Central Nova News

A variety of events and activities are set to take place in Alexandria this December, highlighting the city's rich history and cultural diversity. Among the offerings is a ship biscuit ornament-making event at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum on December 7, celebrating an 18th-century artifact discovery. Participants can create their own ornaments, stamped with the year, to be baked at home.

The Alexandria Black History Museum will host a Kwanzaa workshop on December 14. The session aims to educate attendees about Kwanzaa's origins and principles, featuring candle lighting and food tasting.

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site invites families to learn about Christmas during the Civil War on December 14. Visitors can enjoy reenactments, period decorations, and fort tours.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum offers a specialty tour titled "A Toast to the Ladies!" on December 14 and 21. The tour highlights influential women associated with the museum over the centuries.

The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum presents a free Family Holiday Magic Show on December 4. Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys for donation.

On December 7, Carlyle House Historic Park will open its doors for a Scottish Walk Open House following Alexandria's Scottish heritage parade.

For those interested in architecture and holiday crafts, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will hold a gingerbread decorating event on December 8. Participants can design facades based on historic buildings around the museum.

PBS/WHUT will air "Resolved: Never Again," a documentary film acknowledging past injustices in Alexandria, on December 9. It tells stories of local activists working towards change.

Becky Tracy and Keith Murphy will perform traditional music at The Lyceum on December 12. Tickets are available for purchase.

Carlyle House Historic Park hosts "A Carlyle Family Yuletide" on December 14, offering insights into holiday traditions of the past.

The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden invites families to celebrate "A Victorian Christmas" with various activities including crafts and music performances by local musicians.

The Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert will take place at The Lyceum on December 15 with two free performances scheduled for that day.

Diarmuid Ó Meachair and Matt Mulqueen will perform traditional Irish music at The Lyceum on December 19. Tickets are required for entry.

Lee-Fendall House also offers Kissing Ball Workshops on December 21-22 where participants can craft decorative items using greenery from the garden.

Historic Alexandria encourages support through donations as city funding does not fully cover all strategic goals and projects. For more information or disability accommodations, contact Nicole Quinn via email or phone provided in their announcement.