Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River.

Explore 18th-century holiday entertainments at Mount Vernon. Try your hand at popular card games of the period, learn about the music of the enslaved, and hear from Washington's closest friends about how the season was celebrated at his home.

The Waterskiing Santa Show is a unique holiday spectacle taking place on December 24, 2024, from 1-2 PM along the Alexandria waterfront. This free event features Santa and his merry crew performing water stunts on the Potomac River. Spectators can watch Santa waterski alongside flying elves, reindeer, the Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman. The best viewing spots are from the Alexandria City Marina, Waterfront Park, Point Lumley Park, and Ford's Landing Park. This family-friendly tradition offers a festive and unconventional Christmas Eve celebration. There is also a rumor the Grinch will try and steal the show at 12:45 PM before the show starts! Santa and his pals begin at BARCA Pier at 1 p.m. and ski north to Founders Park before circling back south and finishing at Ford’s Landing.