scottish christmas walk weekend: santa + scotch + shopping (and more!)
For 45 years, Alexandrians have celebrated the first weekend of December in style. During The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, presented by The Campagna Center, our community gathers together to kick off the Christmas season with festive activities all weekend long. This year, events commence on Friday, December 4th with Taste of Scotland (a Scotch Tasting), followed by the Parade and Designer Tour of Homes in Old Town on Saturday, the Heather and Greens Sale, seasonal shopping at the Holiday Marketplace, and on Sunday, Deck The Halls, a children’s arts and crafts event with Santa.
“While the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend has become an iconic event within Alexandria, few actually know backstory of the weekend, the women behind each event, and the critical fundraising component,” said Laura Hartman, chair of the Junior Friends of The Campagna Center. “A tribute to Alexandria’s roots, Scottish merchant and founder, John Alexander, who officially established The City of Alexandria in 1749, this whole weekend truly centers around fundraising to support the children and families in need in our own home town.”
For 70 years, The Campagna Center, located in the heart of Old Town, has been the area’s leading not-for-profit organization, serving the Alexandria community through a range of educational and social development programs. These programs, which serve more than 2,000 children and families daily, include early childhood education, before- and after-school programs, tutoring and mentoring, career and college readiness planning, and classes for English language learners.
The Campagna Center is funded through federal, state and local grants, private donations, and several events throughout the year, the biggest event being Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend (SCWW). SCWW is organized by Junior Friends, a group of 150+ local women, who since 1970 through hard work and dedication, create, manage and execute each event through endless volunteer hours with the end goal of raising more than $200,000 in just three days.
Please help us change lives and join us for this festive weekend! See below for a schedule of events; details and tickets for each the events can be purchased here. Proceeds from all events benefit The Campagna Center’s programs.
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
11am, Saturday, December 5, 2015 | Old Town, Alexandria
Enjoy marching units filled with the magnificent tartans of Scottish Clans, the stirring sound of Scottish bagpipes and drums, Scottish dancers, reenactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus, and much more. The parade begins at St. Asaph and Wilkes Streets and concludes at Market Square with a massed band concert. The parade will take place rain or shine.
Heather and Greens Sales
9am – 5pm, Friday, December 4, 2015 & 9am – 4pm, Saturday, December 5, 2015
The Campagna Center | 418 S. Washington Street, Alexandria
Purchase a variety of wreaths, garlands, fresh heather bundles, and much more to add festive flair to any home or office this holiday season.
Holiday Marketplace
10am – 4pm, Saturday, December 5, 2015
The Campagna Center | 418 S. Washington Street, Alexandria
Just in time for your holiday shopping, enjoy a unique collection of regional artists, crafters, and boutique businesses.
Taste of Scotland
6:30 – 8pm, Patrons Hour | 8 – 10:30pm, General Admission |
8:30pm Scotch Seminar | Friday, December 4, 2015
The George Washington Masonic Memorial Temple | 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria
Attended by hundreds of guests annually, this festive event features a Scotch-tasting menu including a variety of Scotches direct from Scotland distilleries, Scottish ale sampling, as well as beer, wine and food. There is also a special Patrons Hour features rare, top-shelf Scotch and passed hors d’oeuvres.
Holiday Designer Tour of Homes
11am – 4pm, Saturday, December 5, 2015
Explore Alexandria’s history and take advantage of this rare opportunity to stroll through some of Old Town’s most splendid homes decked out for the holidays by acclaimed interior designers and local florists. Tickets are $35 in advance; $40 at the door.
Deck the Halls with Santa
Session 1, 1pm | Session 2: 3:30pm | Sunday, December 6, 2015
The Campagna Center | 418 S. Washington Street, Alexandria
Looking for a way to involve children in the holiday celebrations? Look no further than our Deck the Halls with Santa event. This fun-filled afternoon is a long-cherished occasion with an afternoon full of arts & crafts, musical entertainment, and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Toy Drive
The Holiday Marketplace, Taste of Scotland, and Deck the Halls with Santa are drop off sites for The Campagna Center’s holiday toy drive. You can help to brighten the holiday season for children participating in our early childhood programs by bringing a gift of an unwrapped toy. The following toys are ideal for children ages six months to five years: dolls, cars/trucks and building toys. It is advisable to avoid stuffed animals, guns, and swords.
Raffle
Last, but not least, if you cannot make the weekend but still want to get in the spirit? This year’s Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend raffle takes you on a tour of historic Middleburg wineries, restaurants, shops and museums, all while vacationing in style at the luxurious Salamander Resort and Spa. Raffle tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The Campagna Center or from members of The Campagna Center Board, the Junior Friends of The Campagna Center, the Supporting Friends of The Campagna Center and at each of the events over the course of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn at 5 pm on Sunday, December 6, 2015, and you need not be present to win.
Interested in learning more about Junior Friends? Contact Brittany Patterson.
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