The Alexandria Brief: Friday, December 5
ACPS on 2-hour delay as snow falls; Scottish Walk, Boat Parade highlight holiday weekend
Good morning, Alexandria.
The season’s first snow is falling, and a Winter Weather Advisory runs through 4 p.m., but the weekend looks perfect for Alexandria’s biggest holiday celebration of the year.
Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ Snow falling across Alexandria; ACPS opens 2 hours late as advisory continues through 4 p.m.
Light snow is falling across Alexandria this morning after the district announced a two-hour delay for all schools on Thursday night ahead of the storm. The National Weather Service Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m., warning of “slick and icy roads and sidewalks” as the morning commute gets underway. About an inch of accumulation is expected, with temperatures in the 20s causing snow to stick to untreated surfaces. A light freezing drizzle is possible this afternoon as temperatures climb to the mid-30s. Tonight brings patchy fog and a low of around 25.
City snowplows are out Friday for what was planned as the annual training drill, now a real-world test.
The good news? No hazardous weather is expected through next week. Temperatures warm to the mid-40s Saturday — perfect for Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend.
Tonight, catch Chris Botti at The Birchmere or “A Christmas Carol” at The Little Theater of Alexandria. For a full rundown of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening today and this weekend, visit the story below.
2️⃣ School board extends police agreement; facility naming heads to public hearing
The Alexandria City School Board on Thursday unanimously approved a six-month extension of its agreement with the Alexandria Police Department governing school resource officers, while reviewing facility naming recommendations, academic calendars, and enrollment figures showing continued decline.
3️⃣ Alexandria City Council to vote on police contract impasse, appoint permanent policing auditor Tuesday
City Council will vote on the city’s final position in a $2.7 million contract impasse with its police union and permanently appoint the city’s independent policing auditor when it meets Tuesday evening.
The Dec. 9 legislative meeting features a crowded agenda touching on police pay, accountability, and state legislative priorities as the city navigates federal funding uncertainty heading into 2026.
4️⃣ Warner criticizes Hegseth over classified information breach, questions Caribbean military strikes
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) sharply criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Thursday following an inspector general’s report that found the secretary violated Department of Defense policy by sharing classified information through unsecured personal communications during military strikes against Yemen. The report concludes Hegseth’s actions potentially endangered the lives of Norfolk-based pilots aboard the USS Truman.
Warner, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, called for Hegseth’s removal during a media availability, saying the secretary’s handling of classified information was “irresponsible” and put sailors “in harm’s way.”
5️⃣ Two iconic parades headline Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend
It’s Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend of the year, and there’s no better time to celebrate in a city Good Housekeeping named one of the best holiday towns in America.
Saturday brings two signature events to Old Town. The 54th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade honors Alexandria’s roots — the city was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and named after Scotsman John Alexander. Dozens of Scottish clans in colorful tartans will march through the streets, joined by pipe and drum bands, terriers, hounds, and community groups.
As night falls, the 25th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights illuminates the Potomac as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise one mile of shoreline. Dockside festivities at Waterfront Park include local food, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Beyond the parades, the weekend offers farmers’ markets, live music across the city, library programs for all ages, and plenty of holiday shopping.
Here’s how to make the most of your weekend.
Extra Extra!
The Bombay Canteen has announced its plans to open at 2010 Eisenhower Avenue. “From the sizzling sounds of a tawa to the comforting aroma of slow-cooked curries, our menu pays homage to the soulful street corners and family kitchens of Bombay.” (The Bombay Canteen)
Southern Living features Alexandria - “This historic Virginia town transforms into a holiday wonderland.” (Southern Living)
The Smithsonian is hosting a sold-out tour, “The Holidays in Old Town Alexandria”, in Old Town this morning. (Smithsonian)
Members of the Alexandria Fire Department recently met with Cultural Care au pairs from Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to talk about fire safety and preparedness. (Alexandria Fire Department)
Get in the holiday spirit and learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War at Fort Ward Museum’s annual Civil War Christmas in Camp program on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12-4 p.m. (City of Alexandria)
Know someone who’d love the Scottish Walk or Boat Parade? Forward this newsletter and help them plan their weekend.