Holiday Tree Lightings 2025: Events Around Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandrians will have one last tree lighting at the current market Square in November before its renovation project. Other tree lightings are coming up as the holiday season begins.

The City of Alexandria will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. at Market Square (301 King St.). After the Town Crier calls attendees to gather, Mayor Alyia Gaskins will provide remarks. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will arrive by King Street Trolley and join the mayor for the tree lighting countdown. The tree lighting is expected at a time between 6:40 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. After 7 p.m., there will be live music by Steffenworx Brass, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will walk the Square and visit with families until 8 p.m. The event will be rain or shine.

The city says this is the final tree lighting event at the current Market Square. Renovations to City Hall and Market Square will begin in January 2026. Construction is tentatively expected to continue to 2028.

This year, DASH bus will unveil its first holiday bus wrap. The decorated DASH bus will be available to ride starting at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Visitors to Old Town are encouraged to use Metro's Blue or Yellow Line to the King Street-Old Town Station and take the free King Street Trolley to City Hall. Residents are encouraged to walk or take public transit. There are also various parking options in Old Town.

Here are other tree lightings to check out in and near Alexandria:

Nov.8-Dec. 27 Saturdays, 5:30 p.m.: Fireworks after tree lighting shows at National Harbor

Nov. 22, 5:30 p.m.: Capitol Hill Holiday Tree Lighting

Nov. 22, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: City Ridge Tree Lighting

Dec. 4: National Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec. 4, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Rosslyn Cheer: Light the Plaza

Dec. 5, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Melwood’s Miracle on 23rd Street

Dec. 7, 6 p.m.: Del Ray Holiday Season Kick-Off