Lit
Things to do this week in Del Ray, VA: Dec. 9-12. Stracci Wine Dinner, Sip & Shop, Book Chat, DnD, Committee Meeting, Free Beer and Wine Tastings, Live Music, Knitting & Crochet, and more.
Hi Neighbor,
Happy Monday! Del Ray is sparkling with holiday cheer, from the beautifully lit Christmas tree and Menorah to festive shop displays along Mount Vernon Avenue. Whether you joined the tree and Menorah lighting last night or not, take an evening stroll this week to soak in the magic of the season.
I’m excited to bring you this week’s events roundup, packed with ways to connect, celebrate, and explore our vibrant community. From holiday shopping and wine dinners to trivia nights and creative workshops, there’s something for everyone.
We’re bringing this week’s newsletter to you together with Unreal Snacks. Think: Chocolate treats that are non-GMO, vegan, and allergen-friendly — perfect for guilt-free snacking (also excellent stocking stuffers)! Try Unreal Snacks here.
Let’s dive into the lineup of local fun!
🎁 Shops of Del Ray Sip & Shop
🍷 Stracci Wine Dinner
🥃 Secret Stash
📚 Book Chat
📖 Anti-Book Club
✨ LUC & Historic Committee Joint Meeting
🧒🏽 Kids Storytime and Craft
🐉 DnD
🍻 Free Wine & Beer Tastings
🧶 Knitting & Crochet
🌟 Neurographic Art Workshop
🎶 Live Acoustic Music
🦩 Bingo & Trivia Nights
🎄 Holiday festivities
And more!
Thank you for being here. Have a great week!
– Rachel Turula, lover of all things Del Ray
P.S. I’d love your help spreading the word about this newsletter. Share it with your friends & neighbors using the button below. Thank you!
P.S. Congrats to our reader Alee W., who won a Mulberry Lane PlayLane Pass — the giveaway in last week’s newsletter. Thank you to all who shared the newsletter! More free-to-enter competitions coming soon.
Monday, December 9
Secret Stash, 4pm-9pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Start your week with Hops N Shine’s ‘secret stash’—a surprise bottle at a special discount.Book Chat, 6pm-8pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
A general get-together to talk about whatever books you’re currently reading, what books you’re looking forward to, or any other book-related topics that come up. Meet your neighbors and talk books!Monthly Board Meeting, 7pm-8pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
The Friends of Duncan Library Board meeting to discuss library activities, fundraising initiatives to support programs, collection needs, and community goals within the Alexandria Library system.Pour House Trivia, 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Pizzeria, 2218 Mount Vernon Ave.
Enjoy a fun night of Pour House Trivia at Del Ray Pizzeria every Monday. Test your knowledge and compete for prizes in this lively weekly event.MUSIQ SOULCHILD, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.
Note: This show is now sold out.Alcove Gift Shop Call for Artists Deadline, 11:59pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Del Ray Artisans members: apply to showcase your work in the Alcove Gift Shop from January 3 to March 1, 2025. This unique opportunity features a two-month display for accepted pieces, with sold items replaced at no extra fee.
Tuesday, December 10
Stracci Wine Dinner, 6:30pm at Stracci Pizza, 106 Hume Ave.
Enjoy a five-course menu paired with wines from multi-generational Italian wineries, guided by a Williams Corner Wine representative. Tickets are required—call (571) 213-5349 to reserve.Trivia, 7pm-9pm at The Garden, 1503 Mt Vernon Ave.
Tuesday trivia at The Garden. Test your knowledge and have some fun.Music Bingo, 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Pizzeria, 2218 Mount Vernon Ave.
Compete for prizes at Music Bingo with hosts from Capital Trivia every Tuesday.Board Meeting and Holiday Gathering, 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Attend the final 2024 Board meeting at the gallery to honor outgoing members and welcome the 2025 Board. Active members are welcome; contact Kathryn Brown in advance to be added to the agenda.LUC & Historic Committee Joint Meeting, 7:30pm-9pm via Del Ray Citizen’s Association Zoom.
Contact LUC and/or Historic Committee for link.MUSIQ SOULCHILD, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.
Note: This show is now sold out.
Let your neighbors in on the fun
Del Ray’s a supportive community full of fun! Click ‘refer a friend’ below to share these activities with neighbors.
Wednesday, December 11
Kids Storytime and Craft, 11:30am-12:30pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join local author Ganeya Gajaram for storytime. You’ll read a book or two for the first half hour, and then have a related craft afterward.Adults and Dragons, 5pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Unleash your creativity and join Josstin for an epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure! Whether you're new or experienced, all materials are provided, and everyone is welcome for a fun, collaborative storytelling experience.Shelf: find a new buddy, Free Wine Tasting, 5pm-8pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
”Classic PW shelf selections that never lose their spirit. If you don’t come out, you’re a cotton-headed ninny muggins!” Enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere while you sip, and take advantage of a 10% discount on any tasting bottles you want to take home.Neurographic Art Workshop, 6pm-8pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Discover the relaxing process of Neurographic Art, where anyone can create by combining simple shapes and lines. Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own markers, pens, or watercolors to personalize your work.DnD Session, 6:30pm-9pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join Dungeons & Dragons at The Company of Books every other Wednesday. New players are welcome. Bring a character if you have one ready-made, or play one they’re pre-created.Wednesday Trivia Night, 6:30pm-10pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Think you've got what it takes to be a trivia champion? Show off your smarts at Wednesday Night Trivia!Membership Meeting, 7pm-8:30pm via Del Ray Citizen’s Association Zoom.
Zoom Provided in Membership Newsletter.
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Thursday, December 12
Free Beer Tasting, 5pm-7pm at Market 2 Market, 116 E Del Ray Ave.
Enjoy free beer tastings and browse craft beers and homemade sandwiches for a relaxed, delicious Thursday night.Nerdy Knotters: Knitting and Crochet Group, 6pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Weekly gathering for both beginners and advanced fiber artists. Whether you need help with a project or just want to knit with others, join in.Duncan Literary Society, 6pm-8pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
If you love to discuss books without a set reading list, this "anti-book club" is perfect. Taking place every second Thursday of the month, join to share what you’re reading and enjoy casual conversations on all things literary.Live Music, 6pm-9pm at The Loft at Lena's, 401 E Braddock Rd.
Enjoy live music in The Loft every Thursday. Reservations are recommended. This week features Gigi MacLaughlin and Isabella Perazzo.Shops of Del Ray Sip & Shop, 6pm-9pm along Mount Vernon Avenue.
Discover unique, locally made gifts for everyone on your list while enjoying a festive evening with wine in hand. The Shops of Del Ray are extending their hours for the annual Holiday Sip & Shop – don’t miss this community favorite!Thursday Trivia Night, 6:30pm-9pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Gather your team for an evening of trivia, friendly competition, and fantastic prizes.MICKY DOLENZ of The Monkees: Songs & Stories, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.
Note: This show is now sold out.Live Acoustic Music, 8:30pm at Pork Barrel BBQ, 2312 Mt Vernon Ave.
Stop by Pork Barrel BBQ on Thursdays for live acoustic music by a different artist each week. This Thursday, enjoy the talented Annie Stokes.
Upcoming holiday festivities:
‘tis the season! Here’s a roundup of nearby upcoming holiday festivities:
Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 22: Del Ray Artisans’ 29th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market, Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, Sundays 11am-5pm, at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Thursday, December 12: Shops of Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop, 6pm-9pm along Mount Vernon Ave.
Friday, December 13 - Sunday, December 15: Gustave Marché de Noël Gift Market, Friday, 3pm-8pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm at Gustave Le Jardin, 2213 Mount Vernon Ave.
Saturday, December 14: Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market, 9am-2pm at Mount Vernon & Bellefonte Aves.
Saturday, December 14: Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market, 1pm-4pm at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, Mt. Vernon & Oxford Aves.
Saturday, December 14: 9th Annual Candy Cane Bar Crawl, 12:30pm-6pm along Mount Vernon Ave.
Saturday, December 14: Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show, 11am-4pm at John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St.
Some extra magic
Want to keep Things to do Del Ray coming to your inbox? You can buy us a holiday latte. Your support helps us keep this community resource going. #thisisdelray Thank you.
Gifting cookies or treats this year? These cute holiday tins will make them extra festive and special.
For coffee lovers: Compass Coffee tins make great stocking stuffers and hostess gifts. Save 20% with this link.
A local lovely art gift: Neighborhood maps from local Terratorie Maps. I love my Del Ray map and ordered the Pittsburgh map for my sister-in-law.
Holiday helper: I’ve had this electric hand mixer for more than 12 years and it is a game-changer for baking season. Light, easy to use, and powerful enough for all your holiday treats.
Gifts under $10? How about this winter sledding puzzle or mini travel jewelry case.
The splurge gift if you love to cook: The Smithey Dutch Oven.
Snacking on: Unreal Snacks peanut butter cups. They’re lower in sugar, vegan, and gluten-free — yet 100% scrumptious.
Baking: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars. A delicious, special holiday dessert with non-dairy, gluten-free options, too.
Lounging in: Amazon Essentials Women's Fleece Jogger Sweatpants. They come in men’s, too.
Want a fabulous festive look? Nuuly clothing rental is easy and sustainable. Take $30 off your first month.
If you love Christmas lights: These twinkle star string lights are a fun addition to the traditional lights.
Weather
Monday
56 🌡️ 43 | 🌧️ | 94% | 💨 S 10 mph
Tuesday
60 🌡️ 56 | ☁️ | 24% | 💨 S 7 mph
Wednesday
62 🌡️ 32 | 🌧️ | 100% | 💨 WSW 15 mph
Thursday
41 🌡️ 22 | ⛅ | 1% | 💨 W 14 mph
Local temps from weather.com, updated the night before publication.
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THANK YOU!
Thanks for reading 'Things to do Del Ray!' Found something fun? Share this email with a neighbor who loves Christmas music. Let’s spread the cheer! (Forward them this email.)
See you around the neighborhood,
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