The Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf
The 34th Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party brings more than 60 decorated boats to the Washington Channel for an evening of holiday celebration at The Wharf. Alongside the waterfront parade, guests can enjoy live music and DJs, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, ice skating, photos with Santa, seasonal food and drinks, and a fireworks finale.
The free, all-ages event also features a 45-foot nautical-inspired Christmas tree, a life-sized “Joy” sign, oversized toy soldiers, s’mores at the Camp Wharf fire pit, and activities throughout The Wharf’s piers, streets, stages, and public spaces.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026.
Showtimes: Holiday activities begin throughout The Wharf at 5:00 PM. The boats arrive in the Washington Channel at 7:00 PM, with Tommy McFly serving as parade emcee. Fireworks launch from a barge at approximately 8:00 PM.
Tickets: Free. Spectators do not need to register or obtain tickets to watch from the piers or Wharf Street.
Venue: The Wharf, along the Washington Channel in Washington, DC.
Activities: Children can decorate ornaments and play games at M Street Landing, while families can take photos with Santa in The Grove. Guests can visit the 45-foot Christmas tree on District Pier, take pictures at the “Joy” sign in District Square, see the oversized toy soldiers, skate at The Wharf’s Ice Rink, and enjoy live music and DJs on all stages. Holiday karaoke, winter drinks at the Corona Cheer Gardens, and s’mores at the Caps Campfire wood-burning fire pit are also planned.
Food and drinks: Adults can purchase Jack Daniel’s holiday cocktails at participating restaurants, with proceeds benefiting a cause. The Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree in Blair Circle will offer games, cocktail samples, and information about taking a barrel home. Alcohol may only be consumed inside restaurants, on licensed restaurant patios, or in licensed event areas. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
Fireworks: A fireworks display over the Washington Channel is scheduled for approximately 8:00 PM.
Boat registration: Information about registering a boat for the 2026 parade had not yet been announced.
Ages: Activities are available for all ages. The page does not specify an age restriction.
Pets: Pets are allowed in The Wharf’s outdoor spaces, but organizers caution that the event is expected to draw very large crowds and that cold weather and the 8:00 PM fireworks may affect pets’ comfort and safety. The recommended pet-relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Avenue SW.
Transportation: Visitors can take Metro to Waterfront Station and walk approximately five minutes to The Wharf, or travel to L’Enfant Plaza and use The Wharf Shuttle, a free service stopping at CVS and 7th Street Park. Capital Bikeshare is another option.
Parking: The Wharf’s three underground parking garages are open around the clock but may fill quickly on event days. Visitors are advised to check garage capacity or use nearby alternatives, including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza at 420 10th Street SW, L’Enfant East Parking Garage at 840 D Street SW, or the 1100 4th Street SW Garage.
Weather: Light snow will not necessarily cancel the event, but organizers may adjust plans if weather conditions prevent participants from safely enjoying the celebration. Updates will be posted on the event page and The Wharf’s social media channels.
Facilities: Public restrooms are available at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, the Oculus, and The Terrace.
What to bring: Chairs and coolers are not permitted at The Wharf. No outside alcohol is allowed.
Cameras: Personal cameras and video equipment are permitted, but lenses longer than six inches are prohibited unless used by credentialed media. Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed, and guests may not block aisles, portals, walkways, or other guests’ views. Photo-pass inquiries can be sent to info@wharfdc.com.