Top 7 Old Town Alexandria Celebrations of the Season
Story by Alexandria Lindstrom + The Patterson Group | Photography By Catherine May Taylor
Built on a solid foundation of great passion for the area along with true dedication to their clients, The Patterson Group is a real estate team with a heart and soul that reflects an impeccable standard of service that has become its calling card. Originally established by Phyllis Patterson in 1987, The Patterson Group is now a team of eight that includes Phyllis’s daughters Britt and Paige—both of whom are agents—as well as three other full-time agents and two marketing team members, creating a powerhouse of dedicated, determined women in the local community and a trusted name in the Alexandria market and beyond.
“We are a full-service real estate team with a focus on building relationships through integrity, experience, and quality of service,” says Britt. “We feel we fill a service gap in the industry in that we do more than sell a house—we sell the Alexandria community. We provide a strict level of professionalism and service to our clients, regardless of price point, and offer unique insight gained from our many years in real estate and our many years here in Alexandria,” she says.
“We are a full-service real estate team with a focus on building relationships through integrity, experience, and quality of service.' - Britt Patterson
“We also have in-depth, personal knowledge of Alexandria’s neighborhoods, which helps us find our clients homes in areas that best suit their needs and interests. We also have longstanding relationships with numerous local contractors and advanced knowledge of what’s coming in the area. Our clients know that we’ll be with them throughout the entire process and beyond,” Britt continues. “We’re so honored to be a part of this special time in their life, and we want to continue to be a part of their life after the transaction is over. We enjoy keeping in touch with clients, connecting them with others in the community, and making sure that they are truly happy as a resident of Alexandria. Beyond buying and selling, we love to host events, fitness classes, and workshops. We encourage any and all to get involved and join in on the fun!”
And when it comes to holiday fun in Alexandria, the Patterson Group has no shortage of memories and traditions that make the season all the more special.
Top 7 Celebrations of the Season
1. Stroll Down the Streets of Old Town
There’s something magical about the streets of Old Town during the holidays. The lights are strung on the trees down King Street, candles pop up in the windows, and the storefronts are adorned with red tartan. Strolling down the street as we do our holiday shopping puts us in the holiday spirit!
2. Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade
We can’t help but be excited for the 49th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade on December 7th. The merry energy of the thousands of people that line the streets combined with the sounds of bagpipes and drums along with the sight of the cute little Scottie dogs and the anticipation of the arrival of Santa Claus is contagious.
3. The Campagna Center Homes Tour
The Holiday Homes Tour is the perfect stroll to see all of the historic properties throughout the city deck their halls, along with every other inch of their beautiful grounds. We love ending the day by the waterfront and watching the Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights on the Potomac, which is bright enough to make Rudolph proud.
4. Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
If you haven’t been to the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, you need to check your list twice and add it to the top! Grab a hot chocolate from Dolci Gelati and watch the amazing dozens of lit boats sail down the Potomac. You’ll see everything from blowup snowmen to elegant sails being turned into 20-foot Christmas trees.
5. Waterskiing Santa
This is truly the gift that keeps on giving, and we love to head down to the Waterfront Park to get prime viewing of this Christmas Eve tradition. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is seeing the Grinch on a Jet Ski and wakeboarding reindeer.
6. Tour Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is magical all year round, but it’s a special atmosphere during the holiday season, with candlelit tours and firework celebrations. The historic decorations and tree lightings really make think about the beauty of Christmases past.
7. Festive Feasting
Restaurants in Alexandria take it to the next level during the holiday season. We love dining at cozy Cedar Knoll or by the festive Waterfront at Union Street Public House for Stories with Santa. There’s something about seeing the excitement on all of the kids’ faces that makes you really get into the holiday spirit.
The Patterson Group is located at 400 South Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. For more information, visit www.pattersonrealestate.com or call (703) 310-6201.