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2026 Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade Application

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2026 Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, held in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, December 5, 2026.

Before submitting an application, please read the 2026 Participant Release carefully, as policies may have changed. All vessels must apply to participate and adhere to safety requirements and conditions of participation.

The City of Alexandria welcomes applications from boat owners and captains interested in celebrating the holiday season on the Potomac River. Applicants should describe how their proposed vessel entry will contribute to the parade’s holiday theme through lighting, decorations, music, or other identifiable elements.

Space is limited. Submission of an application does not constitute acceptance. Applicants will receive written notification of their selection status.

Eligibility and selection will be based on the proposed vessel entry and its compliance with the published requirements. An organization’s mission, identity, or affiliation will not, by itself, determine eligibility or selection.

Selected participants must comply with the parade’s approved theme, rules, vessel safety requirements, staging and navigation instructions, and conditions of participation. Participants may not promote political activity or engage in advocacy efforts. Material changes to an approved entry must be submitted to the City for review.


REGISTRATION DETAILS

2026 Registration Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026

Register early! The number of participants in the Boat Parade is limited and fills up before the deadline.

Registered boaters agree to:
  • Attend the Alexandria Captain's Safety Meeting on Wednesday, December 2 at 7 p.m. (this will be a virtual meeting)
  • Pick up your parade number sign after confirmation at the Torpedo Factory Art Center Info desk and securely display it on your boat so that the judges may consider you for prizes
  • Decorate your boat with a festive theme in lights
  • Refrain from using decorations, signs, symbols/icons, music or announcements that include political
  • Arrive at the designated time in the assembly area (to be announced)
This registration process ONLY confirms Alexandria participation. To participate in the District's Holiday Boat Parade, register directly with The Wharf.

Please note that due to this year's transition, we are waiving the 2026 registration fee for participating boaters.



CAPTAIN'S SAFETY MEETING - DECEMBER 2

To ensure smooth sailing and a safe event, virtual participation in the Alexandria Boat Parade Captain's Safety Meeting on Wednesday, December 2 at 7 p.m. is required. During this event briefing boaters will receive updated information about assembly procedures and other critical details.



A POTOMAC RIVER TRADITION

The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is one of two boat parades along the Potomac River on Saturday, December 5, 2026. Following the Alexandria parade, the District’s Holiday Boat Parade occurs the same evening at 7 p.m. Boaters are encouraged to participate and register for both parades for a chance to win thousands more in prizes while dazzling crowds of parade-goers along both sides of the river. To participate in the District's Holiday Boat Parade, register directly with The Wharf.


MORE INFORMATION

We look forward to working with you on one of the region’s most beloved holiday events!

The 2026 Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is produced by the City of Alexandria
1.Contact Person's Name
2.Organization Name (if applicable)
3.Phone Number
4.Cell Number
5.Email Address
6.Point of Contact Name
7.Point of Contact Title
8.Point of Contact Phone
9.Point of Contact Email
10.Point of Contact Mailing Address
11.Name of the Boat
12.What is your vessel type?
13.Will you use a motor?
14.What is the make and model of your boat?
15.What is your vessel length?
16.What is your vessel beam?
17.Do you have a Boat Club Affiliation?
18.What is the theme of your boat?
19.How many people do you plan to have on your crew?
20.To enhance the Parade, all parade units in 2026 must provide entertainment value and/or highlight aspects of Alexandria or the holidays (examples: music, performance, costume, decor or other creative elements). Please provide details.
21.Is this your first time participating in the Holiday Boat Parade?
22.If you have participated before, how many years have you taken part?
23.If your participation involves live music, amplified sound or a performance, please provide a description. List N/A if not applicable to your participation.
24.Does your group have special logistical requests?
25.Do you plan to participate in the District's Holiday Boat Parade produced by The Wharf in Washington DC?
26.Do you have an insurance policy for the boat registered?(Required.)
27.Please provide more information on your policy (insurance company, coverage, policy number)(Required.)
28.What type of power connection do you need for your boat?
29.Social Media Handles (enter n/a if you do not have one)
30.Website Address
31.Have you partnered with any Alexandria businesses or organizations in the past 2-3 years? If so, please share:
32.Why are you interested in participating in the 2026 parade?
33.Do you agree with the Terms & Conditions set out in the 2026 Holiday Boat Parade Participation Guidelines & Code of Conduct?(Required.)
34.The undersigned has read all guidelines and information pertaining to participation in the 2026 Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade and hereby waives any claim against, and agree to hold harmless the City of Alexandria, its employees, and volunteers, from any and all liability for damages or injury incurred during participation in the Scottish Walk Parade. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that their group may be recorded or photographed and consents to city staff capturing photos and videos during the event for future use by the city.(Required.)
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