The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will take place Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. at the Alexandria City Marina. Photo by “Mango Mike” Anderson
Be prepared as pipes, plaid and pageantry fill the streets of Old Town Dec. 7 during the 43rd annual Scottish Walk Parade, the centerpiece of a weekend of holiday events that includes a Holiday Marketplace, Designer Tour of Homes and Taste of Scotland cocktail reception.
Sponsored by the Campagna Center, the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C. and the Scottish Affairs Office, more than 30,000 people are expected to line the streets to watch this year’s parade, which will feature more than 120 Scottish clans, local dignitaries and costumed canines.
Other weekend events include the annual Del Ray Holiday Tree Lighting, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. at the corner of Mount Vernon and East Oxford avenues. Mount Vernon Avenue will be lined with thousands of luminaries throughout the evening. The weekend culminates with the 14th Holiday Boat Parade of Lights along the Potomac River, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.
43rd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend Schedule
Christmas Marketplace: A collection of unique vendors under one roof, with items for everyone on your list. Friday, Dec. 6: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Additional shopping hours for Taste of Scotland guests: 7-10:30 p.m.
Heather and Greens: Purchase fresh heather bundles or a variety of wreaths, garlands, flatwoods and more. Friday, Dec. 6: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Saturday, Dec. 7: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Campagna Center parking lot.
Deck the Halls with Santa: A charming Alexandria tradition for children to have an exclusive audience with Santa and "Plaid the Dog." Featuring crafts for children to help
"Deck the Halls," seasonal treats, and a raffle full of goodies, toys and experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Friday, Dec. 6: 1-3 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Crafts are appropriate for ages 2-5, with little assistance required. The Masonic Temple does not permit strollers. $35/adult, $25/child.
Del Ray Holiday Tree Lighting and Luminaries: Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. at the corner of Mount Vernon and East Oxford Avenues. Enjoy caroling, music by local favorite Kate Moran and a 20-foot tree cut down and donated by Bill Blackburn and Mike Anderson, of Pork Barrel BBQ and Holy Cow. Thousands of luminaries will line Mount Vernon Avenue throughout the evening. Visit www.visitdelray.com.
The Taste of Scotland:
Kick off the holiday season in style at the Taste of Scotland. Taste some of the finest Scotch, enjoy light fare, beer, and wine. Friday, Dec. 6: 8-11 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.
Patron Hour: 7-8 p.m. Featuring a complete top-shelf tasting menu, including rare Scotches and passed hors d'oeuvres. There will also be a grand prize silent auction and a heated, outdoor cigar tent open to Patron guests only.
General Admission: 8-11 p.m. Featuring Scotch tasting, a sampling of Scottish food, beer, and wine. A silent auction will also be held. Festive Scottish attire encouraged.
Tasting Seminar: 8:15 p.m. Join Chris Williamson, the Brand Ambassador for Chivas Brothers & Glenlivet, for an intimate Scotch Tasting Seminar on single malt and blended Scotch. Tickets are limited.
Tickets: Patron, general admission and tasting seminar tickets available. Patron tickets are $180/person (tax-deductible portion: $100); $290/couple (tax-deductible portion: $150); seminar upgrade is $10/person (patron ticket holders only). General admission tickets are $110/person (tax-deductible portion: $50); seminar upgrade: $20/person (general admission ticket holders only).
Annual Parade: For the 43rd consecutive year, The Campagna Center's Scottish Christmas Walk Parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 7. More than 100 Scottish clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries, and of course, Santa Claus will march down the streets of Old Town.
Saturday, Dec. 7: 11 a.m. Begins at Wilkes and S. Saint Asaph streets, and ends at Market Square with a massed band concert.
Holiday Home Tours: Stroll through historic properties in Alexandria, which are dressed up for the holidays by interior designers and local florists. Saturday, Dec. 7: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $35
14th Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: Saturday, Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. at Alexandria City Marina. Dozens of brightly lit boats will stretch along the Potomac River during the colorful parade at Alexandria’s historic harbor. Visitors come early for dockside festivities at the marina starting at 3 p.m. with Santa arriving by fireboat. Braddock Brass Band will perform holiday favorites and Santa will take free pictures with kids and canines at the gazebo. Dockside festivities at marina behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com or call 703-746-3301.