Bagpipes, kilts and crowds in red-and-green plaid. The 53rd annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is around the corner.
Here’s your guide to one of Alexandria’s most celebrated and well-attended weekends of the year. Hundreds of costumed musicians, dancers, performers and thousands of spectators are expected to attend the free event, which is produced by Visit Alexandria, the Campagna Center and the city.
Santa Claus also makes an appearance.
The parade lasts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes dozens of Scottish clans, dancers, bagpipers and the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums.
Outgoing Mayor Justin Wilson is the grand marshals of the parade — a first for the lawmaker.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the Grand Marshal,” Wilson said. “I look forward to the Scottish Christmas Walk every year. To have this recognition by Campagna, an organization that does immeasurable good for our children and families, its very gratifying.”
The masters of ceremonies for the parade are Julie Carey, NBC4’s Northern Virginia bureau chief, and Heather Haddock, president of the Scottish American Women’s Society of Washington, D.C.
The end of the parade is the best part. The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums, St. Andrew’s Society’s Washington Scottish Pipe Band and Kiltie Band of York will play a massed concert in front of the reviewing stand at Market Square (301 King Street).
Also, if you’re hungry, the Old Town Farmers’ Market in front of City Hall is open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Taste of Scotland
While the parade is the main attraction, the weekend officially starts with the “decadent” Taste of Scotland on Friday, Dec. 6.
“Held annually on the Friday before the Scottish Christmas Walk parade in Alexandria, this legendary holiday party features a comprehensive scotch tasting menu, decadent catering, music, entertainment, and more,” Campagna Center said.
The event is being held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. for VIPs and from 8:30 p.m. for general admission.
VIP Tickets cost about $300 and general admission costs $200. Proceeds go toward Campagna Center’s education and social development programs for Alexandria families.
The party includes an open beer and wine bar, and these scotches to sample:
Ardbeg Uigeadall Scotch, Balvenie Doublewood 12 YR, Kilchoman Machir Bay, Glenfarclas 10 Year Single Malt, Dalwhinnie Single Malt, Buchanan’s Deluxe 18 Year Scotch, Caol Ila 12 Year Scotch, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Ardbeg 10 Year Islay Single Malt, Glenfiddich 14 YR, Lagavulin 8 YR, Glendronach 12 YR, Bowmore 12 YR Single Malt, Aberlour 12 Year Single Malt, Glenkinchie 12 Year, Laphroaig Single Malt, Old Parr 12yr Scotch, Johnnie Walker Black, Dewar’s White Label
Santa at The Torpedo Factory
Also on Saturday, the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union Street) will host its annual holiday festival.
The event starts at 2 p.m., and art enthusiasts will have an hour-and-a-half before the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be ferried to the event by an Alexandria fireboat at around 3:30 p.m.
Boat Parade of Lights
The weekend of events concludes along the Potomac River with Alexandria’s 24th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
Dozens of festively lit boats will start sailing down the Potomac at 5:30 p.m., although the festivities start at 2 p.m. with a pop-up beer garden at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street).
The beer garden will close at 8 p.m.
