December 2008
HistoricAlexandriaALIVE
Join us on the streets of Alexandria as history comes to life! Each Sunday, learn, participate, engage, and enjoy with performers and costumed interpreters from noon to 5 p.m. Find performers at Market Square, along King Street between Market Square and the waterfront, and on the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory. Free! Check it out!-
Drawings by William Lydston, Jr.
April 1 - December 31
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Original Civil War drawings by soldier, artist and musician William Lydston, Jr. Exhibit coincides with a statewide celebration of Virginia's musical heritage. Fort Ward pairs drawings from Lydston's wartime experiences with musical instruments and related objects from the Museum's collection. Free. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
Free!
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Mount Vernon by Candlelight
November 28 - December 14
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South end of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000
During this holiday program, visitors learn about the Washingtons' Christmas traditions; tour the candlelit Mansion including the rarely-seen third floor; and meet historical characters including Martha Washington. On the grounds, guests enjoy caroling around a roaring campfire. This is the only time of the year that Mount Vernon is open exclusively for public evening tours 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Tickets are on sale beginning November 1st.
$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required
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Holidays at Mount Vernon
December 1 - January 6
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
South end of the GW Parkway
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000
The Washingtons' seasonal entertaining is interpreted daily, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Visitors learn about 18th-century holiday activities at Mount Vernon and tour the Mansion. Martha Washington’s garret chamber, on the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion, will be open. The Mansion is authentically decorated with natural greenery and set for a festive holiday gathering.
$ Entrance Fee
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American Revolution Re-enactment: A Soldier’s Christmas
December 6
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.nvrpa.org/parks/carlylehouse/index.php 703/549-2997
The “Soldier's Christmas” program features re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, as well as costumed interpreters from the Carlyle House. Noon-4 p.m.
$ Entrance Fee
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Ornament Decorating Workshop for Families
December 6
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
105 North Union Street, #327
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org 703/838-4399
Be inspired to decorate take-home, artifact-shaped dough ornaments based on colors and patterns from the Alexandria Archaeaology Museum's collection of excavated artifacts. 1 to 4 p.m. Free!
Free!
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Civil War Christmas in Camp
December 13
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
www.fortward.org 703/838-4848
Holiday event interprets how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. Features a patriotic Santa Claus, living historiy interpreters, Victorian tree and decorations, period music, light refreshments, readings of "The Night Before Christmas". Guided tours of the fort, weather permitting. 12-4 p.m. Suggested donation $2 adults, $1 for kids.
$ Entrance Fee
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Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
December 13
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.historicalexandria.org 703/838-4242
For one night only! Take a break from the fast pace of the season and experience the unique charm and history at Old Town Alexandria’s most popular holiday event! Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House and Old Presbyterian Meeting House by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments. Tour times are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older), and $5 for children (ages 6-17). Pre-sale discounts are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, are available before December 1. Reservations are recommended.
$ Entrance Fee
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Kwanzaa Craft Workshop
December 13
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356
Join the Alexandria Black History Museum staff in a fun interactive program that will guide you through a review of the principles of this unique African American holiday as well as instruct you in ways to make inexpensive Kwanzaa gifts called Zawadi. All supplies will be provided. Free! 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free!
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Holiday Favorites with the Colonial Handbell Ringers
December 21
The Lyceum
201 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.alexandriahistory.org 703/838-4994
Join the Colonial Handbell Ringers as they play more than 60 bronze bells. Musical selections include Christmas classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols. 3 p.m. Free!
Free!
