Waterskiing Santa, A 34-Year Tradition, Returns To Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A little cold weather doesn't stop one of Alexandria's Christmas traditions: a waterskiing show on the waterfront. Santa and his helpers will return for the 34th year at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24.

The volunteer-run show started in 1986 when the "original" Santa lost a bet and had to water-ski on the Potomac River on Christmas Eve. The idea caught on and turned into a popular show drawing spectators along the waterfront. Local sponsors and dozens of volunteers have kept the show alive since then. If the volunteers aren't bundled up to water-ski on the river, they're driving boats, helping dress characters in their gear and managing radio communications.

The show usually lasts for 30 minutes, but you'll want to come before 1 p.m. for a 15-minute pre-show. That's when the Grinch comes out to "steal" the show atop jet skis. The pre-show focuses on the Grinch terrorizing other Christmas characters until Santa's elves step in to save the day.

The Waterskiing Santa show has featured popular Christmas characters like the Snow Miser, Heat Miser and Frosty the Snowman, and of course Santa himself. The show takes place along the Potomac River from the Torpedo Factory Art Center to Point Lumley Park. The viewing areas include Waterfront Park (1 King Street and 1A Prince Street), Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.), Founders Park (351 N. Union Street), and Point Lumley Park (1 Duke Street).

After the show, stick around to greet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the pavilion behind the Torpedo Factory. Other characters will be available too (maybe even the Grinch).

For more information, visit www.waterskiingsanta.com. Look for updates on Waterskiing Santa's Facebook page.

Check out footage from a previous Waterskiing Santa show.