Two of Alexandria’s iconic holiday season parades will lead to some road closures throughout Old Town this weekend.
The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights both take place this Saturday, prompting the closures as well as reserved parking and no-parking zone enforcement.
The Scottish Christmas Walk, in its 54th year, kicks off at 11 a.m. at S. St. Asaph Street and Wolfe Street and is expected to end around 1 p.m. near Market Square.
Later in the day, dockside festivities for the 25th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will last from 2-8 p.m. at Waterfront Park, as well as family-friendly programming at the Canal Center. The parade itself is scheduled from approximately 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Here are the planned closures, according to the city of Alexandria.
One-Way Traffic on Union Street
To support expected crowds and waterfront activity for the Boat Parade, a one-way northbound traffic pattern will go into effect on Union Street between Duke Street and Queen Street at approximately 3 p.m.
King Street Pedestrian Zone
King Street’s pedestrian-only zone will include 0/unit block,100 block and 200 block. Lee Street from Duke Street to Cameron Street will be open to local traffic only which includes residents, customers, parking garage patrons and deliveries. The intersection of King Street and Lee Street will be closed to all vehicles. The Alexandria Police Department will have officers present to manage access for local traffic and divert all other vehicles.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Road Closures
Please be mindful of road closures and parking restrictions on Saturday, December 6. In addition to reviewing the enclosed information, you can download the free Waze app to navigate road closures.
No-Parking & Reserved Parking Zones
Areas along the Scottish Walk parade route and adjacent to planned activities in Waterfront Park may have no parking or reserved parking. Please read signs carefully and comply with the times posted. Your cooperation is essential to the success of the events, and the safety of event participants, attendees, and those who live and work in the City of Alexandria.
Business Impacts
Businesses should advise staff and patrons of traffic impacts. Deliveries should be scheduled for before or after parade and waterfront activities. Deliveries on Union Street may continue during the adjusted afternoon traffic pattern.
APD will be on site in Old Town to direct traffic and manage intersections, according to an announcement. Pedestrians and motorists can expect signage with information on closures placed in advance of the events. People seeking event updates are advised to text ALXEVENTS to 888777.
A complete list of closures from the city is available, below.
Scottish Walk Reviewing Stand Area
King Street. & N. Royal Street.; 100 block of N. Royal Street
Time: 3:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Closed to vehicles
- No parking
- Reviewing stand and spectator zone
Parade Assembly Area (Lyles-Crouch vicinity)
Wilkes Street. (300–700)
S. Pitt Street. (400–600)
S. Royal Street. (400–600)
S. St. Asaph Street. (400–600)
Wolfe Street. (600 block)
Time: 5 a.m. – 2 p.m.*
- Road closures and no parking
- Assembly/staging for parade units
- Only authorized parade vehicles and City personnel permitted
Parade Route Closures
St. Asaph Street (100–600)
N. St. Asaph Street (100–300)
S. Pitt Street (100–400)
N. Pitt Street (100–300)
N. Royal Street (100–300)
King Street (300–600)
N. Fairfax Street (100–300)
Queen Street (300–600)
Time: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.*
- Road closures and no parking along the parade route
- Vehicles must be cleared for participant and spectator safety
Boat Parade Traffic Impacts
Union Street (Duke-Queen): One-way northbound traffic
King Street (Unit-300 blocks): Pedestrian-only zone
Lee Street (Duke-Queen): Local traffic only; King & Lee fully closed
Prince Street (100 block): Local traffic only
Time: 3-10 p.m., or when deemed safe by APD
