Looking for holiday fun? See a Christmas parade in Northern Virginia

A lot of fun is to be found during the holidays in the D.C. metro area. With many events taking place across the region, there is always something interesting and entertaining to do throughout the season. You'll find festivals, visits from Santa, special tours at historical sites and beautiful decorations, to name a few. Oh, and there are also several parades. 

Photo I took at the 2012 parade

Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

A very popular event each year, this one is always scheduled for the first weekend in December in Old Town Alexandria. This parade features over 100 marching units and typically draws a big crowd. 

This year 2015 marked the parade’s 45^th year. Sponsored by the Campagna Center (in partnership with The Scottish Government, The Saint Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C. and the City of Alexandria), proceeds go to benefit the center’s six educational programs. There are a number of events throughout the weekend. Check out the Campagna website for more information. Events take place rain or shine. 

Warrenton Christmas Parade

This annual parade usually takes place in late November or early December in Old Town Warrenton on a Friday night. As customary every year, the Christmas parade route is on Main Street. See Santa and the town’s Christmas tree lighting too! The Town of Warrenton also highlights a Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) and fireworks. For more information and updates associated with the parade, you can follow the official website.  

This is a town I would love to explore more. I’ve been there a couple of times and really enjoyed my tour of the 19th-century jail and museum at the Fauquier History Museum.

Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

Each December this parade takes place in Old Town Manassas. For over 70 years this parade has been a regional staple for family fun. Usually taking place on the first weekend in December on Saturday morning, this parade takes place rain or shine. The parade route doesn’t appear to be listed just yet, but information is likely to come. Check out www.gmchristmasparade.org for details. 

Annual Christmas and Holiday Parade (Leesburg)

Every year Leesburg holds its annual parade. I went to this parade in 2012 and it was held during the day hours, but I noticed for the past year or two it takes place at night. However, the parade route always takes place in the historic district. It starts at Ida Lee Drive, travels down King Street and finishes on Fairfax Street. We really enjoyed the parade we saw in 2012. 

Parades are not just for the warmer months in Northern Virginia. Come to check out one or more of the local holiday parades, in my experience, it’s a great time out. The evening parades are likely to be a little chilly, so bundle up and have fun!