Get ready to savor the best of Alexandria’s vibrant culinary scene! Alexandria Restaurant Week returns from January 23 - February 1, 2026. This week highlights the creativity of local chefs and the breadth of international cuisine found throughout the city - from Old Town and Old Town North to Del Ray, Carlyle, Eisenhower, Arlandria-Chirilagua, and the West End.

In observance of the New Year and Martin Luther King Jr. Day holidays, the Duke Street Pedestrian Tunnel will be closed and the Carlyle shuttle service will not operate on:

• Thursday, January 1

• Friday, January 2

• Monday, January 19

You can experience the magic of Ice & Lights, until February 28, 2026! Ice & Lights is a fun outdoor family event featuring dazzling light displays, perfect spots for selfies and family photos, cozy fires, hot chocolate, and tasty snacks. Want to glide on the ice? Ice skating tickets are available for a spin on the rink. Bring the whole family for an evening of festive fun!

Plan your visit and book your session at cameroniceandlights.com.

Step into a magical winter escape just blocks from the Old Town Alexandria waterfront! King & Rye is hosting its festive Winter Wonderland Igloos experience through February 15, 2026. 

On January 18, 1976, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority reopened Carlyle House following a six-year restoration. In celebration of the historic site’s 50th anniversary, visitors are invited to step back in time with a special 1976 museum admission price of just $1 per person on January 18 from 12 - 4PM. Learn how Carlyle House has been preserved over the decades through engaging insights from preservation experts. No registration required. Last entrance at 3:30PM.

The 53rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Program will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026 starting at 5:30PM at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The evening celebration will feature uplifting music, inspiring speakers, and opportunities for community engagement. Admission is free, and all are invited to attend and be part of this meaningful tribute. 

Thinking about buying your first home but not sure where to begin? Virginia Housing’s free First-Time Homebuyer Class is a two-day seminar designed to walk participants through the entire homebuying process - from budgeting and credit to closing day and long-term homeownership success.

The Old Town Farmers’ Market will temporarily move to the 100 block of North Royal Street and the courtyard at Tavern Square in January 2026. The new location is just across the street from Market Square. This move allows the market to keep operating during the upcoming renovations to City Hall and Market Square. The Market continues to run every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to noon, year-round, rain or shine. 

The City of Alexandria will finish relocating City services and employee offices in January 2026 to prepare for major renovations to City Hall and Market Square.  

Ring in the New Year at First Night Alexandria on December 31 from 4-8PM, the city’s beloved annual celebration!