Parade of Lights 2014 Features Boats Sailing to D.C.

Dozens of sailboats and powerboats will light up the sky for the holiday boat parade.

The parade will continue the 22-year tradition Saturday. Beginning in Old Town Alexandria at 4 p.m., the lighted boats will travel along the Potomac River and arrive at the Washington Channel in D.C. at 7 p.m.

Holiday activities will take place 6 to 8 p.m. on the Southwest Waterfront of The Wharf. Snow will add to the magical evening around 6:15 p.m. Admission to the event is free.

The public is welcome to partake in holiday activities:

• Photos with Santa Claus
• Bonfire s’mores and hot chocolate
• Gingerbread cookie decorating
• Christmas tree lighting
• Live holiday music by Jazz Night
• Lighting of the boats on the SW dock

Pre-registered lighted boats will be judged on their decorations. The best ones in the parade and docked at the Southwest Waterfront will receive prizes. Guests can help award a prize by voting for their favorite boat in the parade. The winners will be announced at 7:45 p.m.

The top D.C. boats in the parade will be awarded:

• Best in Parade: $500 cash and trophy
• Community Choice: $500 cash and trophy
• 1st Place: $400 cash
• 2nd Place: $300 cash
• 3rd Place: $200 cash
• Honorable Achievement: $100 cash

The top D.C. boats at the Southwest Waterfront will be awarded:

• Best in Slip: $250 cash
• 1st Place: $150 cash
• 2nd Place: $100 cash
• 3rd Place: $50 cash

“It is a 22-year tradition for families in the District to kick off the holiday season with events and entertainment that blend the magic of lighted boats on the Potomac and merriment on land,” Managing Partner of Hoffman-Madison Monty Hoffman said in a news release.

For more information visit The Wharf.