Join us on December 7, 2024 for the 32nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf. Celebrate the holidays with this iconic DC event that features 60+ beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel.

Party to live music from Yani the Band on District Pier while you sip on hot toddies and drinks from the Corona Cheer Garden. Get into the spirit with ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, s’mores at Camp Wharf, and visits with Santa. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take photos in front of the Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree and 45ft illuminated Christmas tree on District Pier. A spectacular fireworks salute will conclude the boat parade at 8pm

2024 Event Schedule:

🎅 6:00–8:00pm — Activities throughout The Wharf (Corona Cheer Garden, s’mores, ornament decorating, live music by DC bands, visits with Santa & much more)
🛥️ 7:00pm — Boats arrive in the Washington Channel, Tommy McFly emcees the parade
🎆 8:00pm — Fireworks Finale

Do spectators need to register or get a ticket?
The Holiday Boat Parade & Party is FREE for spectators; no tickets are needed to enjoy the festivities on our piers or along Wharf Street.

Boater registration is now open on Eventbrite. 

How do I register my boat in the Holiday Boat Parade & Party?
Boaters who wish to participate in the boat parade must register on Eventbrite prior to the event. All vessels taking part in the parade must be decorated. Over $15,000 in prizes and swag will be distributed to participating boaters.

What activities are there at the event?
Get in the spirit with activities like ornament decorating, ice skating, holiday karaoke, photos with Santa and more. Warm up with winter drinks from the Corona Cheer Garden on District Pier or roast s'mores at the Camp Wharf fire pit and take in the sight of our towering 45-foot Christmas Tree. In addition to the parade, the Holiday Boat Parade & Party will offer activities for all ages including:

⭐ Kids can decorate ornaments & write a letter to Santa near Recreation Pier.
⭐ Roast s’mores at Camp WAFF’s wood-burning fire pit.
⭐ Visit the 45-foot nautical-inspired tree on District Pier.
⭐ Live music from Yani the Band and the Too Much Talent Band.
⭐ Kids can get their photos taken with Santa at The Grove.
⭐ Sing holiday karaoke with your friends.
⭐ Snap a photo in front of the life-sized "Joy" sign in District Square.
⭐ “Salute” oversized toy soldiers in District Square.
⭐ Sneak a kiss under the mistletoe in Pearl Street.
⭐ Sip on winter drinks at the Corona Cheer Garden.
⭐ Ice skate at The Wharf’s Ice Rink, DC’s only over-water ice rink.
⭐ Visit the Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree & Bar
⭐ Watch a dazzling fireworks finale over the Washington Channel at 8pm.

View and download the official Event Map to see where each activity will take place. 

Is this event pet-friendly?
Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces throughout The Wharf. However, we do expect very large crowds during the event, outdoor areas may be hot or cold, and there is a fireworks show at 8pm, so please plan ahead for your pet's comfort and safety. The recommended pet relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Ave SW.

Will there be fireworks? What time?
Fireworks will be shot off from a barge in the Washington Channel around 8pm.

What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
Plan for lots of vehicular traffic and limited parking at The Wharf. Instead of driving, ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk one block to The Wharf, or ride Metro to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.

If you can’t avoid driving, plan to park in one of our three underground parking garages that are open around the clock. Or, utilize one of the nearby off-site parking garages (view PDF map), including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza (420 10th St SW), L'Enfant East Parking Garage (840 D St SW), or the 1100 4th St SW Garage.

What happens if it rains?
A few sprinkles can’t keep us down. Unless the weather poses a hazard, the event will happen rain or shine.

Where are the public bathrooms at The Wharf?
Public restrooms are located throughout The Wharf at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, in the Oculus, and at The Terrace.

Can I bring chairs and coolers?
Chairs and coolers are not permitted at The Wharf at any time. Learn more about The Wharf’s Code of Conduct.

Can I drink alcohol outdoors?
In the District of Columbia, it is against the law to consume alcohol in public, including in the streets, parks, and piers at The Wharf. At The Wharf, you may only consume alcohol inside restaurants, within restaurants' licensed patio areas, or within the licensed event footprint on District Pier. No outside alcohol is permitted.