Join the Del Ray community for holiday cheer at the Del Ray Holiday Kick-Off on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Mt. Vernon & Oxford Avenues), featuring the Christmas tree and Menorah lighting. The festivities start at 5:15 p.m. with performances by the Del Ray Youth String Ensemble (5:15 p.m.), the Alexandria Children’s Chorus (5:30 p.m.), and a community sing-along (5:45 p.m.).
After the event, get an early start on holiday shopping and check out the hand-painted holiday windows while strolling down Mount Vernon Avenue as it is lit with thousands of luminarias in honor of the late Nancy Dunning.
In the spirit of the season, participants are urged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Alexandria Sheriff Department’s Operation Elf; and travel-size toiletries and non-perishable foods (including breakfast bars, oatmeal, cereal, ground coffee, Coffeemate creamer, hot sauce, salad dressing, individual bagged chips, and healthy snacks) for Carpenter’s Shelter.
The event is free and open to all.