Northern Virginia Real Estate and Community News Blog

One of the best parts of living in Northern Virginia in December is the many holiday traditions that take place in the various regions. Here is a peek of some of the more popular events that are happening this weekend. You can plan to spend the day in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday, December 5th. Starting at 11am is the 45^th Annual Campagna Center Scottish Walk Parade which features marching units of Scottish Clans, Scottish bagpipes and drums, Scottish dancers, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus and much more.  Then at 5:30pm you can head over to the historic waterfront to see the 16^th Annual Alexandria Holliday Boat Parade of Lights. Led by Alexandria's fireboat The Vigilant and Washington, DC's fireboat John Glenn, dozens of illuminated boats will cruise the Potomac River. DC media personality Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM will be the parade announcer.  The Alexandria Harmonizers will also be performing at the Torpedo Factory between 4 and 9pm, and the shops will be open for holiday shoppers. Wolf Trap is hosting its annual Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long on Saturday December 5^th at 4pm. This annual musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area. Don’t forget to bring a candle for the candlelight processional during the last verse of “Silent Night,” and bells for the “Jing-A-Long” during the singing of "Jingle Bells,"   This event is free, but they are collecting new, unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots. This is a wildly popular local favorite and parking is free so get there early to ensure getting a parking spot. Also on Saturday December 5^th is the City of Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols. Starting at 8am there is a Breakfast with Santa at Fire Station #3 of off of University Drive. If getting up early for breakfast isn’t appealing, you can have lunch with Santa from 11:30-12:30 at Old Town Hall. From 12-7pm there will be a variety of holiday activities at Old Town Square including s’mores, hot cider, a petting zoo, giant slides, and live performances. There are fees for the breakfast and lunch with Santa, and tickets can be purchased in advance. Most of the other activities are free. Enjoy your first weekend of December!