The Alexandria Brief: Tuesday, December 30

Good morning, Alexandria. Today is Tuesday, December 30, the 364th day of the year. There is 1 day left in 2025.

On November 4, I launched The Alexandria Brief with a simple goal: help you be an informed neighbor. Not outraged. Informed. So you can show up, help, and be part of building something. Here’s what I’m carrying into 2026.

Here’s what you need to know today.

~ Ryan

1️⃣ What’s happening today in Alexandria

It will be mostly sunny today, with a high near 36 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. There is a wind advisory in effect until noon.

Scattered flurries with a slight chance of snow tonight after 4 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 26 degrees. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

The sun will rise at 7:26 a.m. and set at 4:55 p.m. High tides at 3:52 a.m. and 4:12 p.m. Low tides at 9:53 a.m. and 11:18 p.m. There will be 9 hours and 29 minutes of sun.

Events

10:15 a.m.: Family Storytime at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
12 p.m.: Ice & Lights - Daytime Ice Skating at Cameron Run
2 p.m.: Baby and Toddler Play Date at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
5 p.m.: Ice & Lights - Village & Skating at Cameron Run
7 p.m.: Beer Yoga at Port City Brewing Company

Live Music & Entertainment

219 Restaurant: Holly Montgomery at 9 p.m.
Atlas Brew Works ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Galactic Panther: The Beanstalk Library with Short Lives at 8 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: Antonio James at 6 p.m.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap: Annie Stokes at 6 p.m.
Lost Dog Cafe: Trivia at 7 p.m.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Trivia at 8 p.m.; Pete Baker at 8:30 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Trivia at 9 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
The Garden: Trivia at 7 p.m.

City of Alexandria

City Government: Open
Holiday Schedule: Christmas/New Year
Flag Status: Full Staff
Trash Collection: On Time
Recycling Collection: On Time
Yard Waste Collection: On Time

Know of something I missed? Share it below.

2️⃣ What’s happening on New Year’s Eve in Alexandria

Alexandria offers a full slate of ways to ring in 2026, from a sprawling family-friendly festival to live music, craft beer, and fine dining, all capped by twin fireworks shows over the Potomac River.

Here’s how to make the most out of New Year’s Eve in Alexandria.

3️⃣ How to responsibly dispose of holiday waste in Alexandria

Now that holiday excitement is beginning to turn into “new year, new me” energy, an important question remains: What should you do with all that torn-up wrapping paper? And what about the Christmas tree that’s been dropping pine needles all over your rug?

Here are some tips for recycling and responsibly disposing of holiday waste.

4️⃣ Alexandria to host free utility resource fair Jan. 31

The City of Alexandria and Councilman John Taylor Chapman will host a free Utility Resource Fair on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to noon at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.

The event will bring together local utility providers, including Virginia American Water, Dominion Energy, and AlexRenew, to meet directly with residents.

5️⃣ City to outline City Hall renovation plans at Jan. 8 virtual meeting

The city will host a virtual community meeting next week to discuss the upcoming City Hall renovation project, which is set to begin in January.

The pre-construction meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Residents can learn about the construction schedule and hours, as well as parking and transportation impacts. The city’s community liaison for the project will also be introduced.

Extra Extra!

Local Swifties, mark your calendars: Royal Restaurant is throwing a watch party for Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour: The Final Show” concert film on Sunday, January 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. (The Alexandria Brief)

Explore Del Ray’s festive spirit by joining the Holiday Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a $50 gift card. (WUSA9)