A Christmas Light Display from Old Town Alexandria to Washington Harbour

The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is a favorite holiday celebration in both Old Town Alexandria and Washington, DC. Festively decorated pleasure boats light up the sky along the Potomac River including 50 powerboats, sailboats and the District's fireboat, the John Glenn spouting water 70 feet into the air. The brightly lit boats are creatively decorated as they compete in categories such as "Best in Show," "Best Thinking Outside the Christmas Box," and "Hardiest Souls."

The best place to view the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is the from the docks of the Alexandria marina. Santa will arrive via boat to visit with children dockside at the gazebo and will be available for photos. Inside the Torpedo Factory Art Center, many artists will hold special holiday shows with gift items.

Holiday Boat Parade Schedule

Saturday, December 5, 2009

4:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Festivities on the docks at the Alexandria Waterfront (music and entertainment)

4:15 p.m. - Santa arrives by boat - pictures with Santa for Kids and Canines

5:00 p.m. - Parade starts at the Washington Channel, Water St. off of Maine Avenue, Washington, DC

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Parade at Alexandria Waterfront

Location and Transportation

The Alexandria waterfront is located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center, which runs north along Union Street, between King and Cameron Streets. See a map of Alexandria.

The closest Metro stop is King Street station, which is about 10 blocks to the east of the waterfront. You can walk from there or take the free King Street Trolley. On-street parking and public parking lots are available within walking distance to the waterfront. Read more about parking in Old Town Alexandria.

Sightseeing Cruises

The public can also take part in the parade itself by riding along on DC Cruises sightseeing boat. The cruise has indoor, heated space, and will feature appetizers with hot apple cider, hot chocolate and a holiday dessert buffet. Tickets for the cruise must be purchased in advance and are $55/per person, and $40/child (including all taxes and gratuities) through Nov. 22nd., $65 and $45 (child) thereafter. An earlier cruise to watch the boats light-up and practice their parade assemblage is $35/adult, $17/child.

• 
  mike

  Hey folks come out and help me develop my photography skills. should be some low light/night photography maybe catch the sunset, and maybe a beer afterwards..lol

  Posted Nov 24, 2009 at 9:40 PM
• 
  mike

  Heads up folks, bring your camera, spare battery/s and spare memory cards, as well as your users manual. You may want to bring index cards or postits for notes. I use an old bookbag and camera inserts. I plan on Metroing into OT Alex and then using the trolley. I hate parking. I hope to cya all there.. ;)

  Posted Nov 25, 2009 at 10:35 AM
• 
  mike

  Hey folks one last reminder, its supposed to be rainy saturday so dress accordingly, rain gear, and warm clothes. cya saturday, looking forward to meeting new faces and learning some new stuff. =)
  D

  Posted Dec 2, 2009 at 8:12 PM
• 
  Rebecca

  Just curious, but is anyone interested in meeting at Dunn Loring station to commute in?

  Posted Dec 2, 2009 at 10:39 PM
• 
  mike

  Hey folks
  Weather update for tomorrow. Talk of SNOW for tomorrow!.. lol. So, please dress accordingly. Nothing kills a party faster then being cold and miserable...! anyway looking forward to seeing all of you, and comparing settings and photos tomorrow. =)
  D

  Posted Dec 4, 2009 at 9:38 AM
• 
  Jerry

  We are looking to meet on the waterside of the Torpedo Factory near the gazebo.

  Posted Dec 4, 2009 at 1:30 PM
• 
  Anna

  Mike- What time are you planning on being at the Metro? I could go in with you if you like. Anna

  Posted Dec 5, 2009 at 2:29 PM
• 
  mike

  Hey folks
  Im leaving now for franconia springfield.. should be there by 3pm. i plan on hanging around the torpedo area a little early to do the meet and greet for all the brave souls attending!..lol
  Send me pm and I will post my cell#
  cya there! I LOVE SNOW! . whoo hooo!..
  D

  Posted Dec 5, 2009 at 2:38 PM
• 
  mike

  Hey folks the free trolley leaves @ 10-30-50 of each hour
  d

  Posted Dec 5, 2009 at 3:30 PM
• 
  mike

  Kudos to Rebecca, Rahul and Anna for attending and braving the weather. I learned one important lesson, fast moving boats dont photograph well in low to NO light..LOL Kudos to Anna with the safety tip, wait till they stop and park!.. =) Great time and thanks for letting me learn from you all.
  D

  Posted Dec 6, 2009 at 5:22 PM
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  Jerry

  Thanks to Mike for organizing this event. Too bad it had to snow and ruin a great opportunity for more photos. We'll have to try it again next year. Don't forget that the Blessing of the Fleet happens in the Spring.

  Posted Dec 7, 2009 at 5:18 PM
• 
  mike

  thank Jerry.. ill cya at the december workshop =)
  D

  Posted Dec 8, 2009 at 4:21 AM