What's open, what's closed in Alexandria over the holidays
Most city offices closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1; trash collection delayed, courts shut down through Dec. 26
City government offices will close for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and again for New Year’s Day, according to a holiday schedule released Tuesday.
The closures affect courts, libraries, health facilities, recreation centers, and most other municipal facilities. Residents should note that trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day following both Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Center will open as scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Alexandria City Public Schools students begin winter break on Monday and return on Jan. 3.
Alexandria’s courts will have an extended closure, shutting down Dec. 24-26 and again Dec. 31 through Jan. 1.
DASH bus service will operate on a weekend schedule on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with lines 102, 103, and 104 suspended. The King Street Trolley will continue to operate every 15 minutes daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
All Alexandria libraries will close Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, with an early 5 p.m. closing on New Year’s Eve.
The Alexandria Health Department and Flora Krause Casey Health Center will close at noon on Dec. 24 and remain closed Dec. 25-26, and Jan. 1. The Teen Wellness Center will be closed beginning Dec. 24 through the holiday period.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will close at noon on Dec. 24 and remain closed through Dec. 26. More than 50 DMV services remain available online at dmv.virginia.gov.
Parking enforcement at metered spaces and residential permit districts will be suspended Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, though temporary no-parking signs will still be enforced. The city impound lot will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1; fees will continue to accrue on weekends but not on holidays.
Several Historic Alexandria museums will keep limited holiday hours. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, with Gadsby’s Tavern Museum joining them Dec. 26. Fort Ward Museum and Friendship Firehouse Museum will be closed Dec. 27. The Torpedo Factory Art Center will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will offer limited hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, opening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shelter’s emergency line at 703-746-4444 remains available for animal emergencies.
All emergency hotlines operate around the clock throughout the holiday period, including Child Protective Services at 703-746-5800, the Domestic Violence Hotline at 703-746-4911, Emergency Mental Health Services at 703-746-3401, and the Sexual Assault Hotline at 703-683-7273.
Celebrating the holiday
Several events are planned along Alexandria’s waterfront over the holiday period:
Christmas Eve: Waterskiing Santa returns to the Potomac River between BARCA Pier and Founders Park.
New Year’s Eve: First Night Alexandria, now in its 31st year, brings live performances and family activities to John Carlyle Square Park.
New Year’s Eve fireworks: The city will present two shows over the Potomac at 7:30 p.m. and midnight. Viewing spots are available along the waterfront.
For those looking for a meal out, The Zebra has compiled a list of restaurants open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Visit Alexandria has a guide to New Year’s Eve celebrations, including restaurant specials and First Night details.