The holidays are looking brighter as sailors and mariners get to decking their watercrafts, lighting up their schooners, catamarans, yachts, kayaks, and more with the glow of the season. After all, why should landlubbers get all the lights? The Potomac River gets a dose of festive fun with the annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade (Dec. 7). Expect to see wacky themes and quirky characters abound.* Meanwhile, the Pagan River comes alight with the Smithfield Station Holiday Boat Parade (date to be announced). The Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation puts on the effervescent Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, with a VIP viewing party at Chick’s Oyster Bar (Dec. 7). Venture a little north to find decorated boats sailing down the York River in the Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade (Dec. 7), where a town trolley adds to the merriment. And due south of Richmond, Riverside Vines Annual Holiday Boat Parade illuminates Lake Chesdin, with prizes, drinks, treats, and an MC (Dec. 7).
*For more information on how Alexandria celebrates the holidays, click here.
This article originally appeared in our December 2024 issue.
