s favorite story and movie! Then snap a photo with Santa; don’t forget your camera!
Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest at the Masonic Memorial
Friday, December 12 | 5-8 p.m.
101 Callahan Dr. | Free
Get ready to celebrate the holidays at A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest - a festive gathering of music, art, and poetry!
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 13 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Vernon Rec Center | $25
A holiday tradition! Kids can enjoy breakfast and take a photo with Santa and his elves.
Senior Ugly Sweater Party
Ages 55+
Friday, December 19 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Patrick Henry Rec Center | Free
Don your most outrageous holiday attire and indulge in holiday crafts, cookie-decorating, lively games, and joyful music.
Kids & Teens
2nd Annual Alexandria Fall Chess Tournament
Grades K-12
Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Oswald Durant Center | $20/participant
The official City of Alexandria Championships! Open to students who live or attend school in the City. Four rounds, non-elimination. Arrive by 9:45am. Not US Chess rated.
Alexandria Holiday Invitational Cheer Competition
Sunday, December 14 | 2 p.m.
Alexandria City HS | Ages 4 and Under: Free, Ages 5-12 and Seniors: $5, Ages 13+: $10
Get ready to dazzle, dance, and dominate! Support youth cheerleading teams from neighborhood recreation centers and the metropolitan area.
Winter Break Camps
Visit alexandriava.gov/rpca/camps for a list of winter break camps.
Teen Winter Pool Jam
Middle and high school students
Saturday, December 20, 6–8:30 p.m. | Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility | Free
Come warm up at the coolest party with friends, festive vibes, and non-stop fun.
For Adults
Adult Social Night
Ages 18+
Friday, November 21, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Leonard Armstrong Rec Center | $9
Unwind with friends old and new during our adult social night featuring exciting activities.
Line Dance Social
Ages 18+
Tuesday, December 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Charles Houston Rec Center | Free
Dance into the holiday spirit with a festive night of music, movement, and community.
Learn More & Register:
Visit the RPCA Community Activities page for full details, times, and registration links.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jackie.person@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5423, Virginia Relay 711.
If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.