Alexandria's Holiday Boat Parade Named 8th Best In Nation

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights has won national recognition as the eighth Best Holiday Parade in the country according to readers of USA Today. Every year, Alexandria's waterfront is illuminated with boats decked out with lights that cruise by on the Potomac River.

Alexandria's parade squared off against fierce competitors like Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Other notable entries were from the region — the 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 won out over 19 competitors.

This year's 18th annual holiday parade on the waterfront was held Dec. 2. Here's what USA Today says about the 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.

“We are thrilled to receive this honor,” said Patricia Washington of Visit Alexandria, the lead producer of the 2017 parade. “The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights has been a beloved holiday tradition in Old Town Alexandria for eighteen years and is a signature celebration of our historic waterfront.”

The top 10 winners in the USA Today Best Holiday Parade are:

1. Mummers Parade - Philadelphia
2. America’s Thanksgiving Parade - Detroit
3. Mayor's Annual Christmas Parade - Boston
4. Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade - Annapolis, Md.
5. Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade - Charlotte
6. Reston Holiday Parade - Reston, Va.
7. Christmas Ship Parade - Portland, Ore.
8. Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights - Alexandria, Va.
9. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade - Fort Lauderdale
10. McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade - Chicago

The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is one of the key reasons why USA Today named Alexandria a Top Holiday Town in 2016, Washington said in a news release. The 2017 parade took place on December 2, 2017, with more than 50 illuminated boats dazzling parade-goers who gathered at the Potomac River waterfront during Alexandria's biggest holiday weekend, which included the events of the 47th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.

The 2017 winning boats are:

• Best of Alexandria Show - State of Comfort
• Best Powerboat - Stimulus Package
• Best Sailboat - Wisp
• Best Spirit of Harmony (New Category) - Nalani
• Best Spirit of America - Beach House
• Thinking Outside the Christmas Box - Cyganka
• Most Animated - iechyd da!
• Most Holiday Cheer - Anamchara
• Most Spirited Crew - Letter of Marque
• Best Theme - Kairos
• Hardiest Soul - FLOTUS
• Best Try - O'Sea Dee

The parade was presented by the City of Alexandria, Visit Alexandria, the Old Dominion Boat Club and Potomac Riverboat Company who wish to congratulate the winners and thank all of the participating boats who made such a spectacular event.

Image via R. Kennedy/Visit Alexandria