The Alexandria Brief: Tuesday, December 23
Report: Regional alcohol-impaired traffic deaths fell 26% in 2024; Rosemont crowns winners of sixth annual holiday decor competition; and more.
Good morning, Alexandria. Today is Tuesday, December 23, the 357th day of the year. There are 8 days left in 2025.
In today’s newsletter: A new report shows Alexandria recorded zero alcohol-impaired traffic deaths for the second straight year, a barnyard-themed display wins Rosemont’s holiday decorating contest, and city boards prepare for their move to the Del Pepper center during the City Hall renovation. Plus, Waterskiing Santa returns to the Potomac tomorrow.
Here’s what you need to know today.
~ Ryan
1️⃣ Rain clears for a day of holiday fun in Alexandria
Tuesday brings morning showers, then skies clear to mostly sunny, with a high near 52. The city offers plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit, from a kids’ cookie decorating class at Shop Made in VA at 1 p.m. to the Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run starting at 5 p.m.
Family-friendly options abound at local libraries, including storytime and playtime sessions throughout the day. For the grown-ups, Port City Brewing Company hosts Beer Yoga at 7 p.m., while American Legion Post 24 throws an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at 7 p.m. Live music lovers can catch the Justin Gillen Trio at 219 Restaurant or Antonio James at Laporta’s.
A bit of local history: On this day in 1783, George Washington resigned his military commission at Annapolis. He returned to Alexandria on Dec. 31, greeted by 13 cannon blasts and a reception at DuVall’s Tavern on Cameron Street.
2️⃣ Alexandria records zero alcohol-impaired traffic deaths for second straight year
Alcohol and drug-impaired traffic fatalities across the D.C. region fell 26 percent in 2024, dropping from 100 to 74 deaths, according to the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s annual road safety report released Monday. Alexandria recorded no alcohol-impaired fatalities for the second consecutive year.
The city did see a 50 percent jump in DUI and DWI arrests, rising from 115 to 173 — the largest percentage increase among Northern Virginia jurisdictions. However, total traffic fatalities in Alexandria climbed from one to six, a setback for the city’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate fatal and severe traffic injuries by 2028.
Northern Virginia overall saw impaired-driving deaths drop 15 percent, from 40 to 34. Despite the regional decline in fatalities, impaired driving-related injuries rose nearly 4 percent to 1,649, and crashes increased 2 percent to 3,731.
3️⃣ Festive farmyard display wins Rosemont’s holiday decorating contest
A whimsical barnyard-themed Christmas display at 27 East Walnut St. has claimed top honors in Rosemont’s sixth annual holiday decoration competition. The winning front yard features a red barn facade strung with colorful lights and an assortment of illuminated animals — pigs, chickens, a dog in a Santa hat and a white cat — all set against a classic yellow craftsman bungalow.
The Rosemont Citizens Association awarded the winners a yard sign and a gift card from Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap. Second place went to 711 Little St., with third place to 212 East Alexandria Ave.
The competition, established by former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, has become a neighborhood tradition. Volunteers scouted nominees throughout the community before a blue ribbon panel selected the winners.
4️⃣ Planning Commission to hold first meeting at temporary chambers Jan. 6
The Planning Commission will be the first city board to convene at Alexandria’s temporary council chambers when it meets Jan. 6 at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. The city announced Monday which boards will relocate to the West End facility at 4850 Mark Center Dr. during the City Hall renovation, which begins in January.
In addition to City Council legislative meetings and public hearings, the temporary space will host Board of Architectural Review and Board of Zoning Appeals public hearings. Meeting dates, times and public participation options will remain unchanged unless otherwise noted. Other boards and commissions will relocate to various sites throughout the city.
City Council will hold its first meeting at Del Pepper on Jan. 13. The center is a five-minute walk from the Mark Center Transit Station, with MetroBus and free DASH Bus service. Free parking is available in a four-level garage with elevator access.
5️⃣ Waterskiing Santa returns to the Potomac on Christmas Eve
Santa, Mrs. Claus and his merry crew will glide into Alexandria on water skis for the annual Waterskiing Santa Show on Christmas Eve. The Grinch is rumored to attempt stealing the show at 12:45 p.m. before the main event begins.
The show kicks off at 1 p.m. at BARCA Pier at 2 Pioneer Mill Way. Santa and his pals will ski north to Founders Park before circling back south and finishing at Ford’s Landing.
Extra Extra!
Residential refuse, recycling, curbside food waste, and yard waste will not be collected on Thursday, December 25. All services will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. (City of Alexandria)
On December 24 & 25 and January 1, the Alexandria Police Department will suspend enforcement of parking restrictions at metered spaces and residential permit parking districts. (Alexandria Police)
The Powerball jackpot continues to grow after no one won the big prize in Monday night’s drawing. The prize now stands at $1.7 billion (cash option $781.3 Million) for the drawing on Christmas Eve. (Powerball)
Visa Issues Force Beloved ASL Teacher Out of Classroom (Theogony)
Sheriff’s Office Monthly Bulletin - December 2025 (Sheriff’s Office)
On Capitol Hill
From the offices of Alexandria’s congressional delegation:
Warner, Kaine, Scott Slam Trump Administration’s Sudden Halt of Virginia Offshore Wind Project
Warner, Kaine, Scott Slam Trump Administration’s Sudden Halt of Virginia Offshore Wind Project
A Festive Watch
Christmas in Old Town ALEXANDRIA, VA | Scottish Christmas Walk & Holiday Boat Parade of Lights