Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend Canceled In 2020

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted the cancellation of one of Alexandria's favorite holiday traditions. The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend will not happen in December 2020, according to the Campagna Center.

This year would have been the 50th year for the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and other festivities. The parade is often held the same day as the Holiday Boat Parade. Other events of the weekend have included the Taste of Scotland, Holiday Homes Tour and Heather and Greens Sales.

"As we face the reality of the extraordinary efforts it will take to keep COVID19 under control in our community until a vaccination is available, The Campagna Center has determined it will not be able to host the 50th Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend," reads a statement on the Campagna Center's website.

The holiday tradition has a twofold purpose: to celebrate the holidays in the context of Alexandria's Scottish heritage and to raise money for Campagna Center programs. The Campagna Center runs programs for children and families in Alexandria such as Building Better Futures, New Neighbors and the Early Learning Center at St. James.

The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend typically raises over $250,000 in revenues for the Campagna Center As the nonprofit expects financial challenges related to providing services with social distancing and personal protective equipment, it will be planning virtual ways to generate community support. In the meantime, donations are encouraged.