Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

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The signature event of Alexandria's biggest holiday weekend kicks off Saturday at 11 a..m

The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade will travel through Old Town Alexandria with dozens of Scottish clans, bands, terriers and hounds, community groups and more. The walk is a heritage event for Alexandria, which was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. 

According to Visit Alexandria, "More than 120 parade units include more than 35 Scottish clans from around the D.C. region and other parts of the U.S. Bagpipers include the Kiltie Band of York and the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums plus a bagpiping Santa closing the parade. A pipe band and color guard will be presented by St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C., which is a charitable and social fraternity of Scottish descendants established in Alexandria in 1760, and a founding parade partner along with Campagna Center and the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Other parade delegates include the Lord and Lady Provost from Dundee, Scotland (Alexandria’s sister city), the Scottish Government's Scottish Affairs Office, and Scottish university alumni groups. This year’s Grand Marshal is Redella “Del” Pepper, the recently retired, longest-serving member of Alexandria City Council with more than 36 years of service to the community."

Of course, the parade means there will be road closures in Alexandria. As Alexandria's most popular parade, residents should plan accordingly. 

The parade kicks off on S. St. Asaph Street at the corner of Wolfe Street and progresses north to Queen Street, east to Fairfax Street, south to King Street, and west to end in front of City Hall. For the best views, spread out along the one-mile parade route.

The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is produced by Visit Alexandria through a new partnership with Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria. Sponsors include Naborforce and the Scottish Government.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, December 2 with the Campagna Center’s Taste of Scotland, a festive cocktail party at the Torpedo Factory Art Center featuring whiskey-tasting stations, hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine bars and a custom art exhibit.

For more details on the parade route, transportation alternatives and weekend happenings, visit ALXScottishWalk.com.

Volunteer opportunities may be found at VolunteerAlexandria.org/Parade.