This year’s Grand Marshals are Congressman Don Beyer and Director of the Office of Art in Embassies at the U.S. Department of State Megan Beyer. Don is serving his fifth term as the U.S. Representative from Virginia’s 8th District and is dedicated to advocacy for Northern Virginians. Megan is an award-winning journalist, civic activist, public diplomacy leader and founder of Megan Beyer Associates. Don and Megan live in Alexandria.

Admission: The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is free and open to the public. No tickets are required to attend.

Viewing Areas: Enjoy the parade from anywhere along the mile-long route through Old Town. If watching Scottish Walk by Market Square, please do not climb on trees, planters, or walls.

Seating: While we have no reserved seating areas, attendees are welcome to bring a pop-up chair. However, we ask that you don’t block sidewalks, streets or residences.

Food: We encourage attendees to pick up a snack or shop small at one of the many local businesses in Old Town Alexandria.

For a quick grab-and-go option, pick up a fresh pastry and hot drink to-go from the Old Town Farmers’ Market, located steps from the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Select vendors will stay after the parade ends and into the afternoon.

Following Scottish Walk, join us at Waterfront Park starting at 1 p.m. for dockside festivities with local food and beverage vendors, activities and more in preparation for the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Sponsored by Amazon, or make reservations at local restaurants to guarantee you’ll be seated during a very busy day.

Participants: The Scottish Walk features elements that celebrate Scottish, holiday and other creative themes in addition to a wide array of organizations and groups representing Alexandria’s community. The content of the parade is curated and selected in advance by parade organizers. Many have participated in this event for decades and others are participating for the first time.

All Scottish Walk participants are required to take part in an official application and registration process in advance of the event. Same-day registration is not permitted. No walk-up or drive-up participation is allowed. Find a digital parade program here.

Dogs: We anticipate a high volume of attendees at this event and dogs that are official participants of the Scottish Walk. While we love furry friends, they may be more comfortable at home. Service animals allowed. If you must bring your dog, please no retractable leashes.

Restrooms: Several portable toilets, including 1 ADA unit, will be available near Market Square on N. Royal Street. There are also public restrooms at the Alexandria Visitor Center located at the corner of Fairfax and King Streets. Part of the parade route is close to Old Town’s commercial corridor on King Street.

Photography/Videography: Photographers will be present to capture images to be used in future promotional use. By attending the parade you are granting permission for your photo to be captured. Personal photography is allowed, but please stay out of the way of the parade participants.

Neighborhood Impact/Safety: Please be mindful of people around you and know that a significant portion of the route passes residential areas. Please dispose of trash properly and spread out along the route. Help us ensure that sidewalks remain accessible and passable. Please do not cross the parade route in front of vehicles and keep a close eye on children and dogs.

Road Closures: In order to safely produce the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, road closures, reserved parking and no parking zones will be in effect on Saturday, December 2. See a full list of closures here.

Taste of Scotland sponsored by The Goodhart Group: The Campagna Center’s Taste of Scotland event on Friday, December 1 at The Atrium Building is SOLD OUT.