NEWS + EVENTS

The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend’s 50th anniversary celebration may have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was a mere postponement. After the walk had to be canceled last year, it’s back for 2021 and commemorates the landmark birthday with a return to its in-person parade on December 4th.

The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. that Saturday morning, helmed by this year’s Grand Marshall, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia. He’ll lead the leagues of bagpiping Scotsmen and drumming groups as they stream through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. It’s all in honor of the Scottish merchants who founded Alexandria way back in 1749. If you want to get a jumpstart on the fun, grab tickets to the Taste of Scotland the evening before. On Friday, December 3rd, the Campagna Center will host the foodie-friendly event, featuring tastings of Scottish whiskies, beer, and wine with gourmet bites on the side. While the parade is free and open to the public, the Taste of Scotland is a ticketed event limited to those who have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of December 3rd.