The Alexandria Brief: Monday, December 29
Your daily guide to what's happening in Alexandria
Good morning, Alexandria. Today is Monday, December 29, the 363rd day of the year. There are 2 days left in 2025.
Here’s what you need to know today.
~ Ryan
1️⃣ What’s happening today in Alexandria
Showers are likely today, mainly between 10 a.m. and noon. Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a temperature rising to near 57 degrees by 10 a.m., then falling to around 40 during the remainder of the day. Windy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph becoming west 23 to 28 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 48 mph. There is a wind advisory in effect from 9 a.m. today through 1 a.m. tomorrow. The chance of precipitation is 60%—new precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are possible.
Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 27 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph.
The sun will rise at 7:25 a.m. and set at 4:54 p.m. High tides at 2:48 a.m. and 3:13 p.m. Low tides at 8:55 a.m. and 10:11 p.m. There will be 9 hours and 29 minutes of sun.
Events
9 a.m.: Monday Morning Coffee Club at Rosmeont Cellar
10:30 a.m.: Senior Bingo at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
11 a.m.: Monday Movie Marathon at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
12 p.m.: Ice & Lights - Daytime Ice Skating at Cameron Run
1 p.m.: English Language Learning (ELL) at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
1:30 p.m.: Commission on Aging Executive Committee Meeting at Del Pepper Community Resource Center
5 p.m.: Ice & Lights - Village & Skating at Cameron Run
6 p.m.: Floating Dice Potion at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
6:30 p.m.: Joggers & Lagers at Port City Brewing Company
Live Music & Entertainment
219 Restaurant: Just For Fun at 9 p.m.
Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant: Traditional Irish Music Session at 7 p.m.
Del Ray Pizzeria: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Epicure on King: Open Mic at 7 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: Jim West at 6 p.m.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Colby Sard at 8:30 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
Know of something I missed? Share it below.
2️⃣ What to Know This Week: New Year’s Eve and Day in Alexandria
With Christmas behind us, Alexandria turns its attention to ringing in 2026. Here’s what residents need to know as New Year’s Eve and Day approach.
City Closures
Most city government offices will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1. Alexandria’s courts are shut down through New Year’s Day, reopening Thursday, Jan. 2. All Alexandria libraries close at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and remain closed Jan. 1.
Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day following New Year’s Day—so if your regular pickup is Wednesday, expect it Thursday instead.
Getting Around
DASH buses operate on a weekend schedule New Year’s Day, with lines 102, 103, and 104 suspended. The King Street Trolley runs as usual, every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Free parking: The Alexandria Police Department is suspending enforcement at metered spaces and residential permit districts on Jan. 1. You won’t need to feed the meter, though they’ll still accept payment. Remember: fire lanes, crosswalks, loading zones, and temporary no-parking signs are still enforced.
Schools remain on winter break through Friday, Jan. 2, with students returning Monday, Jan. 5.
3️⃣ First Night Alexandria celebrates 31 years with $10 tickets, twin fireworks shows
First Night Alexandria, the city’s signature New Year’s Eve festival, returns Dec. 31 with more than 12 hours of live entertainment, family activities, and two fireworks shows over the Potomac River.
Now in its 31st year, the alcohol-free, family-friendly event transforms Old Town and the Carlyle neighborhood into a walkable celebration featuring more than 20 acts across 12 stages, all within a one-mile radius.
4️⃣ Man found dead outside his Seminary Road apartment building; police investigating
Alexandria Police are investigating the death of a man found injured outside an apartment building in the 5000 block of Seminary Road Friday night.
Officers responded to the scene around 9:52 p.m., prompting a heavy police presence in the area. Authorities initially asked residents to avoid the block while they investigated.
5️⃣ Extra Extra!
“We’re counting down to 2026 with TWO fireworks displays, live music, dining specials, and more! Here’s our guide to NYE in Alexandria .” (Visit Alexandria)
Luray Avenue’s Holiday Card Lane has grown dramatically. There’s now a map of where you can find the nearly 300 cards in Del Ray. (Google Map)
The Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council is offering $60,000 in reimbursable Talent Investment Grants to help small and mid-sized businesses cover the cost of continuing education for their employees. Eligible training includes AI, healthcare, PMP, CompTIA, Microsoft, engineering, and more—whatever skills your workforce needs to meet your organization’s goals. (Virginia Career Works)
Send news tips, story ideas, and questions to ryan@alexandriabrief.com.