Alexandria's Biggest Holiday Weekend
Visitors experience festive celebrations across the historic streets and waterfront of Old Town Alexandria. The weekend features Scottish clans, pipe and drum bands, terriers, and hounds parading through the district in colorful tartans. Along the Potomac River shoreline, spectators can watch a brightly lit holiday boat parade alongside dockside festivities, live music, local food, and family-friendly activities.
What to Expect
Holiday celebrations featuring Scottish walk and illuminated boat parades in Old Town.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town Alexandria
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Visit Alexandria
Food & Drink
Local food is available at the boat parade’s dockside festivities.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-weekend visitors
Vibe
Festive and traditional
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Tips & Advice
- Plan your visit around Saturday, December 5, when you can catch both the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Boat Parade of Lights in one day.
- Book an Alexandria hotel to stay the whole weekend and use the low rates and holiday offers available for the dates.
- Head down to the Old Town waterfront for the Boat Parade of Lights and enjoy the dockside local food, music and family activities.
- Dress warmly for a December day outdoors, because both parades are watched from Old Town's streets and the Potomac shoreline.
Special Events & Promotions
- 55th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade through Old Town on Saturday, December 5
- 26th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the Potomac waterfront on Saturday, December 5, with dockside food, music and family activities
- Low rates and holiday offers at Alexandria hotels for the weekend
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the big events of the weekend?
Two parades on Saturday, December 5: the 55th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade through Old Town and the 26th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the Potomac River.
What is the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade?
It celebrates Alexandria's Scottish roots. Dozens of Scottish clans in colorful tartans march through Old Town with pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds, and community groups.
What happens at the Boat Parade of Lights?
Brightly lit boats cruise along a mile of the Potomac River shoreline at Old Town's waterfront. On the docks there's local food, music and family-friendly activities.
Is it a good weekend for families?
Yes. The Boat Parade of Lights includes family-friendly activities on the waterfront, and the Scottish Walk Parade features Scottie dogs and other terriers and hounds.
Are there hotel deals for the weekend?
Yes. Alexandria hotels offer low rates and holiday offers for the weekend.
More Christmas Events Near Alexandria
More Christmas Events near Alexandria
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.