Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE & COMMUNITY IMPACT
For Saturday, December 6, 2025
Two major parades on Saturday, December 6, 2025, create the foundation of Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend: the 54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade sponsored by Wegmans, which kicks off in the morning, and the 25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon, featuring waterfront festivities beginning in the afternoon and the illuminated boat parade in the evening.
To safely support these signature community events, road closures, reserved parking, and no-parking zones will be in effect throughout Old Town on Saturday, December 6.
Event Information
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade steps off at 11 a.m. at S. St. Asaph St. & Wolfe St. and concludes at around 1 p.m. at Market Square (King & Royal St.) View full route map and details at https://visitalexandria.com/holidays/scottish-walk/.
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights starts with dockside festivities at Waterfront Park: 2 – 8 p.m. and a family friendly event at Canal Center programming from 2 – 8 p.m. The parade will cruise past the waterfront from approximately 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Find program details and viewing locations at https://visitalexandria.com/holidays/boat-parade/.
Text ALXEVENTS to 888777 for event updates.
One-Way Traffic on Union Street
To support expected crowds and waterfront activity for the Boat Parade, a one-way northbound traffic pattern will go into effect on Union Street between Duke St. and Queen St. at approximately 3 p.m.
King Street Pedestrian Zone
King Street’s pedestrian-only zone will include 0/unit block,100 block and 200 block. Lee St. from Duke St. to Cameron St. will be open to local traffic only which includes residents, customers, parking garage patrons and deliveries. The intersection of King St. and Lee St. will be closed to all vehicles. The Alexandria Police Department will have officers present to manage access for local traffic and divert all other vehicles.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Road Closures
Please be mindful of road closures and parking restrictions on Saturday, December 6. In addition to reviewing the enclosed information, you can download the free Waze app to navigate road closures.
No-Parking & Reserved Parking Zones
Areas along the Scottish Walk parade route and adjacent to planned activities in Waterfront Park may have no parking or reserved parking. Please read signs carefully and comply with the times posted. Your cooperation is essential to the success of the events, and the safety of event participants, attendees, and those who live and work in the City of Alexandria.
Business Impacts
Businesses should advise staff and patrons of traffic impacts. Deliveries should be scheduled for before or after parade and waterfront activities. Deliveries on Union Street may continue during the adjusted afternoon traffic pattern.
ROAD CLOSURES & COMMUNITY IMPACTS – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025
Plan ahead to avoid driving in areas with closures. The Alexandria Police Department will be on site to direct traffic and manage key intersections. Signage will be placed in advance of the event to alert drivers to closures and new traffic patterns. Closures and other public space impacts may change based on event conditions and the advisement of on-site safety personnel. Check ALXScottishWalk.com and ALXBoatParade.com for the most up-to-date information on the status of the events and logistical information. Text ALXEVENTS to 888777 for event updates.
ROAD CLOSURES
Scottish Walk Reviewing Stand Area
King St. & N. Royal St.; 100 block of N. Royal St.
Time: 3:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.*
- Closed to vehicles
- No parking
- Reviewing stand and spectator zone
Parade Assembly Area (Lyles-Crouch vicinity)
Wilkes St. (300–700)
S. Pitt St. (400–600)
S. Royal St. (400–600)
S. St. Asaph St. (400–600)
Wolfe St. (600 block)
Time: 5 a.m. – 2 p.m.*
- Road closures and no parking
- Assembly/staging for parade units
- Only authorized parade vehicles and City personnel permitted
Parade Route Closures
S. St. Asaph St. (100–600)
N. St. Asaph St. (100–300)
S. Pitt St. (100–400)
N. Pitt St. (100–300)
N. Royal St. (100–300)
King St. (300–600)
N. Fairfax St. (100–300)
Queen St. (300–600)
Time: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.*
- Road closures and no parking along the parade route
- Vehicles must be cleared for participant and spectator safety
UPDATED – Boat Parade Traffic Impacts (Same Plan as Last Year)
| Location | Time | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Union St. (Duke–Queen) | 3–10 p.m.* | One-way northbound traffic |
| King St. (Unit–300 blocks) | 3–10 p.m.* | Pedestrian-only zone |
| Lee St. (Duke–Queen) | 3–10 p.m.* | Local traffic only; King & Lee fully closed |
| Prince St. (100 block) | 3–10 p.m.* | Local traffic only |
*Or when deemed safe by the Alexandria Police Department.
Map of Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade zones and road closures: