Community Corner

First Night Offers Kids' Afternoon Activities

Starting at 2 p.m. Monday, kids and families can start ringing in the new year with jazz, envelope-making or cookie decorating, to name a few fun activities.

First Night Alexandria has a whole host of fun afternoon activities for the family.

If your family is like many families that have young kids who head to bed well before midnight, here's some fun ways to celebrate during the afternoon. Then grab a bite at one of the food trucks or local restaurants in Old Town Alexandria.

The Dec. 31 local festival with national appeal kicks off around 2 p.m. Here’s a list of what’s happening, where and when:

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Fourth Annual Fun Hunt, around town
2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Clue sheets can be picked up beginning at 2 p.m. at either the Torpedo Factory or Durant Arts Center. Completed clue sheets must be returned to Durant by 5:30 p.m. to be eligible for prizes. First Night admission badges must be presented to pick up a clue sheet.

Jefferson Houston School, 1601 Cameron St.
2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Moon bounce and interactive games for children 12 and younger.

Find out what's happening in Del Raywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Durant Arts Center
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
T.C. Williams Choir will perform. It is made up of about 110 students in four groups.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The George Washington Middle School Chamber Orchestra will perform. It is made up of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.

King Street Garden Park, intersection of King Street and Diagonal Road.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pro Feed Nutrition Centers has partnered with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to create Whisker Wonderland. Decorate catnip snowmen and engage in other kids activities. There will also be treats and activities for dogs.

Embassy Suites Hotel, 1900 Diagonal Rd.
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
T.C. Williams Chamber Orchestra will perform.

Hooray for Books, 1555 King St.
2 p.m, 3 p.m. and 4 pm.
Storytelling by Miss Megan.

Sugar Cube, 1218 King St.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The confectionery will offer free cookie decorating. (One cookie per child.)

Ten Thousand Villages, 915 King St.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The story of Galimoto will be read every hour on the hour. The age range for the book is from about three to eight years. Light refreshments will be served.

The Paper Source, 118 King St.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Free demonstrations including stamping, heat-embossing and envelope making.

Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Art activities for all ages.

Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
First floor of the Torpedo Factory is offering the Exquisite Corpse art project, accordion books and chalk graffiti.

Alexandria Archeology Museum, 106 N. Union St.
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn about Alexandria’s potters at this fun, hands-on activity.

Morrison House Hotel, 116 S. Alfred St.
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
T.C. Williams Jazz Quintet Autumn Chill performs jazz standards and original arrangements and compositions.

For more information, check the First Night Alexandria website.

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