Alexandria Aims to Attract Black Friday Shoppers

Shops in Old Town Alexandria are offering enticing deals seeking to lure Black Friday shoppers to the neighborhood.

Additionally, the city is offering incentives like free parking and expanded public transit hours.

The free King Street Trolley will begin operating at 6 a.m. Shoppers can board a trolley every 15 minutes and hop on and off at 20 stops between the King St./Old Town Metro station and the waterfront.

The city is offering free parking at parking meters and in all city-owned garages and parking lots as a special incentive for shoppers to visit Old Town. The following garages and lots are opening at 6 a.m., with free parking all day:

• Market Square Garage, 108 North Fairfax St.
• Courthouse Square Garage, 111 South Pitt St.
• Thompson’s Alley Garage, 10 Thompson’s Alley
• North Union Street Garage, 220 North Union St.
• South Henry Street Lot, 112 South Henry St.
• Cameron/St. Asaph Street Lot, 210 North St. Asaph St.

Many of Alexandria’s independently owned shops are offering special discounts, with early and extended hours on Black Friday. Participating stores offer 30 percent discounts from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., 20 percent from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 10 percent starting at 10 a.m. Additional shops will be offering sales and special promotions throughout the day. This effort is coordinated by the Shop Local Alexandria project and the Old Town Boutique District.

Shoppers can stay for the annual tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. on Market Square. As the official kick-off to the holiday season in Alexandria, the ceremony includes a performance from Santa’s Frosty Follies, a special visit from Santa Claus and community caroling.

Families can get classic photos with Santa in Alexandria throughout the season with the Santa Claus is Coming to Old Town event. Starting Nov. 24, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take pictures with children every Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas at One Wales Alley, the location of Bike and Roll Alexandria. The cost for pictures is $15 for a 5-by-7 print.