Celebrate the Holidays with the City of Alexandria
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Description: Celebrate the holiday season in Alexandria with a series of festive community events featuring holiday lights, parades, decorated boats, music, and family activities.
The season kicks off with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Waterfront Park, where families can enjoy the illuminated tree, festive atmosphere, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Other highlights include the Scottish Walk Holiday Parade, featuring Scottish heritage, marching groups, and community organizations, and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, where beautifully decorated boats cruise along the Potomac River.
Families can also enjoy waterfront festivities, explore Old Town’s historic streets, and support local businesses during the holiday shopping season. The celebrations conclude with First Night Alexandria and New Year’s Eve fireworks, with an early evening fireworks show designed for families.
Featured Holiday Events
1. Holiday Tree Lighting
- Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
- Location: Waterfront Park, 1 Prince Street
- Festive tree lighting and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
2. Scottish Walk Holiday Parade
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Time: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Location: Old Town Alexandria
- A traditional parade celebrating Scottish heritage with marching groups and community participants.
3. Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
- Location: Alexandria Waterfront
- Colorfully illuminated and decorated boats cruise along the Potomac River.
- Dockside festivities: 2:00–8:00 PM at Waterfront Park.
4. New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- Date: Thursday, December 31, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM and midnight
- Location: Alexandria Waterfront
- Two fireworks displays, including an earlier show suitable for families.
Age:
Suitable for families with children of all ages, including preschoolers, elementary-age children, and teenagers.
Why families love it
- Multiple free holiday celebrations throughout the season.
- Beautiful holiday lights and waterfront scenery.
- Santa Claus appearances and traditional holiday festivities.
- Scottish-themed parade with music and community groups.
- Spectacular illuminated boat parade.
- Family-friendly early New Year’s Eve fireworks.
- Opportunities to explore historic Old Town Alexandria and local shops.
⚠️ Good to know
- Tree Lighting: November 21, 6:00–8:00 PM, Waterfront Park.
- Scottish Walk Parade: December 5, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM. The route starts at Wolfe and South St. Asaph Streets, continues along Queen Street, and ends at Pitt and Duke Streets.
- Boat Parade: December 5, 5:30 PM; dockside activities begin at 2:00 PM.
- New Year’s Eve: Fireworks at 8:00 PM and midnight.
- Parking: Old Town parking is limited because of City Hall and Market Square renovations. Public transportation, DASH buses, Metrorail, and the King Street Trolley are recommended.
- Road closures: Expect street closures and parking restrictions around the Scottish Walk Parade.
- Weather: Check the City’s official website and alerts for event-day changes.
- Individual events may have separate details and requirements; check the official holiday calendar before visiting.