The pressure was on as more than 60 boats vied for prizes in 10 categories at the 23rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights held Dec. 2 along the Alexandria waterfront.

Sponsored by Amazon, thousands turned out for the mile-long parade that was led by Alexandria’s Fireboat 201, Fireboat 2 from Washington D.C.’s Fire Department and City Cruises’ Miss Mallory.

Best in Show was awarded to Magical Knots, who presented "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," complete with a costumed crew. Best Powerboat went to It’s Always Somethin’ for “Tribute to Jimmy Buffett: Thanks for the Memories,” immortalizing the late musician with his signature songs and a tropical theme topped off with a glowing shark fin.

Best Movie/TV Theme was awarded to Tuesday for "Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust—Dreams Really Can Come True,” celebrating Peter Pan’s 70th anniversary with an aerialist dressed as Peter Pan performing acrobatics high in the air.

The 2023 winners include: Best in Show - Magical Knots, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”; Best Powerboat - It’s Always Somethin’, “Tribute to Jimmy Buffett ‘Thanks for the Memories'”; Best Sailboat - Lions Paw 2, “Jelly Pandas”; Thinking Outside the Christmas Box -  4Ever Freedom, “Christmas in America”; Most Holiday Cheer, “The Nauti List”; Best Movie/TV Theme - Tuesday, “Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust – Dreams Really Can Come True”;  Most Spirited Crew - Big Sky, “Rocking ‘Round the Christmas Tree”; Best Theme - Hold My Pier, “Mojo Dojo Casa Houseboat”; Hardiest Soul - Titan Rowing Team, 4 Crew Racing Shells, “Holiday”; Best Try -  Happiest Hanukkah, “Brightest Boat Ever.”

The parade was produced by Visit Alexandria in collaboration with the City of Alexandria, City Cruises – Alexandria and the Old Dominion Boat Club.