Alexandria's Waterskiing Santa To Go On Virtually In 2020

ALEXANDRIA, VA — One of Alexandria's unique holiday traditions is the annual Waterskiing Santa show. The show won't be canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there won't be a live show with spectators unlike past years.

The show typically happens on Christmas Eve, drawing spectators along the shoreline in Old Town to see Santa and other Christmas characters. This year, the show will be aired virtually on Sunday, Dec. 20.

The volunteer-run show is in its 35th year. It all started in 1986 when the "original" Santa lost a bet with friends and had to water-ski on the Potomac River on Christmas Eve. The idea caught on and turned into a popular annual show. Local sponsors and dozens of volunteers have kept the show alive since then. Aside from the volunteers who bundle up and brave the chilly water to water-ski, the effort includes volunteers driving boats, helping dress characters in their gear and managing radio communications.

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The show features a number of Christmas favorites like Frosty the Snowman, Santa's elves, reindeer, and more, as well as Grinch coming to "steal" Christmas atop jet skis. It all culminates with the appearance of Santa on water skis.

The video is expected to be released around noon on Dec. 20. For more information, visit www.waterskiingsanta.com or the Waterskiing Santa Facebook page.