Waterskiing Santa Returns To Make Splash On Alexandria Waterfront

ALEXANDRIA, VA — It may not be a white Christmas Eve in Alexandria, but it will certainly be a cold one for the Waterskiing Santa team, which will put on its annual show on the waterfront.

The Waterskiing Santa team confirmed to Patch the volunteer-run show will happen at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at the waterfront (1 King Street). Come early for the pre-show at 12:40 p.m., when the Grinch will try to steal the show. But Santa and friends will prevail over the Grinch with regular show starting at 1 p.m. Spectators can meet Santa and other characters after the show.

Follow the Waterskiing Santa Facebook page for any event updates.

This is the 38th year for the Waterskiing Santa show. It started in 1986 when a group of friends made a bet and drew straws to determine who would go waterskiing in the freezing water. The one who lost the bet had to go out waterskiing in a Santa suit on Christmas Eve.

But while the dare could have ended there, the team decided to do it again. Today, the show is a Christmas Eve tradition with volunteers willing to brave the cold as well as help drive boats, dress characters and manage radio communications.

Spectators can typically view the show along the Alexandria waterfront near the foot of King Street. The organizers say livestreaming with announcers will also be available on the Waterskiing Santa Facebook page.

"It's a great way to hear and see what's going [on] even for the spectators in attendance," the team shared with Patch.

If there's any consolation for the performers entering the Potomac River, air temperatures likely won't be below freezing. The Christmas Eve forecast for Alexandria calls for a high of 55 degrees and low of 38.

Check out video recordings of past Waterskiing Santa shows as a preview.