December 2 promises to be a fun-filled, exciting day in Alexandria as the Scottish Parade, Holiday Boat Parade, and Torpedo Festival go down all on the same day.
The town of Alexandria has a full day of holiday fun planned on Saturday, December 2. Starting with the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, continuing with the Torpedo Factory Arts Center's holiday celebrations, and ending with the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Alexandria's day of unique, free events will provide plenty of family fun and Christmas cheer.
Beginning at 11 a.m. in Old Town Alexandria, the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is a town tradition that pays tribute to the city's founders as hundreds of Scottish clansmen, dancers, pipe and drum bands, re-enactment groups, dignitaries, and Scottie dog groups come out each year to celebrate the holiday season Scottish-style.
[gallery ids="4954,4955"]The town's festivities continue at 2 p.m. with the Torpedo Factory Arts Center's annual holiday celebration, indoors along the waterfront (105 N. Union Street). Patrons will have the chance to browse and buy homemade art pieces and holiday crafts, and Santa will arrive via fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina at 3 p.m. and greet kiddos inside the Torpedo Factory until 6 p.m. The center will also hold a scavenger hunt and offer complimentary drinks, hot chocolate, and cookies, as well as feature live musical renditions of holiday classics by the Silver Brass Quintet and the Alexander Choral Society.
As the Arts Center's festivities kick into high gear during the early evening, the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will begin at 5 p.m. Local celebrity and radio personality Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM will serve as the parade announcer, with music, games, and entertainment until 7 p.m. Brightly lit and decorated boats will sail along the waterfront, providing a dazzling display as they compete for various prizes in over a dozen categories.
All of these great holiday events are accessible via the Metro yellow and blue lines’ King Street-Old Town stop. From Alexandria's Metro station, there's a free King Street Trolley to the waterfront. Parking is also available throughout the town in lots, garages, and metered parking on the street. Are you planning to attend one of these free events? Two of them? All of them? Have you attended before? Share your thoughts in the comments below!