Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade Of Lights Part Of Double Header Parade Weekend

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The double header of holiday parades and festivities will return to Alexandria in 2021. Visit Alexandria will bring back its 21st annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon on Saturday, Dec. 4. The Campagna Center’s 50th anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade will be held Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4.

The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights draws festively decorated boats to the Potomac River to put on a show for spectators along Alexandria's waterfront. While the boat parade is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., dockside festivities will entertain spectators from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park. The festivities will include a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM, hands-on activities from Alexandria businesses, food and drinks. Be there at 3:30 p.m. to see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire boat at the Alexandria City Marina on their way to the Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.

Among the hands-on activities will be a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post and a holiday ornament craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria. Food and drink offerings will include bites from the new Mae’s Market and Café, gourmet popcorn from America’s Favorite Gourmet Popcorn and a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati.

For spectators to get the best views and avoid crowding, viewing areas will be located along a mile of the waterfront. Viewing options include Founders Park, 351 North Union Street; Alexandria City Marina, 0 Cameron Street; Waterfront Park, 1 King Street and 1A Prince Street; Point Lumley Park, 1 Duke Street; Windmill Hill Park, 501 South Union Street; Shipyard/Harborside Park, 1 Wilkes Street; and Ford’s Landing City Park, 99 Franklin Street. To avoid traffic, spectators can arrive earlier in the day. Drivers should avoid the intersection at King and Union Streets.

Decorated boats will then head toward DC for a second holiday boat parade. Head to the Wharf for the District's Holiday Boat Parade starting at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks finale. Awards will be given for Best in Show, Best Motorboat, Best Sailboat, Best Crew, Community Choice, and more.

Both parades are free to view. The Alexandria parade is presented by Visit Alexandria in collaboration with the City of Alexandria, City Cruises anchored by Hornblower and the Old Dominion Boat Club and sponsor Amazon. Judges will select winners in various categories, to be announced in the days afterward.

For more information, visit www.visitalexandriava.com/holidays/boat-parade.