Del Ray Holiday Tree Lighting Set for Dec. 2

The Del Ray Business Association is hosting its annual holiday tree lighting at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at the farmers market lot on the corner of Mt. Vernon and E. Oxford avenues.

Residents and visitors are invited to come out to join the Kate Moran Band in holiday carols, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or cider and await a visit from Santa Claus himself.

Businesses along Mt. Vernon Avenue will be open late on Dec. 2 for the influx of shoppers and the entire Avenue will be lit with luminaries.

DRBA officer Gayle Reuter announced Monday at the Del Ray Citizens Association meeting that businesses will offer free “spirits” for customers that evening.

Organizers are also reaching out for donations to Carpenter’s Shelter, an Alexandria nonprofit that aims to end homelessness through services, education and advocacy. There will be drop-off boxes at the tree lighting for specific items of need, including canned goods, disposable diapers, new twin sheets, towels and wash cloths as well as deodorant and razors.

The DRBA is also seeking volunteers to help decorate Mt. Vernon Avenue on Nov. 26 at 1 p.m. and to distribute, light and extinguish the luminaries on Dec. 2. If you’re interested in helping out, email Pat Miller at pmiller1806@comcast.net.

The Arlandria-Chirilagua Business Association will be holding its holiday get-together at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Four Mile Run Community Building. The free event will include a tree lighting, caroling, refreshments and more.