Did you hear the news? O, The Oprah Magazine, (Yes, that Oprah!) has named Alexandria one of the “19 Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World.” If that wasn’t enough Southern Living declared they have found the “Perfect Southern Town for a Hallmark Christmas Movie” and it’s our beloved Old Town. You and I knew it, but now the world knows it. Spending the holidays in Alexandria is truly special. Nowhere else can you get the authenticity and connection that we all crave in this digital world. Twinkle lights in the trees, shopkeepers who know your name, holiday parades on land and on sea (or river in our case), candlelight tours, and don’t forget our cobblestone streets, all combine to make, in Oprah’s words, a magical Christmas. 

Plaid Friday:

To reflect the spirit of Alexandria, we are officially changing Black Friday into Plaid Friday. Sure, just like the big box stores, in Old Town we will be open at 6:00 am for epic shopping deals, but unlike them we will offer you a much better experience. Started in Oakland, California in 2009, Plaid Friday celebrates the tapestry of diverse and creative independent businesses. Each individual business combines to create the fabric of the community. What we offer that the big box stores don’t are friendly folks invested in your community and your holiday shopping experience.  We are excited to once again bring you epic discounts in the morning (30 percent off from 6am to 8am; 20 percent off from 8am to 10am; and 10 percent off from 10am to 7pm at Red Barn and Penny Post) as well as offer you another reason to shop on Black Friday. This year, Old Town Business is partnering with the Old Town Boutique District and the King Street Corridor Initiative to give you a gift with purchase. When you spend $100 in one of the participating stores starting at 10am, you’ll get a free ALX Plaid Friday tote bag. (While supplies last, of course.) It’s perfect for all your holiday shopping!  

Small Business Saturday:

In addition to Plaid Friday fun, Old Town Business and the King Street Corridor Initiative is excited to bring you the first ever Old Town Small Business Saturday Scavenger Hunt. Download your map, shop your favorite stores, get a stamp from 10 of the stores (technically there’s no purchase necessary to get a stamp, but why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of these promotions?!), and turn it in with your name and contact info to be entered to win the grand prize of one night’s stay at Hotel Indigo plus $1,000 in gift cards to the boutiques and restaurants of your choice. If that’s not enough, each additional stamp after your qualifying 10 gets you another entry into the drawing. So, it pays to do a little extra shopping this season!   Old Town loves the holidays, and we agree with Oprah, Alexandria is truly magical. We look forward to serving you this holiday shopping season!