What to do in Del Ray this weekend
November 29-December 1, 2024. Wreath Making Class, Comedy Night, Small Business Saturday, Magpie Holiday Market, Mindful Living, Book Chat, Wine Tasting, and more.
Happy Friday, Neighbor!
How was your Thanksgiving? I hope it was filled with joy, delicious food, and time with loved ones.
The holiday season is here, and December’s magic is all around! Small Business Saturday is one of my favorite ways to kick off holiday shopping while supporting local businesses.
But first, Black Friday! I’ve included a few of the things I’m buying today that are on major sale in the “Extra magic” section below (scroll to the end).
And, we’re launching our own Black Friday special! Help keep Things to do Del Ray in your inbox every week by becoming an Insider for just $5 per month ($59 per year). Insiders enjoy perks like automatic entry into every giveaway we run—both here and on social media—and you'll be directly supporting this local resource that brings our community together.
This special price reflects a 40% discount available now through December 2. Don’t miss out—join as an Insider today and be part of keeping Del Ray’s spirit alive!
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There are lots of fun things to do this weekend!
🎄Wreath Making Class
🎤 Comedy Night
✨ Small Business Saturday
📚 Book Chat
🍎 Farmers' Market
🎅🏻 Magpie Holiday Market
🍷 Wine Tasting + Wine Discounts
🖌️ Kids Face Painting and Crafts
🤍 Mindful Living
🎶 Live Music
☃️ Upcoming Holiday Markets
and more!
Let’s dive in! Have a wonderful weekend,
– Rachel Turula, lover of all things Del Ray
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Friday, November 29
It’s Black Friday! Start your holiday shopping locally—support Del Ray’s small businesses while finding unique, thoughtful gifts. For online shopping, I’ve included some great deals I’m shopping today, below (scroll down).
Rack Friday, 11am-9pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Stock up for the holidays or gift your wine-loving friends—Planet Wine is offering 10% off all wine store-wide! Just share the password "Metropolis" at checkout.THE SELDOM SCENE & DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Catch two legendary bluegrass bands, The Seldom Scene and Dry Branch Fire Squad, live at The Birchmere. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of authentic bluegrass harmonies and captivating storytelling that fans of the genre won’t want to miss.
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Saturday, November 30
Today is Small Business Saturday! Stroll Mount Vernon Avenue, pop into local shops and eateries, and browse markets like the Magpie Holiday Market and Made in ALX Market at Port City Brewery.
Small Business Saturday, throughout the day along Mount Vernon Ave.
Shop local this Small Business Saturday and enjoy sales, menu specials, and free hot chocolate (10am-12pm outside The Dog Store, courtesy of the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market). Grab a shopping passport to enter to win a $50 gift card.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market, 8am-noon at Pat Miller Square, 2311 Mt Vernon Ave.
Apple season is underway at the market! A great way to start the day. Enjoy warm beverages, tasty treats, and more. Open year round.Magpie Holiday Market, 10am-2pm at Magpie Reclamations, 202 E Custis Ave.
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at Magpie Reclamations’ Holiday Market. Explore vintage finds, upcycled goods, spiritual items, and local art from a variety of DMV vendors—perfect for holiday shopping or finding something special for yourself.Book Chat, 10:30am-12:30pm 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!Free Wine & Cheese Tasting, 11am-1pm at Cheesetique, 2411 Mt Vernon Ave.
Savor a delightful tasting experience at Cheesetique with curated wines and gourmet cheeses. It's a great way to discover new flavors in Del Ray. Every Saturday.
Free Kids Face Painting and Crafts, 1pm-5pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Bring your kids every Saturday and Sunday for free face painting at Hops N Shine. From Spider-Man masks to unicorns, the talented face painter can do it all! Enjoy select crafts, coloring books, and a kid's construction area too.Bring Home A-Rhône, Free Wine Tasting, 1pm-5pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
These wines are what the French call 'Le Delicieux' Aaaaaaaaaall Rhône selections for the holidays today! Enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while you taste. Plus, take advantage of a 10% discount on any tasting bottles you’d love to take home.
Comedy Night with The Gwynn Factor Comedy, 7pm-9pm at Dreampt, 2216 Mt Vernon Ave.
Laugh the night away at DRP’s first-ever Comedy Night featuring The Gwynn Factor! Enjoy the show with full food and drink service available upstairs.THE MANHATTANS Featuring GERALD ALSTON, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Note: This show is now sold out.
Registration deadline, Playing with Resin Workshop, happening Monday, December 2, 6pm-9pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Share the fun with your neighbors.
Del Ray is such a supportive community with so many fun things to do! Loop in your friends and neighbors so you can all enjoy these activities together.
Sunday, December 1
Today is National Christmas Lights Day! It’s officially time to deck the halls—take a stroll through Del Ray to admire the twinkling lights and festive decorations popping up in the neighborhood.
Free Kids Face Painting and Crafts, 1pm-5pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Bring your kids every Saturday and Sunday for free face painting at Hops N Shine. From Spider-Man masks to unicorns, the talented face painter can do it all! Enjoy select crafts, coloring books, and a kid's construction area too.Mindful Living: Exploring the Mind, 2pm-3:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Join an eight-week series with mindful performance coach Yvette Trapani, exploring how the mind works, mindful meditation, and setting intentions for a growth mindset. Start each week with tools to cultivate awareness and positivity. Register to save your seat.Wreath Decorating Class, 3pm-5pm at Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ, 2000 Mount Vernon Ave.
Design a festive wreath for your home or as a gift at this hands-on workshop. Tickets include all supplies, a wreath, and festive hot drinks to set the mood.
@thingstododelrayva
📸 @visitdelray & @delrayhardware
“🎄✨ Holiday Cheer Starts This Weekend! 🎄✨
After Thanksgiving, get ready to deck the halls! Starting this weekend, @delrayhardware is selling Frasier Fir Christmas Trees on Sat & Sun (11-8) and Mon-Friday (5-8pm). The trees are housed in the parking lot behind @hifitexmexbbq @eveningstarva (2000 Mt Vernon Ave).”
. . .
Tag @thingstododelrayva to get your photos in the newsletter + on Instagram.
Some extra magic
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What I’m buying for Black Friday:
Compass Coffee tins: These make perfect stocking stuffers and hostess gifts. I’m grabbing some for my in-laws and my husband—50% off for Black Friday.
Breville Espresso Machine: I’ve been waiting for it to go on sale — and it’s now at its lowest offered price!
Neighborhood maps from local Terratorie Maps. I love my Del Ray map and just ordered the Pittsburgh map for my sister-in-law. Save 20% with code HOLIDAY20.
The Smithey cast iron skillet: I recently bought The Smithey Dutch Oven and can’t believe I hadn’t done it sooner. Starting now for Black Friday, you’ll get free shipping and a free 6" skillet with a purchase of $350+. Create delicious memories this holiday season.
A new solo stove! It’s on sale. It’s time. I’m so excited.
Unreal almond butter cups and peanut gems. Take 15% off sitewide for Black Friday. I love them because they’re dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free, too.
Baking: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars, yum. They’re vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free too…and no one would know. Perfect for traveling, family activities, and holidays.
Currently reading: The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza, a captivating blend of family saga and mystery, unraveling generations of secrets and intrigue in the heart of Sicily.
Wearing: My very first pair of UGG slippers! They make a great gift, too.
Upcoming Holiday Markets:
‘Tis the season! Mark your calendar for these upcoming holiday markets:
Saturday, November 30: Magpie Holiday Market, 10am-2pm at Magpie Reclamations, 202 E Custis Ave.
Saturday, November 30: Made in ALX Holiday Makers’ Market, 12pm-5pm at Port City Brewing Co., 3950 Wheeler Ave.
Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 22: Del Ray Artisans’ 29th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market, Fridays 6pm-9pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, Sundays 11am-5pm, at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Saturday, December 7: Snow Daze, 12pm-5pm at Aslin Beer Company, 847 S Pickett St.
Saturday, December 7 + Sunday, December 8: Rosslyn Cheer 2024: Holiday Market, 10am-3pm at Central Place Plaza, 1800 N Lynn St.
Saturday, December 14: Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show, 11am-4pm at John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St.
Weather
Friday
50 🌡️ 29 | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 W 13 mph
Saturday
41 🌡️ 26 | ⛅ | 1% | 💨 W 13 mph
Sunday
45 🌡️ 26 | ⛅ | 4% | 💨 W 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from Alexandria, VA on weather.com the night before publication.
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See you around the neighborhood,
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