Join us on December 6, 2025 for the 33rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf. Kick off the holidays with this iconic DC event that features 60+ beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel.

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 at the 45ft illuminated Christmas tree on District Pier and visit the Jack Daniel’s barrel tree in Blair Circle. New this year, barrels from the Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree are co-branded with the Washington Capitals Screaming Eagle logo and will be sold for purchase, with all proceeds going to Operation Ride Home. 

Party to live music on the District Pier and Transit Pier stages and Jingle Bell Rock with our DJs while you sip on hot toddies and drinks from the Corona Cheer Gardens.

A spectacular fireworks salute will conclude the boat parade at 8pm, but be sure to turn it up a notch during the after party on District Pier with live music from My Hero Zero.

2025 Event Schedule:

🎅 5:00–8:00pm — Activities throughout The Wharf (Corona Cheer Garden, s’mores, ornament decorating, live music, visits with Santa & much more)
🛥️ 7:00pm — Boats arrive in the Washington Channel, Tommy McFly emcees the parade
🎆 8:00pm — Fireworks
🎸 8:15pm — After Party on District Pier with My Hero Zero

2025 Music Schedule:

⭐ 5:00pm — Too Much Talent Band plays on Transit Pier
⭐ 6:00pm — My Hero Zero plays on District Pier

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.

How do I register my boat in the Holiday Boat Parade & Party?
Boater registration for 2025 is now closed. Read on to learn more about the land side activities for this year's event! 

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 at the Corona Cheer Gardens 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 and play games in M Street Landing.
⭐ Roast s’mores at the Caps Campfire wood-burning fire pit.
⭐ Visit The Christmas Tree Market for freshly cut trees.
⭐ Visit the 45-foot nautical-inspired tree on District Pier.
⭐ Adults can sip on Jack Daniel's holiday cocktails for a cause at participating restaurants.
⭐ Live music and DJs on all of our stages.
⭐ Shop the Mini Holiday Market in Market Square.
⭐ Kids can get their photos taken with Santa in The Grove.
⭐ Sing holiday karaoke with your friends by Recreation Pier.
⭐ Visit the Pet Pix Photobooth with Brandywine Valley SPCA and VEG ER from 5pm – 7:30pm.
⭐ Decorate an adorable festive little stocking for your pet to get into the holiday spirit.
⭐ Snap a photo in front of the life-sized "Joy" sign in District Square.
⭐ “Salute” oversized toy soldiers in District Square.
⭐ Adults can sip on winter drinks at the Corona Cheer Gardens.
⭐ Skate with monumental views at The Wharf’s Ice Rink.
⭐ Visit the Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree in Blair Circle to play games, sample cocktails and learn how to take home a barrel from the tree.
⭐ 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.

The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock, but they do tend to fill up fast on event days. Check the garages' capacity before you arrive or plan to 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 areas. No outside alcohol is permitted.