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A boat themed around the 2026 Olympics took Best in Show honors Saturday as dozens of decorated vessels lit up the Potomac River for the 25th annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
The parade capped Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend, following the 54th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade earlier in the day.
Thousands line Old Town streets for 54th Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
Thousands of spectators bundled up and lined the streets of Old Town Saturday as the 54th annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade marched through the city under partly sunny skies and 37-degree temperatures.
Ryan Belmore
Thousands gathered along one mile of Old Town’s waterfront to watch the illuminated boats cruise southward from City Marina beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Visit Alexandria announced this year’s winners on Facebook on Monday:
- Best in Show: 2026 Olympics
- Best Powerboat: Christmas Express!
- Best Sailboat: A Christmas with Peter Pan and Captain Hook
- Thinking Outside the Christmas Box: Splish Splash, Taking a Bath
- Most Holiday Cheer: A Scouting Christmas
- Best Movie/TV Theme: Here Comes Santa Jaws
- Most Spirited Crew: Pink Pony Club
- Best Theme: Milk and Cookies with Santa
- Hardiest Soul: Happy the Hanukkah Octopus
- Jolliest Effort: Happy Feet and Holiday Treats
See the full photo gallery here.
The boat parade is produced by Visit Alexandria in collaboration with the City of Alexandria, City Cruises, and the Old Dominion Boat Club, with Amazon as the title sponsor.
