Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

About this adventure

Taking place on the same festive Saturday as the Scottish Walk Parade, the 26th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights illuminates the Potomac River with dozens of dazzling decorated watercraft. Powerboats, sailboats, tugboats, and Alexandria's tall ship Providence cruise along a one-mile stretch of the Old Town waterfront, adorned with thousands of vibrant LEDs, towering illuminated holiday characters, and crews dressed in festive elf and Santa costumes. Dockside festivities at Waterfront Park begin at 2:00 PM, featuring family activities including holiday craft-making stations, letters to Santa, live holiday jazz and choral ensembles, and hot cocoa bars alongside local food trucks. Paved riverfront paths and viewing boardwalks make navigating with strollers effortless. Spectators are encouraged to dress warmly in layers and take the Metrorail to King Street-Old Town Station, taking advantage of the free King Street Trolley down to the river to bypass vehicle congestion.