Community Corner

New Park Opening, Rock Harper at Mama Reacer's, Candlelight Tours and Cheerleading

Plus, a holiday market at Del Ray Artisans and more holiday-themed activities.

A look at the weekend ahead in Alexandria:

Holiday Market at Del Ray Artisans — The 18th annual Holiday Market at Del Ray Artisans (2704 Mount Vernon Ave.) offers handmade work from local artists, handmade ornaments and Bake Sale items to benefit Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. The market will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Potomac Yard Park opens — Alexandria will host the official opening of the new 24-acre Potomac Yard Park, located at 2501 Potomac Ave., at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The event will be held rain or shine. On-street parking is available at the intersection of Swann and Potomac avenues. The linear park includes universally accessible playgrounds, an interactive fountain, a special events stage, athletics courts and much more. The fence came down at the park on Thursday. 

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

Hop on the Trolley with Santa — Have your picture taken for free with Santa on the King Street Trolley from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 14 at Market Square. All children will receive a special gift from Santa, DASH and the King Street Trolley. DASH will also be collecting toys for Toys for Tots during the event, which coincides with the Old Town Farmers Market.

Cheerleading Invitational — Alexandria is hosting its annual Holiday Cheering Invitational at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at T.C. Williams High School (3330 King St.). The competition features youth cheerleading teams from neighborhood recreation centers and the metropolitan area. Tickets, available at the door, host $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 5-12 and ages 4 and under are free. More information available on the city’s Recreation Services website.

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

Cake bake-off at Mama Reacer’s — On Saturday, Dec. 14, celebrity chef Rock Harper, a 1994 graduate of T.C. Williams, will appear at a cake bake-off at Mama Reacer’s (1606 Mount Vernon Ave.) presented by new nonprofit Black Roots of Alexandria. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Candlelight tours — Tour the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House and the Lloyd House building by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments during this tour on Sunday, Dec. 15. The event starts at 3 p.m. at Gadsby’s (134 N Royal St.) and runs until 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for children. Limited tickets are available for purchase through the city’s website.

"A Christmas Carol" — The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe St.) present its new performance of the holiday classic from Charles Dickens five times this weekend. Tickets are $15 and performances run through Dec. 22. Ticket and showtime info available on the Little Theatre of Alexandria website.

"A Broadway Christmas Carol" — Alexandria’s MetroStage (1201 N. Royal St.) will host five performances of this holiday staple this weekend. The show crosses the Dickens classic with parodies of 33 Broadway show tunes. Tickets are $50 and available through the MetroStage website or by calling 703-548-9044. 

Plus: Don’t forget about the Mount Vernon Holiday Trolley and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus in Old Town.


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