Holiday Parades

The City of Alexandria is hosting the Scottish Walk and Boat Parades starting in 2026! Learn more about the events below.
Page updated on September 21, 2026 at 3:51 PM
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dog looking straight ahead in crosswalk
two men in scottish garb wave to the crowd
one man in background dressed in formal uniform with badges on his chest, one man blurred in foreground looking the opposite direction
two men walking in parade one in a grey sweater waving to the camera
honor guard of 6 people carrying four flags
town crier on stage with a scroll surrounded by two people, one on the left sitting and one on the right standing
one man with large drum and two men in background playing smaller drums
two women in elaborate dresses in hats walking in the parade holding a banner that says the Auld Alliance
group in scottish garb playing bagpipes
parade volunteers in high visibility vests handing out fans
three men with instruments dressed in scottish garb
Two Dogs in a decorated wagon surrounded by pillows
cheerleaders with pom poms waving to the crowd
kid in silver vest and headband waving to the crowd
scottish terrier on leash in red plaid sweater
three men hold flags in front of them walking in parade
parade float with green nutcracker surrounded by eight parade volunteers
group of six people walking in the parade with red shirts on and a banner
grey great danes being walked on leashes in parade
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dog looking straight ahead in crosswalk
two men in scottish garb wave to the crowd
one man in background dressed in formal uniform with badges on his chest, one man blurred in foreground looking the opposite direction
two men walking in parade one in a grey sweater waving to the camera
honor guard of 6 people carrying four flags
town crier on stage with a scroll surrounded by two people, one on the left sitting and one on the right standing
one man with large drum and two men in background playing smaller drums
two women in elaborate dresses in hats walking in the parade holding a banner that says the Auld Alliance
group in scottish garb playing bagpipes
parade volunteers in high visibility vests handing out fans
three men with instruments dressed in scottish garb
Two Dogs in a decorated wagon surrounded by pillows
cheerleaders with pom poms waving to the crowd
kid in silver vest and headband waving to the crowd
scottish terrier on leash in red plaid sweater
three men hold flags in front of them walking in parade
parade float with green nutcracker surrounded by eight parade volunteers
group of six people walking in the parade with red shirts on and a banner
grey great danes being walked on leashes in parade

2026 Alexandria Holiday Parades

The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade started as a community event more than 50 years ago to highlight the city’s Scottish heritage and support the mission of the Campagna Center, then known as the Community Y. The Campagna Center partnered with St. Andrew’s Society Washington, DC, Old Presbyterian Meeting House and the City of Alexandria to produce the parade and associated events led by Junior and Supporting Friends of the Campagna Center.  

In 2026, to elevate this signature event as an ongoing source of civic pride and celebration of Alexandria and its communities, the City of Alexandria took on the role of lead parade producer, with additional support by the Campagna Center and Visit Alexandria.

Alexandria Scottish Walk Parade

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Old Town Alexandria. New Route Information Coming Soon!

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 sponsored by Wegmans on Saturday, December 5, 2026. 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 to celebrate Alexandria.

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time: Parade starts at 5:30 p.m., Dockside festivities 2 to 8 p.m.

Location: Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Illuminated boats will cruise along the Potomac River waterfront as part of Alexandria’s annual holiday celebration. Public viewing information, participating-boat details, and the final event schedule will be posted shortly.

For More Information

Additional information about the 2026 Scottish Walk and Holiday Boat Parade will be announced in the coming weeks.

For questions or additional information about the Holiday Parades, please contact the City of Alexandria at specialevents@alexandriava.gov.