Double Header Holiday Parade Weekend Planned In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria has not one, but two holiday parades to look forward to on Saturday. The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on the same day in Old Town.

The 50th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend kicks off Friday, Dec. 3 with the sold-out Taste of Scotland, followed by the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade Saturday, Dec. 4. This event held by the Campagna Center celebrates Alexandria's Scottish founders with proceeds benefitting the Campagna Center's programs for children and families in Alexandria. The parade typically features Scottish clans, pipe and drum bands, and terriers and hounds. Sen. Mark Warner, an Alexandria resident, is the grand marshal of the parade.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Wolfe and St. Asaph Streets. The parade route goes north on St. Asaph Street up to Queen Street. It continues right on Queen Street to N. Fairfax Street down to King Street. The parade turns right onto King Street and concludes at King and Pitt Streets in front of City Hall. Spectators are asked to spread out along the parade route and practice social distancing from other groups.

Stick around for more festivities at the 21st annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon. The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights features festively decorated boats cruising on the Potomac River for spectators to see along Alexandria's waterfront. The boat parade is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., and dockside festivities will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park.

Dockside 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.

The boat parade will be led by Alexandria fireboat Relief and DC fireboat John H. Glenn. It will conclude with Ever Vigilant Fire Boat 57 from the Prince George’s County Volunteer Marine Fire and Rescue Station 57. Winners of parade awards will be determined by judges.

Spectators are encouraged to show up early to get to their viewing site. There are numerous viewing options available due to limited viewing areas at the Alexandria City Marina.

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
• Robinson Landing, 7 Pioneer Mill Way
• Windmill Hill Park, 501 South Union Street
• Shipyard/Harborside Park, 1 Wilkes Street
• Ford’s Landing City Park, 99 Franklin Street

At crowded outdoor events, the Alexandria Health Department recommends masks regardless of vaccination status.