Get Ready for the 44th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade

Get ready for a big boost of holiday spirit coming to town this week: The 44th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade takes place this weekend in Old Town Alexandria.

The weekend events are hosted by The Campagna Center, the Scottish Government, the Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C., and the City of Alexandria.

Raffle features luxury getaway

In addition to a parade, home tour, marketplace and more benefiting the center’s educational programs, new this year: A raffle for a luxurious weekend. Tickets can be purchased here for $20 for the Friday drawing. Here are the details of the getaway:

• The Inn at Little Washington: Dinner for two at this culinary oasis is akin to visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant in the European countryside
• The Blue Rock Inn: Two nights’ lodging, including breakfast both mornings and dinner for one night at this classic country inn on 80 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains with three dining areas, a pub, and five guest rooms; winner of an OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award
• Copper Fox Distillery: Private tour and tasting with Master Distiller Rick Wasmund

Heather and Greens Sale

The sale takes place at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., Alexandria

• Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Deck the Halls

From 1-3 p.m. Friday get ready for family fun with arts & crafts, musical entertainment and a visit from Santa, at the George Washington Masonic National Temple, 101 Callahan Dr. Tickets to the event (if still available) are $35 for adults and $20 for children ages 11 and younger and can be purchased here. Raffle tickets will be sold for items such as Legos, a bike, a firetruck and costume, family-friendly ski trips, and some style and relaxation items for mom.

If you’re going to this event, help brighten a child’s holiday season by bringing a toy. Ideal for children six months to 5 years of age: Dolls, cars, trucks, building toys and board games. It is advisable to avoid stuffed animals, guns and swords.

Taste of Scotland

Sample a variety of Scotches and other food and beverage Friday evening from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 101 Callahan Dr. Tickets start at $110.

Holiday Marketplace

Do your holiday shopping and peruse special items from area boutiques, crafters and artists. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at The Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington Center in Alexandria. See all the vendors here.

Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

This festive event begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Asaph and Wilkes streets and ends at Market Square in Old Town. Participants in the parade include Scottish Clans, Scottish bagpipers and drummers, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus and more. The parade is free, but you can purchase a VIP ticket to the parade here. That will get you entry for two to the Dignitaries Breakfast, one parking pass and two VIP seats to the parade.

Holiday Designer Tour of Homes

On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., stroll through some of Old Town’s historic homes, decked out for the holidays:

• 415 Prince St.
• 400 S. Lee St.
• 519 S. Lee St.
• 501 Duke St.
• 512 Duke St.

The homes will be looking their holiday best courtesy of florists Anna Krieg, Flora Couture, Greenstreet Gardens, Patina Polished Living, Sweet Root Village and The Virginia Florist; and designers Stuart Nordin Home & Design, Madigan Schuler and Thurston Scott Interiors. Tickets are $35 each.

PHOTO courtesy of The Campagna Center