You’ve seen the photos. Hundreds of people in plaid, bagpipes echoing off 18th-century brick, and more West Highland Terriers than you can shake a stick at.
It looks like a movie set.
But if you think the Alexandria Scottish Walk 2024 was just a bunch of people in kilts walking down a street, you’re kinda missing the point. Honestly, this event is the heartbeat of Old Town's identity.
It’s about a Scotsman named John Alexander. He owned the land back in 1749. Basically, without the Scots, there is no Alexandria.
Why the Alexandria Scottish Walk 2024 Still Matters
Most holiday events feel commercial. You go, you buy a $12 hot chocolate, and you leave. This is different.
The 53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, which took place on December 7, 2024, wasn't just a parade; it was a massive community fundraiser for the Campagna Center. Since 1970, this thing has been raising money to support local families.
People show up at 11:00 a.m. sharp. They stand in the cold. They wait for the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums to strike that first cord. It’s loud. It’s visceral.
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The Dog Factor (Yes, the Westies)
If you aren't a "dog person," you might become one here.
One of the weirdest and best parts of the Alexandria Scottish Walk 2024 was the "Greatest Gathering of Westies on the East Coast." In 2024, there were 95 West Highland White Terriers marching.
- Fergus #1, a 17-year-old "geezer," was pulled in a wagon.
- Fergus #2, a foster with three legs, got carried most of the way.
- Finn was freshly groomed and actually stayed clean for ten minutes.
It’s chaos. Pure, adorable, yapping chaos.
What Really Happened with the 2024 Schedule
The day was packed. You couldn't just "wing it" and expect to find parking.
Everything kicked off at 11 a.m. at the corner of St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets. The route wound through Old Town and finished up at Market Square around 1 p.m.
But the real pros stayed for the "massed band concert." That’s when all the pipe bands—like the Kiltie Band of York and the St. Andrew’s Society’s Washington Scottish Pipe Band—get together at Market Square to play at once. It’s enough to make the hair on your arms stand up.
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Later that evening, the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights took over the waterfront at 5:30 p.m. It makes for Alexandria's biggest holiday weekend, but the Scottish Walk is the soul of it.
The "Taste of Scotland" Secret
Most people just watch the parade. They don't know about the Taste of Scotland.
This happens on Friday night. It’s a whisky tasting. We’re talking entry-level vs. high-end Scotches. There’s a dinner buffet. It’s for the 21+ crowd and it’s where the real fundraising happens for the Campagna Center.
Surviving the Walk: Expert Insights
If you plan on attending next year (which you should), there are things nobody tells you.
First, the "Reviewing Stand" at Market Square is the most crowded spot. If you want a view without a stranger's elbow in your ribs, head further south on the route near Wolfe Street.
Second, the parking. Just don't.
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Roads like King Street and St. Asaph were shut down as early as 7:00 a.m. in 2024. Use the King Street Trolley or just take an Uber to the outskirts and walk in.
Third, wear your tartan. Even if you aren't Scottish. You’ll see people in everything from authentic Clan Fraser kilts to plaid scarves they bought at Target ten minutes prior. It doesn't matter. The spirit is what counts.
Beyond the Bagpipes: Actionable Insights
If you missed the Alexandria Scottish Walk 2024, or if you went and want to stay involved, here is how you actually "do" this tradition right:
- Support the Mission: The parade is free to watch, but its purpose is the Campagna Center. Consider a direct donation to their early childhood and after-school programs.
- Visit the Old Presbyterian Meeting House: This is where the Scottish heritage is physically rooted. It’s a quiet, historic spot that puts the whole parade into perspective.
- Plan for December 6, 2025: The 54th Annual parade is already scheduled. Book your hotel in Old Town now. Seriously. They fill up a year in advance.
- Check the Clan Lists: If you have Scottish roots, look up your clan. Groups like Clan MacLaren, Clan MacNeil, and the Family of Bruce actively look for marchers.
The Alexandria Scottish Walk 2024 proved that even in a digital age, there is something deeply necessary about standing on a cobblestone street, smelling woodsmoke, and hearing the same songs people have played for hundreds of years.
Mark your calendar for next year. Bring a coat. Wear some plaid.
To keep the momentum going, head over to the Campagna Center's official website to see the impact reports from the 2024 event and sign up for volunteer alerts for the 2025 season. You can also visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center's holiday schedule to see how the waterfront celebrations continue throughout the winter months.