Skip the mall this holiday season for memorable and worry-free shopping in Old Town Alexandria, the DC region’s shop small headquarters for independent boutiques. By opting small, you’ll enjoy a local experience in a magical holiday setting all season long.
New to Alexandria’s shopping scene this year are 116 King Holiday Pop-Up, a temporary boutique featuring 28 upscale brands, and expanded Random Acts of Holiday Cheer, delighting Old Town shoppers with surprises every Saturday from Small Business Saturday through Christmas Eve. The season also includes an alternate Black Friday experience on November 25, with free parking and deals from nearly 50 boutiques. Small Business Saturday is also on the calendar for November 26, featuring in-store activities where shoppers can meet storeowners, product makers, and enjoy exclusive “Shop-Taste-Create” experiences.
New This Year
116 King Holiday Pop-Up
Featuring The Skinny Dip Fashion Collective
November 10 – December 31, 2016
This holiday season, Alexandria welcomes Nantucket pop-up The Skinny Dip to 116 King Street. The shop will feature emerging designers from 28 upscale fashion and lifestyle brands, including 13 brands under the umbrella of The Skinny Dip, a fashion collective founded by Sara Rossi and Taylor Ivey, as well as 15 additional brands with products ranging from women’s apparel and jewelry to men’s clothing, children’s items, and other gifts. Sponsored by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, the boutique will introduce Alexandria and the larger DC community to fresh and emerging designers such as Ellsworth & Ivey, Beau & Ro, Bald Head Blues, Boast, and Hyla DeWitt Jewelry.
Random Acts of Holiday Cheer
Expanding through Christmas Eve
Saturdays 11am – 3pm, November 26 – December 24, 2016
Random Acts of Holiday Cheer will delight holiday shoppers with surprise giveaways from the Elf Prize Patrol, pop-up musical performances through the Alexandria Arts Alliance, and hands-on activities at the Mobile Art Lab. Due to the popularity of last year’s inaugural Random Acts of Holiday Cheer festivities, the fun will kick off this year on Small Business Saturday and expand to every Saturday through Christmas Eve from 11am -3pm.
Shopping Events
Black Friday Alexandria
Less Hustle and Bustle, Plus Free Parking
November 25, 2016
Alexandria’s alternative Black Friday experience on November 25, 2016, features nearly 50 independent boutiques kicking off the holiday shopping season with one-of-a-kind deals on designer and coveted merchandise, including home décor, chic fashions, gourmet food, classic toys and gifts for dogs. The City of Alexandria is offering free parking at parking meters as a special incentive for shoppers on Black Friday so shoppers can visit more shops and bag even more bargains. Store offers vary, with some boutiques opening at 6 a.m. and offering special discounts throughout the day. To learn about participating stores and their offerings, visit VisitAlexandriaVA.com/blackfriday.
After the shopping is done, stay for the popular City of Alexandria Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. on the historic Market Square. As the official kick-off to the holiday season in Alexandria, the ceremony includes live entertainment, a special visit from Santa Claus, and community caroling.
Small Business Saturday
Featuring “Shop-Taste-Create” Experiences
November 26, 2016
As the D.C. region’s shop small headquarters, nearly 50 locally owned boutiques throughout Alexandria will participate in this year’s Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2016, offering special in-store activities around the “Shop-Taste-Create” theme. Random Acts of Holiday Cheer will delight shoppers on the streets of Old Town with surprise giveaways from the Elf Prize Patrol, plus pop-up musical performances through the Alexandria Arts Alliance, and hands-on activities at the Mobile Art Lab. An exclusive Shop Small in Alexandria bag will be distributed by the Elf Prize Patrol, in boutiques, and by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will distribute the exclusive bags filled with giveaways from its members with select bags containing gift cards.
Boutique Experience in a Nostalgic Holiday Setting
During the holidays, historic Old Town Alexandria is transformed into a winter wonderland reminiscent of a simpler time. Meet the makers and small business shakers at dozens of independent boutiques that welcome you with greenery at their doorsteps, offering everything from chic fashions and home décor to classic toys and gifts for dogs. With 80% of Alexandria boutiques and restaurants independently owned, it’s easy to get expert advice and products curated by local owners who are often onsite to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your “nice” list.
For more about shopping and things to do at the holidays in Alexandria, click here.
"Holiday Magic in the ‘Shop Small’ Headquarters of the DC Region" was first published on Washingtonian.