Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is a holiday parade celebrating the city of Alexandria's Scottish heritage
The City of Alexandria was founded in 1749 and named after its Scottish founder, John Alexander. The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade joins a weekend full of events that honor this heritage. As the name suggests, the parade is a combination of Scottish themes and Christmas cheer. Despite the seemingly random mix, it is a fun event that is not to be missed.
I recommend getting to Old Town Alexandria around thirty minutes early to claim a good viewing spot along the parade route. Pay attention to the weather forecast, and dress in layers and bring an umbrella as needed – the parade happens rain or shine. The popularity of the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade was evident last year when the rain didn’t deter the spectators or the parade participants from enjoying this event.
The parade lasts around 90 minutes and has more variety than other local parades. Multiple groups playing the bagpipes and drums add musical accompaniment throughout the parade. If you listen closely, some of the bagpipe groups are even playing Christmas carols. Scottish dog breeds are represented with groups of terriers and hounds, complete with sweaters and plaid accessories. Various Scottish clans represent their families with colorful tartans, banners, and elements unique to their heritage. My favorite, Clan Hay, seemed to be having the most fun with their shouts of, “Hay, hay!” as they passed by.
Parade participants also include local politicians and businesses, including the Hard Times Cafe truck and horse that usually sits outside the restaurant on King Street and has become a local landmark. Reenactors from the nearby Gadsby’s Tavern Museum represent the historic establishment frequented by George Washington around 50 years after the city’s founding.
Classic cars also join the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade decked out with garland, lights, plaid scarves, and antlers to get in the festive spirit. Be sure to stay for the end of the parade when Santa makes an appearance to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and conclude the event. If you aren’t too cold and wet when the parade is over, head to Market Square for a concert.
The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade feels like a jumble of words that have nothing to do with each other, but it turns out to be a fun, festive holiday tradition that I highly recommend. If you’re able to stick around Alexandria for the day, the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights typically happens that same evening.
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Address
Historic Old Town Alexandria, VA
Metro Station
- King Street-Old Town (BL, YL)
Directions
The parade begins at the corner of St. Asaph Street and Wolfe Street. It then travels north to Queen Street and turns right. It turns right again on N. Fairfax Street and King Street before ending at the corner of King Street and N. Pitt Street.
Cost
Free
Hours
The 2019 Scottish Christmas Walk Parade will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 am.
Length of Adventure
1-2 hours
Website
https://www.campagnacenter.org/scottishwalkweekend/parade
