Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Dozens of illuminated boats cruise along a one-mile stretch of the Potomac River shoreline. Dockside festivities in Waterfront Park feature family-friendly activities, music, food, and a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company. Spectators can also view the procession directly from the water aboard a river cruise.
What to Expect
Dozens of brightly lit boats cruise the Potomac River shoreline.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Visit Alexandria
Food & Drink
Dockside festivities include food and a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and scenic
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: It encourages public transportation and alternative transportation. It also says the parade is accessible via Metrorail from King Street station.
Tips & Advice
- Take Metrorail's blue or yellow line to King Street station, since public transportation is highly encouraged and waterfront garages fill up before the parade.
- If you have to drive, check the city's garage map ahead of time, because the closest garages fill up early and nearby streets are often closed.
- Ride the free DASH bus or a Capital Bikeshare bike into Old Town to avoid driving into the heavy traffic near the waterfront on parade day.
- Book a CityCruises by Hornblower trip if you'd rather watch the lit boats from the Potomac River than from the shoreline.
- Spend time at the dockside festivities in Waterfront Park, which have a Port City Brewing Company pop-up beer garden, food, music and family activities.
Special Events & Promotions
- Watch the parade from the Potomac River aboard CityCruises by Hornblower
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do onshore?
Waterfront Park has dockside festivities with a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, local food, music and family-friendly activities.
What's the best way to get there?
Public transportation is highly encouraged. Take Metrorail's blue or yellow line to King Street station. The DASH bus is free, and Old Town has Capital Bikeshare docks and dockless e-scooters and e-bikes.
Where should I park if I drive?
The garages closest to the waterfront fill up before the event, and nearby streets are often closed because of heavy traffic. The City of Alexandria's parking page has a map of garages.
Can I watch the parade from the water?
Yes. CityCruises by Hornblower offers trips to watch the parade from the Potomac River.
Can I ride a scooter to the waterfront?
You can ride to Old Town, but riding is not allowed on sidewalks or in the King Street pedestrian zone from the 200 block of King Street to the waterfront. Park in a scooter corral or bike rack when you can.
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.