Christmas Parades in Virginia reflect the state’s rich history and diverse regions, offering a lovely mix of celebrations. For that reason, Old Dominion’s a great destination this holiday season.
Christmas Parades in Northern Virginia
If you are, after all, looking for a unique parade featuring Scottish bagpipers and highland dancers, head to Alexandria. A festive and culturally rich event, the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade steps off Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET. All things considered, plan to stay in town all weekend and enjoy Alexandria’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. With this in mind, you can enjoy a procession of boats decorated with holiday lights Saturday, December 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. ET. Best viewing, in this case, is near the docks at the marina.
Also located in northern Virginia, the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, always the first Saturday of December, steps off December 6, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET. In brief, this holiday favorite features over 100 units: marching bands, floats, high-flying balloons and more.
What’s more, the Leesburg Christmas and Holiday Parade makes its way through Historic Downtown Leesburg the second Saturday of December. To sum up, the parade will usher entries, including Santa and his friends, through Historic Downtown Leesburg December 13 at 6 p.m. ET.
A Rich, Historical Christmas Parade in Middleburg
Without a doubt, the Christmas in Middleburg Parade is part of a month-long Christmas celebration in this northern Virginia city. By and large, the parade features a variety of entries. This includes, in particular, re-enactment bands, equestrian and hunt groups, business floats, community and church groups, and more. Please note, this parade is held the first Saturday in December (December 6, 2025) at 2 p.m. ET.
Rain or shine, the Purcellville Holiday Parade will step off Saturday, December 13, 2025, at noon ET. In short, the 2.5 mile route begins and ends at Blue Ridge Middle School.
Christmas Parades in Central Virginia
Bringing holiday cheer to the state capital, the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade steps off Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. ET in downtown Richmond. All in all, you can expect a full parade line-up. Watch for colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and Santa.
Also in central Virginia, the Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m. ET Friday, December 5, 2025. Annually held rain or shine, the parade lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Christmas Parades in Southern Virginia
By all means, the Grand Illumination Parade kicks off the holiday season in Norfolk. Featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and giant balloons, the parade takes place every year the Saturday before Thanksgiving. To that end, step-off will be Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET.
In addition, the Virginia Beach Holiday Parade ushers in the holiday season at the oceanfront Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. ET. Nearly 90 units, overall, make their way down Atlantic Avenue. Entries include giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and more.
Finally, don’t miss the Chesapeake Rotary Christmas Parade, a 42-year-old tradition stepping off Saturday, December 6, at 6 p.m. ET. All things considered, drive to the Municipal Complex on Cedar Road for the easiest parking and best parade views.
Important Note: No doubt, you should always check local event listings closer to the holiday season. That way you will have the most up-to-date information on dates, times, and specific parade details. Since Virginia’s weather can also play a role in event scheduling, it’s always good to be prepared for potential changes.
Christmas Parade Cheer Gear
If you love to participate in or attend Christmas parades, you’ll certainly want to check out our Christmas cheer gear ideas. For example, you can create a DIY Christmas Tree Dress and decorate it! In similar fashion, you can make our bottle-brush tree headband or our Christmas countdown calendar costume.
To say nothing of our DIY ugly Christmas sweater and tie! Or you can look to the Franken-Bunch for great Christmas cheer gear ideas.
And if you love to represent Bronner’s when wearing your Christmas cheer gear, we’ve got T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more!
