December 6, 2025

The Wharf Announces Winners of the 33rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party

The Wharf Announces Winners of the 33rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party

A Southwest DC community tradition since 1992, the District's Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf is an iconic DC event that features 70+ beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel.

As the boats promenaded past The Wharf, judges evaluated parade participants' theme, crew, decorations, and holiday spirit. 

The Wharf is proud to announce the following prize-winning boats and captains from the 2025 Holiday Boat Parade & Party:

Most Likely to Capsize: Happy the Hanukkah Octopus – Captain Walter Weiss

Spirit of DC: Whitlow’s Tropical Christmas – Captain Jack Maher

Best Crew: A Taylor Swift Christmas – Captain Whit Overstreet

Founder’s Award: 3I/Atlas comet brings Winter Wonderland to D.C. – Captain Tim Locke

Most Ingenious Idea: Lumberjack Tree Farm – Captain Linda Purdy

Best Powerboat: Lego Christmas – Captain Jeremy Novara

Best Sailboat: DJ Funky Claus and the Glitter Gang – Captain Brian Terhaar

3rd Place: Minions – Captain Chris Rupp

2nd Place: Pink Pony Club – Captain Matt Martelli

1st Place: Salute to the 2026 Winter Olympics – Captain Dan Ricks

Congratulations to all the captains and crew members who participated in the parade. We salute your amazing holiday spirit!

The Anthem

From hosting top-name music acts to serving as an unexpected convention facility, The Anthem is an entertainment destination with an edge. This acoustically advanced concert hall can hold up to 6,000 people—for everything from unapologetic rock gigs to intimate marquee performances to exclusive galas and more. 

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Come Play on the Potomac

The Wharf is your launchpad for all kinds of water activities—from leisure cruises and kayak tours to sailing lessons and paddleboarding, the Southwest Waterfront makes it easy to play on the river. Plus, our water taxi might just be the fastest way to get to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, or National Harbor.

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