Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

Before I begin, let’s just establish that I’m not a «festival» kind of gal. I like the pageantry and the crazy, but I loathe crowds and being outdoors. So basically, I’m the worst kind of person to take to any kind of festival or parade.
However, that being said, the Scottish Christmas Walk isn’t nearly as annoying as some other events I’ve been to (*cough* Cherry Blossom Festival *cough*).
The parade starts in old town Alexandria at the asscrack of morning (also known as: before my hangover subsides), and goes until 1pm. There are bagpipers, dancers, etc etc etc. OK, even my jaded and uncaffeinated heart finds it charming. Be aware that there are a *shit ton* of kids around, so watch where you step (side note: I know that being a parent is hard, and that when you drag your small child to an activity, you’re looking forward to that being your one break during the day. HOWEVER, when that activity is a parade with a bajillion people around, perhaps it’s not the best idea to let your 3 year old run around loose while you stand there clutching your Quad Venti Latte like it’s a lifeline and not paying attention. Especially when TWO DIFFERENT STRANGERS have returned your child to you on two different occasions. Like WTF).
After the parade (or even during — although the husband loves loves loves parades, I get bored after the first 20 minutes), there is a Scottish Flea Market thing set up in the square. Cute little crafts, shawls, kilts, and other Scottish (and non-​Scottish) items for sale by various vendors. It’s pretty perfect for doing some Xmas shopping or buying cute things for yourself.
Although this was a little more crowded than I expected, it wasn’t a massive horde of humanity which made it much more enjoyable. It also helps that this is held in late autumnish, so the weather tends to be cool and crisp and not hot and muggy.

If you love plaid, puppies and bagpipes, this is the parade for you! We got there about half an hour before the parade started and were able to get a seat right on the curb. The parade came to our portion of the parade route not long after the starting time of 11 AM. My friend and I were surprised at how long the parade was and how many different groups participated. There were various groups walking with different dog breeds, which was adorable as many of the dogs had plaid jackets on. The parade also include many bagpipers and people walking with their Scottish clan while wearing the clan tartan plaid. Practically all of the groups were handing out candy, much to the delight of the little kids sitting in their stroller next to us. The parade finished off with Santa playing the bagpipes. Overall, a fun parade to attend to get in the holiday spirit.

I am not sure I can add much more than Melanie W. has already said. This is a really fun event that I hope to return for again and again! The parade itself is very informal but you can tell that everyone that participates is having fun and is very proud of their heritage. After the parade, Alexandria is full of fun, kilt-​wearing folks who are ready to have a good time. This is a really fun community event that everyone is welcome to enjoy.
The boat tour is also very fun. Santa arrives first for the kiddos and that boats that participate are really in it just for the fun of it. I do wish that the boats would move a little bit more quickly — this year it was freezing rain during the boat parade and in twenty minutes we only saw two boats! However, I understand that the boats are not going to be speeding by.
I highly recommend both events. What a fun way to kick off the holiday season in Alexandria!

The annual Scottish Christmas Walk is my favorite Old Town tradition and one I try to never miss. The weekend is actually a large fundraising event for the Campagna Center, a local non-​profit that serves children and families in need. The weekend is typically in early December. Events include a tour of homes decked out for the holidays, a children’s concert, a Christmas marketplace, a Scotch tasting, and of course the parade. Over 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-​enactment groups, UK-​origin dog breed groups, various political representatives and, of course, Santa Claus march through the streets of Old Town. This is not your average parade — it’s more like a casual moving block party covered in plaid. In fact, as I was hanging out of my window with a friend watching the parade staging area just outside my apartment and checking out the various groups going by, we were invited to walk with Clan MacAthair, given little plastic sipping cups of scotch to keep us warm and festive, and ended up in the parade! It’s so fun and casual and welcoming and so neighborly — even though many people come from out of town to be part of the parade it still feels so local and cozy.
When the parade ends the party moves to one of the many pubs in the area. Guinness somehow tastes even more delicious when you’re surrounded by kilts. Oh I should mention that even though the focus of the parade is on Alexandria’s Scottish heritage, it ends up more broad to include UK heritage in general. If you have a Clan and a tartan, you’re in. After lunch and a pint or two, there are so many shops up and down King St. that make for great Christmas present shopping.
The final event to check out is the Boat Parade of Lights, which is not technically connected to the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, but is always on the same day as the parade. Around 5:30 behind the Torpedo Factory you can see a parade of boats all decorated for Christmas with Christmas lights slide by in the darkness. Just before Santa comes by boat to the Torpedo factory area so it’s great for kids to start with that and then watch the boats. Most of the boats aren’t that elaborate or fancy with the lights, but you can tell they are all having fun. You’re conveniently surrounded by great restaurants on King St. for dinner after the boat parade to cap off the day. It’s the best way to kick of the Christmas season!