It’s Holiday Time!  

The time for gift-giving is here, and the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) is excited to share opportunities to explore local art and connect with the creative community.  

Holiday Helper Guide  

The Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 2025 Holiday Helper gift guide is now available! This annual guide provides an overview of handmade gift ideas created by local artists, including scarves, wall hangings, jewelry, small sculptures, paintings, prints, ornaments, greeting cards, and more. The guide also highlights options under $50 and under $100, as well as items suitable for children.  

The gift guide will be available at all RPCA recreation centers, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Visit Alexandria, and local libraries. A digital version is also available for your convenience. Browse the gift guide online! 

As you explore gift ideas this season, RPCA also invites you to enjoy a variety of holiday programs and events at the Torpedo Factory Art Center:  

Plaid Friday | Friday, November 28 

Kick off your holiday shopping season with Plaid Friday: Alexandria's Small Business Friday!  

Small Business Saturday | Saturday, November 29 

Shop local artists while enjoying festivities, discounts, and more!  

Artists Sunday | Sunday, November 30 

Join artists and organizations across the country for the fourth annual Artists Sunday.  

Holiday Fest | Saturday, December 6, 2-6 p.m.  

Music fills the halls and the Alexandria Waterfront, and Santa comes to town for free visits. Learn more about Holiday Fest at the Art Center website.  

2nd Friday: Winter Welcome | Friday, December 12, 7-10 p.m.  

Enjoy free drinks, food, and music as Art Center artists celebrate new and returning customers. Explore open artist studios, find unique handmade gifts, and enjoy seasonal activities as we kick off the winter season together. Learn more about 2nd Friday at the Art Center website.  

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is currently managed by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural activities. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/arts or torpedofactory.org 

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. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact arts@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4577, Virginia Relay 711.