The historic Potomac River lights up for the Washington area's annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Weekend

Dozens of brightly lit boats will stretch along the Potomac River during the colorful parades. Events begin Saturday afternoon, December 2, at Alexandria's waterfront and culminate Sunday evening, December 3, at Washington Harbour in Georgetown. There will be collection boxes for Toys for Tots at each location.

Alexandria's Saturday waterfront events begin at 3:00 p.m. at the marina behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Visitors can enjoy a holiday review featuring local school groups performing on the deck of the Chart House restaurant.

Santa will arrive via boat to visit with children dockside at the gazebo and will be available for photos. Santa's "helper" also will be available for photos with man's best friend, sponsored by Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique. Starbucks cheer patrol will provide free refreshments. Inside the Torpedo Factory Art Center, many artists will hold special holiday shows with gift items.

WTOP's Man About Town Bob Madigan will emcee the holiday boat parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The parade follows a route that will take it to Washington Channel where another spectacular boat parade will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Washington DC fireboat The John Glenn will lead the parade with a dramatic water show. Georgetown's Sunday Holiday Boat Parade of Lights begins at 5:30 p.m. at Washington Harbour, located at 3000 K Street, NW, with festivities preceding the parade.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, December 2 - Alexandria Harbor
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Entertainment, refreshments & Santa at Alexandria Marina & Torpedo Factory Art Center
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at Alexandria Marina
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Washington Channel Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at Water St. off of Maine Avenue

Sunday, December 3 - Washington Harbour at Georgetown
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Georgetown Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at Washington Harbour

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