Deets: Old Town Alexandria's historic waterfront will shine for the 20th Anniversary Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m. as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline.

Enjoy dockside festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company and holiday music and giveaways from 97.1 WASH-FM. Take part in hands-on activities including a Letters to Santa postcard station from paper goods boutique Penny Post, a holiday craft activity from AR Workshop Alexandria and a bookmark making station from Old Town Books. Enjoy polpette (Italian meatballs) from Pizzeria Paradiso and a hot chocolate bar from Dolci Gelati.

On the Alexandria City Marina, Riverside Taco Company presents a Parade Day Patio Party with hot cider and bottomless bites included in admission. At 3:30 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fireboat at the Alexandria City Marina to take photos with children and families at the annual Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival.

Hint for the Average Socialite:

Parade viewing areas

• Founders Park (351 N. Union St.)

• Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.)

• Waterfront Park (1 King St. and 1A Prince St.)

• Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.)

• Shipyard/Harborside Park (1 Wilkes St.)

• Windmill Hill Park (501 S. Union St.) and Ford’s Landing Park (99 Franklin St.)

Schedule

• 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Dockside festivities

• 5:30 p.m. - Boat Parade starts

What’s Trending: #ALXboatparade.
More info: visitalexandriava.com/holidays/boat-parade/