ALEXANDRIA, VA- More than 60 boats competed for prizes in ten categories at the 23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Thousands of locals and visitors came out to experience one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions at Alexandria’s historic waterfront. The mile-long parade was led by Alexandria’s Fireboat 201, Fireboat 2 from Washington D.C.’s Fire Department and City Cruises’ Miss Mallory.
Best in Show was awarded to Magical Knots, who presented “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” complete with a costumed crew and irresistible tunes. Best Powerboat went to It’s Always Somethin’ for “Tribute to Jimmy Buffett: ‘Thanks for the Memories,’ immortalizing the late musician with his signature songs and a tropical theme topped off with a glowing shark fin. Best Movie/TV Theme was awarded to Tuesday for “Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust—Dreams Really Can Come True,” celebrating Peter Pan’s 70thanniversary with an aerialist dressed as Peter Pan himself performing acrobatics high in the air.
2023 Winners
Best in Show: Magical Knots, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”
Best Powerboat: It’s Always Somethin’, “Tribute to Jimmy Buffett: ‘Thanks for the Memories’”
Best Sailboat: Lions Paw 2, “Jelly Pandas”
Thinking Outside the Christmas Box: 4Ever Freedom, “Christmas in America”
Most Holiday Cheer: Nauti List, “The Nauti List”
Best Movie/TV Theme: Tuesday, “Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust – Dreams Really Can Come True”
Most Spirited Crew: Big Sky, “Rocking Round the Christmas Tree”
Best Theme: Hold My Pier, “Mojo Dojo Casa Houseboat”
Hardiest Soul: Titan Rowing Team: 4 Crew Racing Shells, “Holiday”
Best Try: Happiest Hanukkah, “Brightest Boat Ever”
A slideshow of the winners can be found on ALXBoatParade.com.
The parade’s dockside festivities were anchored by a pop-up beer garden from Alexandria’s award-winning Port City Brewing Company alongside offerings from Lost Boy Cider. Onsite dining options included American comfort food from Mason Social, hot chocolate from Dolci Gelati, empanadas from Tequila & Taco, pizza by the slice from Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and cookies and snacks from Together We Bake. Guests enjoyed hand-on activities from independently owned Alexandria businesses including Shop Made in Virginia, Penny Post and AR Workshop Alexandria, plus just-opened Pippin Toy Co., alongside sustainable offerings from Ten Thousand Villages at ALX Dog Walk’s plastic-free booth. Canal Center Plaza at the Old Town North waterfront hosted a Holiday Art Mart featuring a festive bazaar, live music from Yellow Door Concert Series and more. Meanwhile, the Torpedo Factory Art Center welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus by fireboat during the Holiday Festival, which included a video art projection along the building’s waterfront façade.
The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon is part of Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend, which featured top signature holiday events including the 52nd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.
The parade is produced by Visit Alexandria in collaboration with the City of Alexandria, City Cruises – Alexandria and the Old Dominion Boat Club.
WEBSITE: ALXBoatParade.com
ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS IN ALEXANDRIA, VA
Experience holiday magic on historic streets in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, located on the waterfront just minutes from Washington, D.C. Alexandria was named one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Places to Travel in 2023 and Best Cities in the U.S. 2023 and one of Good Housekeeping’s Best Places to Travel in December 2023. Feel transported by a sense of holiday wonder with a stroll along the King Street mile, reminiscent of a European Christmas village. Dine around a firepit on heated patios or duck into cozy Alexandria restaurants. Show your love for Alexandria’s independent boutiques that provide personal service and curated gift selections all season long.
[SEE ALSO: Register for Alexandria’s Winter Rec Programs Starting Dec. 13]
