Waterskiing Santa in Washington DC 2025 Event

A Christmas Tradition Since 1986

Started in 1986, this family-friendly event is perfect for a Christmas vacation. However, you won’t likely want to get in the water as temperatures in the area are traditionally quite low this time of year. Therefore, be sure to pack warm if you’re planning on traveling to see Waterskiing Santa this year.

Event Details

If you’re planning on checking out the festivities at Waterskiing Santa, make sure you have all the right information to avoid missing this once-a-year extravaganza on the cold waters of the Potomac River. Moreover, be sure to check the official event page for details about parking, a schedule of events, and more information about the group organizing these high-flying Christmas characters.

Date: December 24, 2018.

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. You can see the show anywhere from the Torpedo Factory (105 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314) to Point Lumley Park (1 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314).

After the Show

If you stay after the show, Santa Claus and the rest of his merry band of Christmas revelers will head over to the pavilion on the waterfront (behind the Torpedo Factory) to greet children and families. Consequently, get your picture taken with these characters and mingle with other attendees, but don’t expect to sit on Santa’s lap, as he has to return to the North Pole!

A Tradition Started by a Dare

In 1986, a group of friends near Alexandria challenged each other to water ski in the cold Potomac River on Christmas Eve while dressed as Santa. Surprisingly, the person who drew the shortest straw enjoyed it so much he vowed to do it again the next year, leading to the creation of this remarkable tradition.

After over 30 years, the event continues to grow each year. Soon after that first show, more skiers began volunteering as reindeer, and a Grinch joined the fun, bringing the number of performers to over 20 today.

Getting Involved With the Show

The Waterskiing Santa team is always looking for new members. The crew encourages interested individuals to reach out if they are skilled waterskiers and do not mind cold water. Moreover, they welcome production support, including costume designers, decorators for the boats and waterfront, safety personnel, and site operations managers. However, those wishing to operate the boats must be USA Waterski Certified Drivers.

Sponsors can also contribute financially, covering costs for fuel, transport, accommodations, and enhancing the show itself.

Santa and His Crew

As depicted in the images above, there is an array of fun Christmas characters that your whole family will enjoy, including the Grinch, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and a flock of elves, polar bears, reindeer, and penguins all water skiing across the river. In addition, with new characters and costumes introduced each year, attendees will always discover fresh surprises at the Waterskiing Santa event.

Other Events: Scottish Christmas Walk

While you’re in the District of Columbia for the holiday season, consider exploring other Christmas-themed attractions and events occurring throughout December. One highlight is the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend on November 30 and December 1.

Proceeds from this weekend event benefit the Campagna Center’s core programs, which assist children and families through preschool programs, guidance through high school, and English Language Learning for adults. The weekend is filled with “A Taste of Scotland” meals, a Scottish Christmas Parade, house decorating activities, holiday home tours, and numerous local sales, making it a superb time to visit Alexandria during the festive season.

Other Events: Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

If you find yourself in Alexandria on December 1, don’t miss the nighttime display of Christmas light-clad boats, known as the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, which is also visible from the same waterfront as Waterskiing Santa.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., this 17th annual parade features dozens of illuminated vessels cruising the historic waterfront, including the fireboats from both Alexandria and Washington D.C., the Vigilant and John Glenn respectively.