Washington District's Holiday Boat Parade & Party
More than 60 decorated boats cruise along the Washington Channel, culminating in a waterfront fireworks show. Landside, visitors can take photos with Santa, sing holiday karaoke, skate at the ice rink, and listen to live music and DJs. Other activities include ornament decorating, roasting s'mores at a wood-burning fire pit, and viewing the towering 45-foot Christmas tree.
What to Expect
Over 60 decorated boats parade the Washington Channel with fireworks.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
The Wharf
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
District Wharf Properties (DWP)
Food & Drink
Visitors can roast s’mores at the fire pit, enjoy winter drinks at the Corona Cheer Gardens, and adults can get holiday cocktails at participating restaurants.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free for spectators; no tickets are needed to enjoy the festivities on the piers or along Wharf Street.
- Hours: Fireworks around 8pm.
- Parking: The Wharf has three underground garages open around the clock, but they tend to fill up fast on event days. Check garage capacity before arriving or use nearby off-site garages, including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza, L'Enfant East Parking Garage, and the 1100 4th St SW Garage. Visitors can also take Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes, or take Metro to L’Enfant Plaza and use the free Wharf Shuttle.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces throughout The Wharf. The page advises planning for pets’ comfort and safety because of large crowds, cold outdoor areas, and the fireworks. The recommended relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Ave SW.
Tips & Advice
- Take Metro to Waterfront Station and walk about five minutes, or ride to L'Enfant Plaza and catch the free Wharf Shuttle, because the on-site garages fill fast.
- Leave folding chairs and coolers at home, because neither is permitted at The Wharf at any time, including during the boat parade.
- Skip the tripod, monopod and selfie stick, and keep camera lenses under six inches, since longer lenses are allowed only for credentialed media.
- Stay through the evening for the fireworks finale, which is shot from a barge in the Washington Channel at the end of the party.
- Dress warmly, since outdoor areas at The Wharf can be cold, and plan breaks at the fire pit or the Cheer Gardens for winter drinks.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
Kids can decorate ornaments and play games in M Street Landing. They can also have photos taken with Santa in The Grove.
Where should I park?
The Wharf has three underground garages, but they fill fast on event days. Nearby off-site garages include Ace Parking at L'Enfant Plaza, L'Enfant East Parking Garage and the 1100 4th St SW Garage. You can also take Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes, or ride to L'Enfant Plaza and take the free Wharf Shuttle.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces. Expect very large crowds, cold outdoor areas and fireworks. The pet relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Ave SW.
Can I bring chairs or coolers?
No. Chairs and coolers are not permitted at The Wharf at any time.
Can I drink alcohol outdoors?
Only inside restaurants, on their licensed patios or in licensed event areas. No outside alcohol is permitted. Adults can order Jack Daniel's holiday cocktails for a cause at participating restaurants.
More Christmas Events Near Washington
More Christmas Events near Washington
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.