Nov 12, 2026 · 5 min read · Alexandria
When Is the Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting in 2026?
It is Saturday, November 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park in Old Town Alexandria, according to the City of Alexandria's holiday page, which the city updated on November 10, 2026.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
Where is the tree lighting?
The city lists the Holiday Tree Lighting as one of its signature events, at Waterfront Park. Check the city's page the week of the event in case anything changes. Details: City of Alexandria, Alexandria Holiday Events.
What else is happening in Old Town on the same day?
The city's Old Town visitor page lists the Alexandria Cider Festival the same Saturday, November 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. The city describes it as a tasting event for Virginia Cider Week, on the grounds of historic Lloyd House and on Queen Street. That gives you an afternoon event and an evening event in the same neighborhood. Details: City of Alexandria, Visiting Old Town.
How do I get there?
The city says parking is limited in Old Town during the City Hall and Market Square renovation. It suggests DASH, the King Street Trolley, Metrorail, walking, biking or another option that uses fewer cars. The Market Square Garage is temporarily closed because of the construction.
Where can I park if I drive?
The city's Old Town page, updated November 9, 2026, lists nearby garages and lots with the rates it shows. Rates can change, so check the city's page before you go. A few examples from that list:
- Courthouse Square Garage, 111 S. Pitt St.: $2 an hour, with a $1 an hour rate after 5 p.m. and on weekends, and a $5 evening and weekend maximum.
- Thompson's Alley Garage, 10 Thompson's Alley: $2 an hour, with a $5 evening maximum.
- S. Union St Garage, 115 S. Union St.: $17 flat rate.
- Torpedo Factory Garage, 102 N. Union St.: $7 to $8 an hour.
- King St Station Garage, 1800 Diagonal Rd.: $9 an hour, with a $15 weekend maximum.
- The Strand Lot, 206 Strand St.: $15 flat rate.
The city also notes that Union Station, 110 Callahan Dr., lists $2.50 an hour with a $15 daily maximum. The city's holiday page says to check it for current transportation and parking information before each event.
What else is on the city's holiday calendar?
The city's holiday page lists more signature events after the tree lighting. These are later dates, so check the city's page for changes:
- Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade: Saturday, December 5, starting at 10:30 a.m. in Old Town. The parade starts at St. Asaph and Wolfe streets and ends at Pitt and Duke streets, and the city's map lists road closures and no-parking zones in the assembly area.
- Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: Saturday, December 5, 5:30 to 8 p.m., from Old Town North to Ford's Landing Park, with dockside activities from 2 to 8 p.m.
- New Year's Eve Fireworks: Thursday, December 31, with fireworks at 8 p.m. and midnight at Waterfront Park.
The Old Town page also lists Plaid Friday on November 27, which it calls Alexandria's alternative to Black Friday, and a Small Business Saturday Puzzle Crawl in Old Town on Saturday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Are the shops and the visitor center open during the construction?
Yes. The city says businesses around the City Hall construction site are still open, including shops, food and beverage businesses, apparel stores and historic museums. For in-person help, the Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street in Old Town has brochures, maps and tickets to tours and attractions. The city describes the King Street mile and its brick-lined sidewalks as lined with centuries-old architecture, historic attractions and independent businesses, so it is an easy walk before the lighting. The city's holiday page also points to Visit Alexandria's Shop Small page for more holiday shopping ideas.
How do I get updates?
The city says to use its social channels and official alerts for weather and day-of updates, and to visit alexandriava.gov/Alert for emergencies or bad weather. You can also text "HOLIDAYSALX" to 855-925-2801 for holiday updates, or use the city's Holiday Sign Up page to get emails about upcoming events.
Thinking about a move?
We are not the organizers of this event. If you are curious about the area, read Living in Alexandria, VA: Ideal for DC Commuters? and Should You Buy a Home in Alexandria, VA Now?. For a numbers comparison, see Alexandria vs Arlington: Months of Supply and Absorption.
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FAQ
Who runs the tree lighting?
The City of Alexandria lists it as one of its holiday signature events.
What if the weather is bad?
Check the city's alerts page and social channels on the day for updates.
Is parking easy?
The city says parking is limited in Old Town right now, so plan another way to get there, or check its garage list for rates.
Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.