Your weekend in Del Ray: Jan. 3–5, 2025
LEGO competition, Art Exhibit Opening Reception, Poetry Reading, Wine Tastings, Yoga, Mindful Living, Farmers' Market, Last Day of Joy on the Avenue, Little Chefs Pizza Party, more.
Happy New Year!
2025 is officially here! And to start, we’ve got a few inches of snow coming our way next week. Enjoy the first weekend of the year out and about, and then plan on a cozy Monday in.
For me, the new year is about reflection and small, intentional goals. This year, I’m hoping to fit in more yoga, stop snoozing my alarm, and spend more time outdoors. How about you?
Whether you love resolutions or skip them altogether, I hope this newsletter helps you find joy, connection, and inspiration this year.
Now, let’s dive into the first weekend of 2025:
🧒 LEGO competition
🎨 Art Exhibit Opening Reception
📓 First Fridays Poetry Reading
🍎 Farmers' Market
🍷 Wine Tastings
🧘🏻♀️ Yoga
🔮 Psychic Development Workshop
🎄 Last Day of Joy on the Avenue
🧠 Mindful Living
🐤 Baby Time
🍕 Little Chefs Pizza Party
✨ Storybook Adventure & Craft
🎨 Free Kids Face Painting and Crafts
🎶 Live Music
Plus 2025 online shopping finds
We’re bringing this weekend’s newsletter to you together with Thrive Market — a super convenient way to get healthy, organic foods and household essentials delivered right to your door at discounted prices — wonderful for eating healthy to start the New Year. I’ve been a member for years and save an average of $40 on every order. The best part: we got you 40% off.
Have a wonderful weekend,
– Rachel Turula, lover of all things Del Ray
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Friday, January 3
Today is the Festival of Sleep Day — Celebrate the importance of rest by taking a break from the busyness of life. Whether it's a nap, a cozy evening in, or simply unwinding with a book from Del Ray’s Little Free Libraries, today’s a day to recharge.
Lego Competition, 3:30pm-4:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Let kids ages 6–12 channel their creativity in a team LEGO-building challenge. Teams will have one hour to build, and judges will choose the top creation.Little Chefs Pizza Party, 5pm-6pm at Mulberry Lane, 2016 Mt Vernon Ave.
Kids can become little chefs at this fun and interactive pizza-making event. They’ll learn the basics of crafting their own delicious creations in a hands-on experience.
“Visual Humor” Art Exhibit Opening Reception, 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Visual Humor is a playful exhibit at Del Ray Artisans gallery, celebrating the creativity and wit behind comedy in art. Discover what makes a joke take flight and meet the curator and artists behind these thought-provoking works.First Fridays Poetry Reading, 7pm-9pm at St. Elmo’s, 2300 Mt Vernon Ave.
Del Ray’s monthly poetry reading features a performance by C. Alexandria-Bernard Thomas, followed by an open mic. Share your own poems on this month’s theme, 'Words.'
RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Experience an unforgettable evening of bluegrass with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder at The Birchmere. Known for their virtuosity and soulful sound, this Grammy-winning group brings a timeless energy to the stage that bluegrass fans won’t want to miss.
Saturday, January 4
Today is World Braille Day — Take a moment to learn about accessibility and inclusivity, and support organizations helping the visually impaired.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market, 8am-noon at Pat Miller Square, 2311 Mt Vernon Ave.
A great way to start the day. Enjoy warm beverages, tasty treats, and more. Open year round.VETOGA Yoga Series, 10:30am-11:30am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Start your weekend with a free yoga session led by certified instructor Adam Shaw, open to all levels. This 8-week series blends gentle yet focused asanas, breathing techniques, and meditation to nurture both physical and mental well-being—attend as many sessions as you’d like.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.
Stillness in January: A Psychic Development Workshop, 1pm-3pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Begin the year with calm and clarity in this guided meditation workshop. Learn techniques to quiet the mind, connect with subtle energies, and enhance your intuitive abilities for a peaceful and mindful start to the new year.Dry vs. Dry, Free Wine Tasting, 1pm-5pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
“Grapes like Chenin and Riesling are not just black and white. In fact, many of them are bone dry. Let's kick off 2025 by expanding our comfort zone and drying out some awesome unintuitive picks!” Enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while you taste. Plus, take advantage of a 10% discount on any tasting bottles you’d like to take home.
Last Day of Joy on the Avenue, 4pm-midnight at Del Ray’s Popup Bar, 2312 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Don’t miss the last day of Joy on the Avenue, Del Ray’s festive popup bar. End the season with holiday-themed drinks and a cozy vibe.RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Please note: Saturday night is now sold out. Tickets still available for Friday.
Share the magic of Del Ray with your neighbors!
Know a neighbor who loves discovering fun things to do? Click 'refer a friend' below and invite them to join the Things to do Del Ray club.
Sunday, January 5
Today is National Keto Day — Interested in keto? It’s a low-carb, high-fat diet known for supporting energy and focus. Grab a low-carb bite from Junction Bakery or look for keto-friendly options at the Farmers Market.
Storybook Adventure & Craft, 1pm-2pm at Mulberry Lane, 2016 Mt Vernon Ave.
Immerse kids in a magical storybook adventure, followed by a creative craft inspired by the tale. A fun and engaging activity for young imaginations.
Free Kids Face Painting and Crafts, 1pm-5pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Bring your kids 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.
Explore the workings of the mind and set a positive tone for your week in this eight-week series. Led by mindful performance coach Yvette Trapani, this 90-minute session combines mindful meditation with intention-setting for a “growth mindset” to help you thrive.Sunday Baby Time, 4pm-4:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Wiggle, crawl, and clap along at Baby Time, a fun session of songs and fingerplay for little ones aged 0-14 months. Join Ms. Elaina for a joyful Sunday morning designed to engage and delight babies and their caregivers.
@thingstododelrayva
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. . .
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Some extra magic
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For organic and specialty pantry staples at a discount, delivered to your home: Try Thrive Market for 40% off.
Currently reading: Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose — a darkly witty and suspenseful tale that perfectly balances suburban drama with unexpected twists. It’s the kind of page-turner that keeps you guessing.
Looking for simple ways to make life easier, cozier, or more organized in the new year? Here are some ideas:
A versatile air fryer – Crisp up veggies, make healthier fries, or whip up easy dinners. A kitchen game-changer.
A best-selling productivity planner – Map out your goals and stay on track all year long.
A sleek aromatherapy diffuser – Bring calm to your space with this elegant addition to your home.
Stackable meal prep containers – Prep meals like a pro and keep everything organized in your fridge.
Best-selling workout leggings – Perfect for running, yoga, or lounging, these leggings are loved for a reason.
An ultra-soft fleece robe – Start chilly mornings right in the coziest robe, for her and for him.
Weather
Friday
44 🌡️ 27 | 🌧️ | 76% | 💨 SW 12 mph
Saturday
33 🌡️ 23 | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 WNW 20 mph
Sunday
38 🌡️ 27 | ⛅ | 9% | 💨 WNW 11 mph
Temperature readings taken from Alexandria, VA on weather.com the night before publication.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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