Waterskiing Santa Returns On Christmas Eve: Details For 2018

ALEXANDRIA, VA—If you're looking to get some fresh air before holiday dinners on Christmas Eve, Alexandria has a fun event the whole family can look forward to. Santa and his companions will put on the 33rd annual Waterskiing Santa show Monday, Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. on the Alexandria waterfront.

The volunteer-run show originated when the "original" Santa lost a bet to water-ski on the Potomac River on Christmas Eve. From there it grew to a popular show that spectators can watch from the shore. Popular Christmas characters like the Snow Miser, Heat Miser and Frosty the Snowman make appearances leading up to the entrance of Santa.

But one character in particular has been known to "steal" the show. The Grinch returns each year to steal Christmas atop water skis. The Grinch terrorizes other Christmas characters until Santa's elves step in to save the day.

The show features 30 minutes of waterskiing Santa and a 15-minute pre-show. Spectators can view the show along Founders Park to Point Lumley Park. Afterward Santa and his helpers will hold a meet-and-greet until 2 p.m. at the gazebo behind Blackwall Hitch.

The show goes on in all weather conditions; some years it has snowed or the river has frozen over. Characters usually stay on boats before braving the cold water for short segments. And if the water skiers fall during the show, there are safety elves to help them get back up again.

Local sponsors around dozens of volunteers keep the show alive by driving boats, helping dress the characters in their gear and managing radio communications. Sponsors and volunteers can sign up the summer preceding the show.

For more information, visit www.waterskiingsanta.com. Get the latest updates by following Waterskiing Santa's Facebook page.

See a recap of last year's show below.

Image via Nick Eckert/Visit Alexandria