Seasonal & Holidays
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade 2019: Schedule, Where To View
The parade of decorated boats on the Potomac River will return for another year.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — As a waterfront city, Alexandria offers one of the more unique holiday traditions: the annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. The 20th annual parade returns on the Alexandria waterfront on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Attendance is free.
The parade features a lineup of illuminated boats cruising along the Potomac River for spectators to see. Each year, boats are decorated to compete for prizes, including best of show. Check out photos of last year's parade winners. In 2017, USA Today named it the eighth best holiday parade in the nation.
Parade viewing areas include Founders Park (351 N. Union Street), Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron Street), Waterfront Park (1 King Street and 1A Prince Street), Point Lumley Park (1 Duke Street), Shipyard/Harborside Park (1 Wilkes Street), Windmill Hill Park (501 S. Union Street) and Ford’s Landing Park (99 Franklin Street).
Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In between the parade, guests can enjoy festivities at Waterfront Park from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. At 3:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina to take photos with children and families at the Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival. You'll also find a Port City Brewing Company beer garden, holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM, letters to Santa postcard station from Penny Post, holiday ornament craft from AR Workshop Alexandria and bookmark making with Old Town Books. Pizzeria Paradiso will provide meatballs, Dolci Gelati will have a hot chocolate bar and Riverside Taco Company will host a Parade Day Patio Party with hot cider and bottomless bites with admission.
The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights happens on the same weekend as the 49th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Dec. 7. If you'd like to see a second boat parade, head over to DC's Wharf for the parade at 7 p.m. and fireworks salute at 8 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
See Old Town Alexandria Patch's video of last year's Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights below.
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