Several boats decorated with colorful holiday lights float on water at night, with festive reflections on the surface. The U.S. Capitol building is visible, illuminated in the distant background.
Saturday, December 5, 2026

26th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights  

Part of Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend

December 5, 2026
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 26th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights features dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Enjoy dockside festivities in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, food, activities and more.

More information will be posted to this page when available. To reach this year’s parade organizers, please email specialevents@alexandriava.gov.

2025 Winning Boats

Congratulations to the winners of the 25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon! Thank you to all the participating boats for a magical parade.

Best in Show

“2026 Olympics”

Best Powerboat

“Christmas Express!”

Best Sailboat

“A Christmas with Peter Pan and Captain Hook”

Thinking Outside the Christmas Box

“Splish Splash, Taking a Bath”

Most Holiday Cheer

“A Scouting Christmas”

Best Movie / TV Theme

“Here Comes Santa Jaws”

Most Spirited Crew

“Pink Pony Club”

Best Theme

“Milk and Cookies with Santa”

Hardiest Soul

“Happy the Hanukkah Octopus”

Jolliest Effort

“Happy Feet and Holiday Treats”

Getting Here & Around

Based on anticipated attendance, the use of public transportation and alternative modes of transportation are highly encouraged. See the list below to consider your options and plan your trip.

Metro: The parade is accessible via Metrorail (blue and yellow lines) from the King Street station.

King Street Trolley: The free King Street Trolleywill run a modified route from the King St./Old Town Metro Station to the Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.) and back, every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. the Trolley will run it’s typical route between the Metro and City Hall at 301 King Street.

Parking: If driving, please note parking garages closest to the waterfront fill up in advance of the event, and street closures near the waterfront are often in effect based on the high volume of traffic. Find a map of garages on the City of Alexandria’s parking page.

Road Closures: View a map of traffic patterns during the Boat Parade. In order to safely produce the parades, road closures, reserved parking and no parking zones will be in effect on Saturday, December 6. See a full list of closures here.

Capital Bikeshare: There are several dock stations within Old Town and in Old Town North near the Mount Vernon Trail and Oronoco Bay Park. For more information, please visit capitalbikeshare.com.

Dockless Mobility:  There are various dockless mobility devices throughout Old Town including e-scooters and e-bikes. Please note there is no riding on sidewalks per City code or along the expanded King Street pedestrian zone from the 200 block of King Street to the waterfront. When possible, please park in a scooter corral or bike rack so as not to block the sidewalk.

Water Taxi: Enjoy the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights from the Potomac River with CityCruises by Hornblower. Find more information here.

DASH Bus: The DASH bus is free. DASH buses run as early as 6 a.m. and as late as midnight on both Friday and Saturday.

Taxi: The following companies currently operate within the City of Alexandria:

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Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend

A man dressed as Santa Claus plays bagpipes while sitting in a red convertible decorated with tinsel during a parade. Onlookers stand on the sidewalk in front of houses adorned with flags.

Holidays in Alexandria, VA

A festive street scene shows O’Connell’s Restaurant decorated with garlands, wreaths, bows, and lights. Outdoor tables with red umbrellas line the sidewalk, and holiday decorations adorn the neighboring buildings.

Shopping

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The interior of a room at Hotel Indigo in Alexandria, VA overlooking the Potomac River.

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Photos submitted by Alexandria visitors like you.