Del Ray’s month-long holiday celebration on Main Street kicks off on Small Business Saturday. The socially-distant holiday activities, which include shopping events, the community’s virtual tree lighting, Twelve Days of Wellness, a holiday scavenger hunt, and more, reflect the Del Ray neighborhood’s reputation as a dining, retail, wellness, and arts destination in the region, along with its commitment to supporting Alexandria non-profits year-round
Shop Small in Del Ray Week
The traditional Shops of Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Out is expanding to a full week, kicking off on Small Business Saturday! From Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, pick up a Shopping Passport at your favorite Del Ray retailer and support our local businesses, enjoy special promotions, and enter for the chance to win prizes!
Del Ray Holiday Market
Find the perfect gift at this pop-up market featuring local artisans, at-home entrepreneurs, and wellness providers. The Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market takes place on Saturday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the intersection of Mount Vernon & Bellefonte Avenues.
Virtual Holiday Season Kick-Off
The annual Del Ray Christmas tree lighting will move to a virtual format, taking place on Sun. Dec 6 at 6 p.m. Click here to register. In addition to the traditional countdown, the virtual event will feature an appearance by Santa, plus carols with the Alexandria Singers. The Del Ray community will also light the Menorah at at 6:30 p.m. each night of Hanukkah, from Dec. 10 to Dec. 18.
Donation Drive for Carpenter’s Shelter
In the spirit of the season, the Del Ray Business Association will collect toiletries for Carpenter’s Shelter, a local nonprofit that helps the homeless achieve sustainable independence through shelter, guidance, education, and advocacy. Needed supplies include unscented lotion, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.
Donations will be collected from Dec. 6 through Christmas at designated bins outside The Dog Store (2301 Mount Vernon Ave.), Waxing the City (2727 Mount Vernon Ave.), Del Ray Psych & Wellness (1900 Mount Vernon Avenue), Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap (401 E Braddock Road), and the front porch of 110 E. Del Ray Ave. Donation bins will also be outside the The Del Ray Farmers’ Market (Dec. 12 & 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
Twelve Days of Wellness in Del Ray
From Dec. 5-16, the Wellness District of Del Ray will offer twelve days of self-care during the holidays. Follow @thewellnessdistrictdelray on Facebook and Instagram for short videos on Wellness Wisdom during this unique holiday season.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Local artists have been commissioned to complete hand-painted holiday windows at businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue. Starting Dec. 5, visit the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square to pick up a scavenger hunt, or download one at visitdelray.com/holiday and complete the holiday hunt for a chance to win gift cards to local businesses.
All events are presented by the Del Ray Business Association, which represents the independently-owned shops, retailers, and businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.