Each year since 1969, the holiday season steps off to a brisk pace with the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend.
The St. Andrew’s Society of Washington, D.C., began the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk on St. Andrew’s Day in 1969 when a bagpiper led a contingent of members to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House to lay a wreath on the grave of William Hunter, the founder of the original Society formed in Alexandria, Virginia. The commemoration was moved to the first Saturday after St. Andrew’s Day to allow for more members to participate. The event continued with the involvement of the Alexandria YMCA, since the wives of many Society members were members. The connection continued when the YWCA become the independent Alexandria Community Y in the 1970s and then the Campagna Center in 1991.
The weekend raises funds for needed social services in the City of Alexandria. Each year the weekend kicks off with the annual Taste of Scotland on the Friday before the event and the Walk itself on the first Saturday of every December.
The schedule of events for the day includes:
Saturday, December 6, 2025
8:00 AM – Fellowship Breakfast
Join fellow members for breakfast in the reception hall of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria. The hall is downstairs behind the church. All are welcome!
9:00 AM – Church Service & Wreath-Laying
Attend a brief service followed by a wreath-laying at the grave of William Hunter, founder of the St. Andrew’s Society of Alexandria. We’re honored to be joined by Clan Hunter and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
11:00 AM – Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk
Form up near Wilkes and St. Asaph Streets in Old Town. Procession order: banner, officers, past presidents, members, then families and guests. March in column of twos — kilts and Highland attire encouraged!
After party for the walk is at Murphy’s Pub