A marching band in kilts and feathered hats plays bagpipes and drums in a parade, with houses and spectators lining the street in the background.

55th Annual Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade Sponsored by Wegmans

Part of Alexandria’s Biggest Holiday Weekend

December 5, 2026

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET

Old Town Alexandria

Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade sponsored by Wegmans on Saturday, December 5, 2026. 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.

The Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade started as a community event more than 50 years ago to highlight the city’s Scottish heritage and support the mission of the Campagna Center, then known as the Community Y. The Campagna Center partnered with St. Andrew’s Society Washington, DC, Old Presbyterian Meeting House and the City of Alexandria to produce the parade and associated events led by Junior and Supporting Friends of the Campagna Center.  

In 2022, to preserve the historic signature event that is a source of civic pride and a key economic driver for the city’s small business and hospitality communities, Visit Alexandria took on the role of lead parade producer in partnership with the Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria. 

In 2026 the City of Alexandria took over as the lead producer of the event. To reach this year’s parade organizers, please email specialevents@alexandriava.gov.

More information will be posted to this page when available.

Photo Gallery

A marching band in red tartan kilts and green jackets plays bagpipes in a parade. The drum major in front wears a tall black feathered hat and carries a mace, leading the group down a city street.
Three young dancers in traditional Scottish attire perform on a street during a parade, with a marching band and onlookers in the background. A building with red brick and several windows is visible behind them.
A long-haired, gray Skye Terrier dog stands on a street during a parade, with its tongue out and people blurred in the background.
A group of people wearing green sweaters, tartan kilts, and feathered caps play bagpipes outdoors during a parade or public event. The focus is on one central bagpiper.
Two people dressed in Mandalorian-style armor walk in a parade; one wears a kilt and plaid sash. The street is lined with people, houses, and trees with no leaves. A dog and other participants are visible in the background.
A marching band wearing traditional Scottish attire, including kilts and feathered hats, plays bagpipes as they parade down a street lined with houses and spectators.
Three dogs on leashes, dressed in festive outfits, walk on a street during a parade, accompanied by people. The dogs are at the front, with one licking its nose, and a crowd visible in the background.
A marching band in kilts and tartan patterns plays bagpipes in a parade, with a crowd watching from the sidewalk on an overcast day.
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