The Alexandria Brief: Monday, December 1
Snow tonight, Santa train today and a busy week of holiday events and city meetings
Good morning, Alexandria. I’m Ryan Belmore, publisher of The Alexandria Brief.
It’s the first day of December, and the city is kicking off the month with sunny skies, a World AIDS Day commemoration, and the start of the Santa Railway Express. If you’re shopping Cyber Monday deals, consider supporting local businesses, and mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday tomorrow. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts — snow is in the forecast tonight. Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ A sunny start to December before snow arrives tonight
Alexandria kicks off December with a sunny but chilly Monday, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s before an evening change brings the chance of snow overnight. The city will commemorate World AIDS Day with a special event at the Lee Center at 6:30 p.m., featuring Mayor Alyia Gaskins, music, choir performances and testimonials from the Northern Virginia community.
From morning coffee at Rosemont Cellar to visits with Santa at Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, there’s plenty to do around town. The library branches are bustling with activities, including senior bingo, storytimes, and English language classes, while live music fills venues across the city tonight. Runners can join Joggers & Lagers at Port City Brewing Company, and trivia fans can test their knowledge at Del Ray Pizzeria.
2️⃣ Alexandria’s holiday season ramps up with parades, markets and Santa train
Alexandria’s holiday season kicks into high gear this week with two signature parades and the return of a beloved train ride. The Santa Railway Express Train begins its 19th season today, running round-trip between Alexandria and Manassas through Dec. 18. The Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market opens its first of three weekends on Friday at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., featuring rotating local artists.
The city’s biggest holiday weekend arrives Saturday and Sunday with the 54th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade stepping off Saturday morning in Old Town, featuring pipe and drum bands and Scottish clans. That evening, the 25th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights begins at dusk, with decorated vessels traveling along a one-mile stretch of the Potomac River and a beer garden at Waterfront Park operated by Port City Brewing Company. Del Ray hosts its holiday season kickoff Sunday at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square with a tree and menorah lighting.
3️⃣ Chinquapin Park Recreation Center marks 40 years with month of free activities, discounts
Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility is celebrating 40 years of serving the Alexandria community with a month of free programming, discounts and giveaways throughout December. The festivities kick off Saturday, Dec. 6, at the center, 3210 King St., where visitors can explore old news articles and share their favorite Chinquapin memories.
All month long, passes will be available at 15% off, with each week featuring different promotions. Week one offers free program demos and a special 30-day fitness and pool pass for $30 for first-time passholders. Week two brings free access to the soft playroom, racquetball courts and fitness room, while week three offers free family swim. The celebration wraps up with daily raffle drawings for a chance to win a free instructor-led fitness class.
4️⃣ Alexandria planning commission to review affordable housing projects, zoning amendments Tuesday
The Alexandria Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to consider multiple development proposals and zoning amendments. Major items include a mixed-use development at Potomac Yard featuring 432 residential units and 13,000 square feet of retail space, and Alfred Street Baptist Church’s proposal to redevelop 598 S. Alfred St. into a 145-unit affordable housing building.
The commission will also consider a three-year extension request for the Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center’s previously approved expansion at 2729 King St., where rising interest rates and construction costs have delayed construction. Other items include zoning text amendments to historic preservation regulations and commercial use regulations. The City Council will hold a follow-up public hearing Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9:30 a.m.
5️⃣ City seeks public input on housing preservation plan at Thursday meeting
Alexandria officials will present draft recommendations aimed at stemming the loss of affordable housing when the Housing Affordability Advisory Committee meets Thursday at 7 p.m. in Room 2000 at City Hall, 301 King St. The committee will review two Housing 2040 initiatives: the Affordable Housing Preservation project and the Common Interest Communities project. No registration is required, and public comments will be accepted through Dec. 30.
The proposals come as Alexandria grapples with a 62% decline in market-affordable housing since 2000, dropping from 18,000 units to 6,900. Many of the plan’s most significant tenant protections, including just cause eviction requirements and rent increase caps, would require approval from Virginia’s General Assembly. A final community meeting is scheduled for Feb. 28, with implementation expected to begin in summer or fall 2026.
Extra Extra!
On December 1, 1742, Prince William County was divided to establish Fairfax County. When it was founded in 1749, Alexandria was part of Fairfax County. (Historic Alexandria)
The draft framework of ALX Forward is available for public comment through Dec. 5. City Council will consider a resolution for adoption at its Dec. 13 public hearing. (The Alexandria Brief)
At this ultramarathon, runners tackle 31 miles and eat at nine Taco Bells, including one in Old Town. (The Washington Post)
‘You can’t be undisciplined’: Rhodes scholar from Alexandria shares unlikely path. (NBC4)
During the summer and winter months, the City offers locations such as libraries, recreation centers, and shelters to serve as options for those in need of heating or cooling that is not available in their homes. (City of Alexandria)
Here’s what’s happening this holiday season at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. (City of Alexandria)