This year, it’s more important than ever to show your love for Alexandria’s locally owned businesses as the community embarks on an unusual holiday season. Thankfully, there are many ways to enjoy seasonal delights, go through your gift list and show support for our city’s independent businesses. Keep reading for inspiration.

1. Shop Small to Show Your Love

As the region’s shop small headquarters, Alexandria’s impressive collection of boutiques offers smile-inducing gifts and personal service you won’t find just anywhere. Explore Visit Alexandria’s curated Guide to Alexandria Holiday Shopping for inspired ideas to fill your holiday shopping needs.

2. Mark Your Calendar for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

Get ready to partake in Alexandria’s biggest shopping days of the season. Snag deals during Alexandria’s first ever Shop Small Week, beginning with Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday for independent boutiques on November 27, 2020, plus special promotions on Small Business Saturday on November 28, 2020, participate in this year’s Santa-gram Giveaway and more.

3. Buy from Black-Owned Businesses

Whether you’re practicing self-care virtually with PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, warming up with a chai latte at Café du Soleil or gifting eco-friendly fashion from Threadleaf, you’ll find lots to love this holiday season from dozens of Black-owned businesses. Shop European fashion trends at donna lewis, schedule a hairstyle refresh at Hazel O. Salon and start here to support more Black-owned businesses during “Buy Black Friday” and into the new year.

4. Pick Something Up for the History Buff

Our history-rich city has you covered with 18^th-century-inspired gifts from historic sites and museums like Carlyle House and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Black history and culture-themed merch from Manumission Tour Company and much more.

5. Share Your City Pride with Alexandria-Themed Gifts

Peruse Alexandria-themed home décor, fashion, flavors and more from local favorites like The Old Town Shop, Red Barn Mercantile, the Alexandria Visitor Center and Old Town Farmers’ Market vendors like Patricia Palermino Studio.  

6. Find Time to Unwind with Meals-to-Go

Savor takeout from your favorite Alexandria restaurants to create a cozy vibe on a cold winter’s night or celebrate a low-stress holiday with chef-driven family meals to-go. Warm up with a flavorful feast from Spice Kraft Indian Bistro, and feed the whole family with family packs from Chop Shop Taco, Junction Bakery & Bistro, The Italian Place and more.

7. Enjoy a Sweet Pick-Me-Up

Stave off any winter blues with treats from Alexandria’s many sweets spots, like an affogato from Dolci Gelati or a fresh-baked cupcake from Lavender Moon or Alexandria Cupcake. Then, order a show-stopping centerpiece cake (plus cookies for Santa) from Buzz Bakeshop.

8. Raise a Glass of Local Beer and Cider

Say “cheers!” with a locally crafted drink from Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery, Lost Boy Cider, quirky critics’ favorite Aslin Beer Co. or award-winning Port City Brewing Company. Serve seasonal offerings alongside holiday meals or gift a taste of Alexandria to loved ones.

Get inspired by more shops and restaurants to enjoy as you support your local businesses.

Header Images Credits, left to right: Sarah Marcella Creative for Visit Alexandria; Chris Cruz for Visit Alexandria; Chris Cruz for Visit Alexandria