City of Alexandria’s Kicks Off the Holiday Season with Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony This Saturday

The City invites the community to join Mayor Justin Wilson and a host of holiday friends at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 23, at 6 p.m. in Market Square (301 King St.). This will also serve as the closing ceremony to Alexandria's yearlong 275th Celebration. Admission is free, and the event will occur rain or shine.

The Town Crier will call everyone to gather around the tree to help countdown to the lighting and close out ALX275's historic year of events. Tree Lighting is expected to occur sometime between 6:40 - 6:55 p.m. following the arrival of Santa by way of the King Street Trolley. Then, after 7 p.m. enjoy the start of the holiday season with music and merriment while Santa and Mrs. Claus walk the Square and visit with families until 8 p.m.

The public is encouraged to take public transit or walk to the event. Visitors to Old Town can take Metrorail's Blue or Yellow lines to the King Street-Old Town Station and then take the free King Street Trolley to the event in front of City Hall.

New this year, DASH will be debuting its very first Winter Trolley! Take a ride around Alexandria on a trolley decorated with festive, winter-themed scenes, starting at the Holiday Tree Lighting. For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH (3274) or visit dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit wmata.com. For parking information, visit alexandriava.gov/Parking.

For more information about the event, call the City's Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 or visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation.

For media inquiries, contact the newsroom at [email protected]or 703.746.3959.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact [email protected]or call 703.746.5419, Virginia Relay 711.