Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Since 1999. Alexandria's harbor lights up for the boat parade. Boats are beautifully and imaginatively decorated by their owners, who are competing for great prizes. These sailing and power boats cruise the city's historic waterfront on the Potomac River. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the marina by fireboat at 4:15 p.m. and make their way to the gazebo to take free pictures with kids and canines. A professional photographer will take the photos and a print will be made immediately to take away, courtesy of RedPeg Marketing. The Annual Holiday Revue will entertain visitors on the nearby stage with cheerful sounds by the Montgomery College Singers followed by the Braddock Brass Quintet. Yogi Bear and Boo Boo from Warner Bros. will be at the marina, too. Visitors are invited to support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive by bringing a toy to the collection point at the gazebo during the event. Bob Madigan, WTOP's "Man About Town", will take over as the celebrity emcee for the parade at 6 p.m., when 50 brightly lit powerboats and sailboats led by the Vigilant, Alexandria's fireboat, cruise down the Potomac River to Alexandria, VA, fully decked out in lights and holiday décor.