[Archived] Alexandria Ready for Holiday Season

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

Alexandria Ready for Holiday Season

A hurricane, flooding, a small earthquake, and the season’s first snow fall have not hindered preparations for the holidays in the City of Alexandria. A wide array of events are offered to help everyone get into the spirit of the season.

The traditional “Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours” will be held Dec. 12 and 13 from 6 to 9 pm and 7 to 9:30 pm. Tour five Alexandria historic sites by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6 to 17. For more information and ticket orders, contact the Carlyle House at 703.549.2297.

The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Winter Holiday Concert series will continue through December. Concerts include strolling musicians and stage performances. For up to date concert information, call the Events Hotline at 703.883.4686.

In the spirit of the season, the City of Alexandria is offering free holiday parking at all meters and city-owned garages and lots Mondays through Fridays after 5 pm and all day Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 31.

In addition to the free holiday parking, the Alexandria DASH bus service operates a free shuttle from the King Street Metro Station to Old Town every weekend. On Fridays 7 pm to midnight, Saturdays 10 am to midnight and Sundays 11 am to 10 pm, people can ride the shuttles right into the heart of Old Town for free!

The stores and restaurants in Old Town that were damaged by Hurricane Isabel are back and better than ever! Some of the stores that received heavy damage were temporarily closed, but they have made repairs and upgrades and are ready for the holiday season, some with new merchandise and displays.

Robert Lorenson of the Virginia Shop, 104 S. Union St., lost a substantial amount of his merchandise when five and a half feet of flood water covered the store’s floor. Thanks to hard work, the store was only closed for nine days.

“It’s all back and we only shut down for a little bit,” Lorenson said. “We’ve got everyone’s favorites back in stock.”

The Christmas Attic, 125 S. Union St., also had to close down briefly due to a four-foot water surge. Fay Carter from the store said that with dedication, they have managed to totally rework the first floor and make it brand new.

“We’re up and running and excited for the upcoming season,” Carter said. “We have all our great supplies and have a couple decorations that exclusive only to the Christmas Attic.”

Even stores that were not severely damaged by the hurricane are working hard to get shoppers back to Old Town. Frank Polland from the Carriage House Shops said that water didn’t come on to the store’s floor, but it has been a challenge to reach the pre-hurricane level of shoppers.

Alexandria will also hold the First Night family-oriented New Year celebration on Dec. 31. First Night Alexandria is a family celebration through the visual and performing arts, created by and for the community to welcome the New Year. First Night Alexandria's mission is to broaden and deepen the public's appreciation of the arts through a diverse and entertaining program that offers a cultural experience. The celebration takes place at several different locations in Alexandria. For more information, call 703.838.4200 ext. 210.

# # #