Bagpipes at the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Photo by Matt Chenet for Visit Alexandria
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria
Source: Visit Alexandria
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more.
View the mile-long parade route and road closure info.
The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade started as a community event more than 50 years ago to highlight the city’s Scottish heritage and support the mission of the Campagna Center, then known as the Community Y. The Campagna Center partnered with St. Andrew’s Society Washington, DC, Old Presbyterian Meeting House and the City of Alexandria to produce the parade and associated events led by Junior and Supporting Friends of the Campagna Center.
In 2022, to preserve the historic signature event that is a source of civic pride and a key economic driver for the city’s small business and hospitality communities, Visit Alexandria took on the role of lead parade producer in partnership with the Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria.
Parade will occur rain or shine. Text “ALXEVENTS” to 888777 to receive event updates.
E Michio for Visit Alexandria
24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Sponsored by Amazon
Part of Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend
Dec. 7, 2024
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights starts at 5:30 p.m.
Dockside festivities 2 to 8 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Source: Visit Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.
The parade is produced by Visit Alexandria in collaboration with the City of Alexandria, City Cruises – Alexandria and the Old Dominion Boat Club. Amazon is proud to sponsor the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and partner on such a beloved community event.
Parade will occur rain or shine. Text “ALXEVENTS” to 888777 to receive event updates.
The Boat Parade includes annual festivities at Waterfront Park along with the return of Canal Center festivities to the Old Town North waterfront.
Make a day of it—or a weekend! The Boat Parade is part of Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend and is the same day as the 53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade which starts at 11 a.m. Arrive early to enjoy both parades and enjoy local restaurants and shopping.
2 to 8 p.m.: Hands-on activities and food and beverage options at Waterfront Park (1 King Street) (Activities end at 5:30 p.m.)
2 to 8 p.m.: Holiday Festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N Union St)
2 to 8 p.m.: Canal Center Holiday Art Mart on the Old Town North waterfront (11 Canal Center Plaza)
3:30 p.m.: Santa arrives by fireboat as part of the Holiday Festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center (Alexandria Marina)
5:30 p.m.: Parade begins at the Alexandria City Marina and cruises southward (0 Cameron St.)
Parade start time varies by location: ~5:30 p.m. at City Marina, but earlier to north and later to south
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Note: Viewing locations north of Founders Park may see boats in staging process rather than single-file parade line.
Del Ray Holiday Season Kickoff
Dec. 8, 2024
Kick off the holiday season with the Del Ray Tree & Menorah Lighting, tunes, hot chocolate and much more! Enjoy hand-painted holiday windows in storefronts and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias.