Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend

Experience holiday magic on historic streets in Old Town Alexandria, located just minutes from Washington, D.C. Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend takes place December 2 to 4, 2022, making it the perfect time to enjoy a winter weekend getaway and experience the destination Condé Nast Traveler named one of the Best U.S. Cities to Visit at Christmas and Oprah Daily called one of the Most Magical Christmas Towns Across the World. Bask in the warmth of time-honored festivities like the 51^st Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, featuring a parade of Scottish clans and Scottie dogs, as well as the 22^nd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon on the Potomac River. Enjoy more festive happenings throughout the weekend.

Come take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season as you stroll under a canopy of twinkling lights that shine above brick-lined streets. Discover why Travel + Leisure readers named Alexandria one of the Best Cities in the U.S. 2022. Enjoy warm drinks in cozy cafes and pubs and unforgettable meals in independent restaurants. Stroll historic streets and step inside dozens of locally owned boutiques that welcome you with greenery at their doorsteps.

Your Guide to Holiday Parade Day in Alexandria 2022

51^st Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk 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, December 3, 2022. 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. Learn more.

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22^nd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine on December 3, 2022, for the 22nd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon as more than 50 brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline starting at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, local food, music from 97.1 WASH-FM and hands-on activities from Alexandria boutiques. At 3:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina before attending the annual Holiday Festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center, which takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. The Old Town North Alliance presents a family friendly event on the North Waterfront from 2 to 7 p.m. at Canal Center and Oronoco Bay Park featuring artist vendors, music, food and drink, interactive demonstrations and kids activities, plus the opportunity to view boats arriving in Alexandria for parade assembly. Learn more.