Holiday Boat Parade Among Contenders For Best Holiday Parade

(Updated Nov. 16) ALEXANDRIA, VA—As residents count down the days until the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, they can help it win some national recognition. Every year, Alexandria's waterfront is illuminated with boats decked out with lights that cruise by on the Potomac River. Now it's nominated for Best Holiday Parade across the country by USA Today. As of Nov. 16, it's in sixth place.

Alexandria's parade is squaring off against fierce competitors like Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Other notable entries are from the local area—Reston Holiday Parade, Baltimore Mayor's Annual Christmas Parade and the Annapolis Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, which won the coveted title last year. In all, Alexandria's parade is going up against 19 competitors.

The popular holiday parade on the waterfront is set for Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., and the USA Today contest runs through noon ET on Dec. 4. You can visit this page and vote once a day. The top 10 will be announced Dec. 8.

The parade will top off the Scottish Christmas Walk weekend (Dec. 1-2). Parade-goers can witness the dazzling boats pass through and then dock for judging. A panel of judges will award prizes in a dozen categories, including Best in Show, Thinking Outside the Christmas Box, and Hardiest Souls.

This year marks the 18th annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Here's what USA Today says about the upcoming parade:

The Potomac River lights up for the holidays during the annual Alexandria DC Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. During this illuminated event, some 50 powerboats, sailboats and even the district fireboat float along the river, covered in colorful lights. Santa also arrives by boat for a photo op after the parade.

Parade details

Festivities will begin at the waterfront by the Torpedo Factory Art Center Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and go on through 9 p.m. Radio personality Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM will be the parade announcer as the radio provides music, games and prizes on the dock from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive by fire boat at 3 p.m. and will walk to the Torpedo Factory Art Center and meet with children until 6 p.m.

Visitors are invited to the Torpedo Factory Art Center's annual Holiday Festival from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature handmade art perfect for gifts and meet-and-greets with artists. Children can partake in a scavenger hunt in between photos with Santa. Special performances by the Alexandria Choral Society Pro Coro and the Silver 5 Brass Quintet will top off the afternoon at the art center.

See more information about the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights here.

Image via R. Kennedy/Visit Alexandria