[Archived] Alexandria Celebrates “Black Friday” with Free Parking, Extended Trolley Hours, and More

For Immediate Release: November 15, 2012

Old Town Alexandria’s local retailers are set to lure Black Friday shoppers on November 23 with once-a-year discounts starting at 6 a.m. This year, the free King Street Trolley will begin operating at 6 a.m. Shoppers can board a trolley every 15 minutes and hop on and off at 20 stops between the King St/Old Town Metro Station and the Potomac River waterfront. The early trolley hours are presented by DASH Alexandria Transit Company, the City of Alexandria, and the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association.

 The City of Alexandria is offering free parking at parking meters and in all City-owned garages and parking lots as a special incentive for shoppers to visit Old Town to make their holiday purchases. The following garages and lots are opening at 6 a.m., with free parking all day:

• Market Square Garage, 108 North Fairfax St.
• Courthouse Square Garage, 111 South Pitt St.
• Thompson’s Alley Garage, 10 Thompson’s Alley
• North Union Street Garage, 220 North Union St.
• South Henry Street Lot, 112 South Henry St.
• Cameron/St. Asaph Street Lot, 210 North St. Asaph St.

Dozens of Alexandria’s independently owned shops are offering special discounts, with early and extended hours on Black Friday. Participating stores offer 30% discounts from 6 to 8 a.m., 20% from 8 to 10 a.m., and 10% starting at 10 a.m. Additional shops will be offering sales and special promotions throughout the day. This effort is coordinated by the Shop Local Alexandria project and the Old Town Boutique District.

Shoppers can stay for the City of Alexandria Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. on Market Square, at 301 King St. As the official kick-off to the holiday season in Alexandria, the ceremony includes a performance from Santa’s Frosty Follies, a special visit from Santa Claus, and community caroling.

Families can get classic photos with Santa throughout the season with the Santa Claus is Coming to Old Town event. Starting November 24, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take pictures with children every Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas at One Wales Alley, the location of Bike and Roll Alexandria. The cost for pictures is $15 for a 5 x 7 print. The event is presented by the Old Town Boutique District, in partnership with the City of Alexandria and Bike and Roll Alexandria and with the support of area businesses.

For more information on all the Black Friday festivities, free parking, participating shops, photos with Santa, and more holiday events in Alexandria, visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com.