During Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend, celebrate the return of top signature events, including the 52nd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in historic Old Town Alexandria at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. The parade is sponsored by Wegmans. 

Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more. Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. 

This year’s Grand Marshals are Congressman Don Beyer and Director of the Office of Art in Embassies at the U.S. Department of State Megan Beyer. 

Some highlights:

More than 120 parade units include nearly 35 Scottish clans from around the D.C. region and other parts of the U.S. 

Bagpipers including the Kiltie Band of York and the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums plus a bagpiping Santa closing the parade.

Scottish country and highland dancers from Northern Virginia Branch, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and Alexandria School of Highland Dance

More than 10 dog groups including Scottish breeds of West Highland Terriers, Gordon Setters and Scottish Terriers along with other rescues and clubs

After the last parade unit has finished the parade route, participating pipe bands will reassemble at Market Square under the direction of City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums’ Drum Major Joshua Cease to play a few tunes as part of a massed band concert.

Parade-goers and others should plan ahead to avoid traffic delays, taking alternative transportation and, if driving, parking outside of the immediate parade zone. The parade kicks off on S. St. Asaph Street at the corner of Wolfe Street and progresses north to Queen Street, east to Fairfax Street, south to King Street, and west to terminate in front of City Hall. For the best views, spread out along the one-mile parade route. For a map of the parade route, visit ALXScottishWalk.com.

Taste of Scotland

The weekend kicks off on Friday, Dec. 1 with the Campagna Center’s Taste of Scotland sponsored by The Goodheart Group, a festive cocktail party at The Atrium Building featuring top-quality Scotch tasting stations and paired cuisine. Proceeds from the event benefit Campagna Center programs.

For more details on the parade route, transportation alternatives and weekend happenings, visit ALXScottishWalk.com.