Alexandria, VA – Good things come in small packages, and the D.C. region’s Shop Small destination for independent boutiques, Alexandria, Virginia, invites shoppers to opt small and shop a local experience in a magical setting of holiday wonder.
Visit Alexandria announces holiday retail events in Old Town and Del Ray for the gift-giving season. Alexandria’s Small Business Saturday is bigger than ever in 2017. New this year, shoppers will be treated to free parking at parking meters, a Santa Stroll on King Street, a postcard pop-up from new paper goods boutique Penny Post, plus live music, shopping and activities at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Don’t miss the fun on November 25 with in-store activities at more than 50 independently owned boutiques plus surprise giveaways from the Elf Prize Patrol and holiday caroling from the Alexandria Singers. Small Business Saturday in Alexandria is a partnership of Visit Alexandria, the City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Small Business Development Center, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Old Town Boutique District and the Del Ray Business Association.
Also new this year, ten Alexandria museum stores will take part in the first-ever Museum Store Sunday international initiative on November 26, with unique and historically inspired gifts plus special offers and seasonal refreshments. Returning this year are Alexandria’s alternative Black Friday experience with discounts at more than 50 independent boutiques on November 24, and 116 King Holiday Pop-up, a boutique featuring emerging designers among 30 upscale fashion and lifestyle brands, open now through December 31.
Find more information below and at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/shopsmall.
Alexandria’s alternative Black Friday experience features more than 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. Store offers vary, with special discounts throughout the day and 10 boutiques opening at 6 a.m., including Pacers Running, fibre space, The Shoe Hive and Hooray for Books!
After the shopping is done, stay for the popular City of Alexandria Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. on 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 is bigger than ever in the D.C. region’s Shop Small headquarters, where more than 50 independently owned boutiques in Old Town Alexandria and Del Ray will offer special in-store activities. New this year, shoppers will be treated to free parking at parking meters, a Santa Stroll on King Street, a postcard pop-up from new paper goods boutique Penny Post, plus live music, shopping and activities at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Don’t miss surprise giveaways from the Elf Prize Patrol and holiday caroling from the Alexandria Singers. Join the Santa Stroll at 11 a.m. and follow the region’s most beloved Santa as he plays the bagpipes and spreads holiday cheer as he walks with families up King Street to Hooray for Books! where he will pose for photos from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (reservation required for photos). Small Business Saturday in Alexandria is a partnership of Visit Alexandria, the City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Small Business Development Center, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Old Town Boutique District and the Del Ray Business Association.
Visit your favorite historic Alexandria museums for the first-ever Museum Store Sunday, the day after Small Business Saturday, for unique and historically inspired gifts with special offers, seasonal refreshments and more. Ten participating museum stores include George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum, Friendship Firehouse and the Alexandria Black History Museum. The museums of historic Alexandria are pleased to participate in this international campaign led by the Museum Store Association.
During the holidays, historic Old Town Alexandria is transformed into a nostalgic winter wonderland. Named one of America’s Top Holiday Towns by USA Today and a Top 10 Christmas Town by HGTV, strolling historic King Street is like being in a real-life Dickens Village, complete with European flair, cozy cafes and chef-driven restaurants to warm up in. Twinkle-lit trees shine above brick-lined streets and at the city’s historic waterfront as old fashioned holiday traditions fill the air with holiday cheer. 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 being independently owned, it is easy to get expert advice and products curated by local owners who are often on site.