The 11th Annual Burke & Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights announced the line-up of pre-parade festivities taking place at the Alexandria marina Saturday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m., leading up to the 6 p.m. boat parade.
Starting at 4 p.m., revelers can enjoy free holiday treats including Ben & Jerry's hot chocolate with whipped cream. Free dog treats will be provided by Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the marina by fireboat at 4:15 p.m., and make their way to the gazebo to take free pictures with kids and canines. A professional photographer will take the photos and a print will be made immediately to take away, courtesy of RedPeg Marketing.
The Annual Holiday Revue will entertain visitors on the nearby stage with cheerful sounds by choral group the Montgomery College Singers followed by the Braddock Brass Quintet.
Santa and Mrs. Claus won't be the only famous figures spreading holiday cheer. Yogi Bear and Boo Boo from Warner Bros. will be at the marina, too, in celebration of the new "Yogi Bear" movie coming out in December.
Visitors are invited to support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive by bringing a toy to the collection point at the gazebo during the event. Through Dec. 17, toys will also be collected at the Old Dominion Boat Club, Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House, Foster's Grill, and the Starbucks at Union and King streets.
Bob Madigan, WTOP's "Man About Town," will take over as the celebrity emcee for the parade at 6 p.m., when 50 brightly lit powerboats and sailboats led by the Vigilant, Alexandria's fireboat, cruise down the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Alexandria, fully decked out in lights and holiday décor.