Old Town Alexandria's historic waterfront will shine Saturday, Dec. 7 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.
Dockside festivities are set from 2 to 8 p.m. in the newly expanded Waterfront Park at the foot of King Street, which offers a transformed riverside experience connected to Old Town’s historic retail corridor.
Festivities will include a pop-up beer garden from Alexandria’s award-winning Port City Brewing Company and holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM.
Visitors are also encouraged to take part in hands-on activities from independently owned Alexandria businesses including a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post, holiday ornament craft from AR Workshop Alexandria and bookmark-making with Old Town Books.
You'll also get a chance to enjoy meatballs from Pizzeria Paradiso and a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati. At the Alexandria City Marina, Riverside Taco Company will present a Parade Day Patio Party with hot cider and bottomless bites included in admission.
At 3:30 p.m., look for Santa and Mrs. Claus, who 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. The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is part of Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend which also features events of the Campagna Center’s 49th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.
The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is set to start at 5:30 p.m., with dockside festivities scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park (1 King St.)
Looking for a great boat parade-viewing area? Check out:
- Founders Park, 351 North Union Street
- Alexandria City Marina, 0 Cameron Street
- Waterfront Park, 1 King Street and 1A Prince Street
- Point Lumley Park, 1 Duke Street
- Windmill Hill Park, 501 South Union Street
- Shipyard/Harborside Park, 1 Wilkes Street
- Ford’s Landing City Park, 99 Franklin Street
For more information go to: VisitAlexandriaVA.com/boatparade
Schedule
Activities (2 to 8 p.m.)
- Holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM
- Letters to Santa postcard station from Penny Post
- Holiday ornament activity from AR Workshop Alexandria (2 to 4 p.m.)
- Bookmark making station from Old Town Books (4:30 to 8 p.m.)
- Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival
- Santa arrives by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina (3:30 p.m.)
Food and beverage offerings (2 to 8 p.m.)
- Pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company
- Parade Day Patio Party at Riverside Taco Company
- Savory meatballs from Pizzeria Paradiso
- Hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati
Parade (5:30 p.m.)
- Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights begins
