Alexandria has held a Christmas Tree lighting on its City Hall plaza every year for as long as I've lived here (34 years), and probably long before. The tree is donated by residents or others, and they are made a part of the ceremony. And, of course, Santa visits for a preview of goodies to come. This year, the day after the lighting, high winds knocked the tree over (photo included, not mine, to show the damage). We're hoping it is raised again soon! UPDATE: 11/30/10 - The last three photos show the tree upright again! The City of Alexandria is the best!