20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Expand

R. Kennedy for ACVA

Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.; Dockside festivities 2 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park (see below for details).

Admission: Free; $ for food/drink and some activities

Parade viewing areas:

• Founders Park (351 N. Union St.)
• Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.),
• Waterfront Park (1 King St. and 1A Prince St.)
• Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.)
• Shipyard/Harborside Park (1 Wilkes St.)
• Windmill Hill Park (501 S. Union St.)
• Ford’s Landing Park (99 Franklin St.)

Old Town Alexandria's historic waterfront will shine for the 20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m. as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline.

Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company and holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM.

Take part in hands-on activities including a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post, a holiday craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria and a bookmark making station from Old Town Books.

Enjoy savory meatballs from Pizzeria Paradiso and a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati. On the Alexandria City Marina, Riverside Taco Company presents a Parade Day Patio Party with hot cider and bottomless bites included in admission.

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 annual Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.