Alexandria’s holiday boat parade returning next month

Visit Alexandria has announced the return of the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights early next month.

The event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4. The event is planned to feature dozens of brightly lit boats cruising along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline, Visit Alexandria said in a press release.

The event was one of those cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The boat parade is part of the weekend of festivities, including the city’s famous Scottish Christmas Walk and Parade. A similar boat parade is planned the same evening at 7 p.m. in D.C.

“Boat parade dockside festivities will entertain parade-goers from 2-8 p.m. in Waterfront Park at the foot of King Street,” Visit Alexandria said. “Festivities 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. Hands-on activities from independently owned Alexandria businesses include a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post and a holiday ornament craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria.”

The daytime activities will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus on a fireboat at 3:30 p.m.

Parade onlookers are encouraged to spread out for the viewing, with a list of suggested spots included in the press release:

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

Photo via Visit Alexandria VA/Facebook