[Archived] Experience 1860s Alexandria during the Holidays with Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour

Discount Rate for Tickets Purchased by December 1

See historic Alexandria in a whole new light this holiday season! Four of Old Town Alexandria’s finest historic sites will welcome guests on Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11, for the festive Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour. The area’s premier traditional holiday event features holiday greenery, period decorations and music, light refreshments and a convenient shuttle bus running among the sites.

This season, as part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial events, experience 1860s Alexandria during the holidays with tours at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street), Carlyle House Historic Park (121 North Fairfax Street), Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco Street), and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 South Fairfax Street). Tour times are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 11.

The tour is self-guided, and the sites may be visited in any order, with a complimentary shuttle running in a continuous loop among the sites. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for children (ages 6-17). Special discount rates of $15 for adults and $12 for seniors are available when you buy before December 1. For information, tickets, and group sales information, please contact Gadsby’s Tavern Museum at 703.746.4242. Tickets for this event can also be purchased online at www.historicalexandria.org.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
The scent of fresh greens and flickering candlelight enhance the warm hospitality of this historic tavern! As you tour the ca. 1785 tavern and 1792 City Tavern, now known as Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, you will be greeted by guides who will highlight the visits of our founding fathers, everyday travelers, and Civil War officers, journalists and other wartime guests. See Civil War period dancing in the same room where George and Martha Washington once danced!

Carlyle House Historic Park
During the Civil War, the former home of John Carlyle served as a Union hospital. Despite the hardships of war, many of the soldiers, doctors and nurses worked to create some holiday cheer far from home. Step into the Carlyle House as it might have been in 1861. On display will be a Victorian Christmas tree, decorated with presents and popcorn, stockings by the fire, mistletoe and holly. Enjoy period music and hot apple cider as you warm up your hearts with holiday cheer.

Lee-Fendall House
Built in 1785, this Lee-Fendall House served as home to 37 members of the Lee family over the years. Greenery will be hung in seasonal displays, and the Christmas tree will be trimmed with ribbons, antique toys, and gilded ornaments in the style of the 1850s. Guides will explain early Victorian holiday customs and tell of famous visitors to the historic home such as “Light Horse” Harry Lee, the Washingtons, and John Quincy Adams.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Tour the historic Apothecary, whose customers included Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee. Enjoy the spirit of the season and savor its nostalgic scents as you tour a store that remained open for business, despite the war.

Old Town Alexandria is served by convenient public transportation, including the free King Street Trolley. Ample public parking is available at the Tavern Square and Market Square parking garages.

To learn more about other holiday events in historic Alexandria, please visit www.visitalexandriava.com and www.historicalexandria.org.