Love on the Docks in Alexandria

Holiday boat parade lights up the waterfront.

Thousands of spectators gathered along the Alexandria waterfront Dec. 4 as the 21st annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights made its return with more than 50 boats lighting up the Potomac River.

Sponsored by Amazon, the mile-long parade was led by Alexandria’s fireboat Relief and Washington, D.C.’s fireboat John H. Glenn, and closed with the Ever Vigilant Fire Boat 57 from the Prince George’s County Volunteer Marine Fire and Rescue Station 57.

Best of Alexandria Show sponsored by Myron Mixon's Pitmaster BBQ was awarded to Santé and Captain Daniel Ricks who presented "COEXIST" in white lights and more than 40 colorful trees. Best Powerboat went to Kairos and Captain Tipper Williams Bradford for "Santa & His Cast of Characters" featuring lights, Santa and a cheerful crew in costumes. Best Sailboat was awarded to Dark Star and Captain Doug Savage for "The Island of Misfit Toys,” featuring twinkling lights and costumed toy characters including the bird-that-swims positioned halfway up the sailboat’s mast.

2021 Winners: Best of Alexandria Show sponsored by Myron Mixon's Pitmaster BBQ: Santé, Captain Daniel Ricks, "COEXIST"; Best Powerboat: Kairos, Captain Tipper Williams Bradford, "Santa & His Cast of Characters"; Best Sailboat: Dark Star, Captain Doug Savage, "The Island of Misfit Toys"; Thinking Outside the Christmas Box: Tuesday, Captain Joseph Landa, "Oompa Lumpa"; Most Holiday Cheer: Party of Five, Captain Alan Trombley, "Spooky Christmas"; Best Spirit of America: Aggie, Captain Tamara Collum, "NEW YEAR'S EVE COUNTDOWN PARTY"; Most Spirited Crew: D’Entanglement, Captain Dayon Harrison, "D’Entangled Christmas Wonderland"; Best Theme: Surprise, Captain Sarah Ollila, "X-mas Files"; Hardiest Soul: Miss Behavin, Captain Kirt Barbee, "Gilligan Island"; Best Try: Knot Tide Down Captains Peter Furness & Rita Martin, "Jurassic Christmas."