Photo by Joy Asico for Visit Alexandria
Scottish Walk in Old Town Alexandria
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 6, for the 54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. The big event is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria and is part of the Alexandria's biggest holiday weekend.
Apply here to participate in the parade.
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more.
The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade started as a community event more than 50 years ago to highlight the city’s Scottish heritage and support the mission of the , then known as the Community Y. The Campagna Center partnered with St. Andrew’s Society Washington, DC, Old Presbyterian Meeting House and the City of Alexandria to produce the parade and associated events led by Junior and Supporting Friends of the Campagna Center.
In 2022, to preserve the historic signature event that is a source of civic pride and a key economic driver for the city’s small business and hospitality communities, Visit Alexandria took on the role of lead parade producer in partnership with the Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria.
Other big events that day include the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
Photo by Evan Michio for Visit Alexandria
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
The parade starts at 5:30 p.m., with dockside festivities set from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront.
Register for the boat parade here.
Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.
The parade is produced by Visit Alexandria in collaboration with the City of Alexandria, City Cruises – Alexandria and the Old Dominion Boat Club. Amazon is proud to sponsor the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and partner on such a beloved community event.
