In the city of Alexandria, Virginia, a city on the Potomac River, just south of Washington, DC, USA

 This Historic Town Outside of Washington, D.C. Is One of the Most Charming Places to Visit During the Holidays

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(in the northern region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA, Virginia, located south of Washington, D.C. on the opposite side of the Potomac River, is like the capital’s older city, perhaps best known for its Old Town neighborhood, founded in 1749, and is packed with historic Southern charm due to its gas lanterns, cobblestone streets, and old townhouses. A short Metro ride from Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia is the great escape from the fast-paced capital. First settled in 1695, it city retains its colonial spirit, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings in the Old Town, and centers of learning like the Black History Museum. (For a more contemporary side of Alexandria, wander the streets of the stylish Del Ray neighborhood, where local artists operate boutiques and studios.)

+ Alexandria was founded by Scottish merchants and got its name from John Alexander, the Scotsman who had owned the land that became the city. To honor its heritage, Alexandria celebrates with an annual parade that has many Scottish clans giving bagpipe and drum performances alongside their terriers and hounds.

+ The heart of Old Town is arguably King Street, a pedestrian-only, mile-long avenue packed with independently owned boutiques and restaurants.

+ While Old Town is a must-visit any time of year, it shines the brightest during the holiday season. There is no shortage of things to do in Old Town during the holidays, but one of the most exciting events to attend is the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (taking place this year on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Then, in the evening on Dec. 7, a different kind of parade will take off — a nautical one. At 5:30 p.m., dozens of boats aglow with holiday lights will sail down the Potomac for Old Town’s annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

+ Just outside of town at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is one of the area’s most popular holiday traditions: Christmas Illuminations. During the event, Mount Vernon becomes a recreation of an 18th-century winter encampment. The event takes place from Dec. 20 - Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. each night, and every evening will end with fireworks.

+ Old Town will end the holiday season with its First Night Alexandria celebration. Beginning at noon on New Year’s Eve and stretching until midnight, the event is a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and budget-conscious extravaganza involving comedy performances, live music, and fireworks. l also be an abbreviated encore firework display at the stroke of midnight.

+ Alexandria, Virginia, located south of Washington, D.C. on the opposite side of the Potomac River, is like the capital’s older, more enchanting sister. It is perhaps best known for its Old Town neighborhood, founded in 1749, and is packed with historic Southern charm thanks to its gas lanterns, cobblestone streets, and 18th-century townhouses.