'Here Comes Santa Jaws,' '2026 Olympics' among boat parade winners
25th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights caps Alexandria's biggest holiday weekend
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 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.