where dc meets for the holidays
Holiday boat parade & party.
Join us on Saturday, December 7 2024 for the Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf.
This free event features 60+ beautifully decorated boats parading along up the Washington Channel, as well as fun landside holiday activities including hot toddies, live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, a signature music performance by Yani the Band , family photos with Santa, fireworks and so much more.
2024 Event Schedule
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:
🎅 5:00–8:00pm — 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
2024 Frequently Asked Questions
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? Boater registration for this year's parade is completely sold out. We hope you can join us for landside activities on our pier. 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 Wharf's wood-burning fire pit. ⭐ Visit the 45-foot nautical-inspired tree on District Pier. ⭐ Live music from Yani the Band and The Experience Band & Show . ⭐ 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.
Get Social with @TheWharfDC
Share your pictures and videos with The Wharf on social media (IG, TW, FB, TikTok) by tagging @TheWharfDC and using #TheWharfDC .
Stay at The Wharf
Turn your visit into a vacation! Extend your trip and stay at one of our four hotels. That way, you can fully enjoy our holiday festivities.
Directions to The Wharf
Centrally located, The Wharf is the District’s waterfront destination that is easy to get to—and to get around.
Where DC Celebrates
Learn more about The Wharf's year-round schedule of events and happenings.
Stay in the Know
Subscribe to The Wharf Newsletter to be the first to learn about upcoming events, new restaurants, and special offers.
THE WASHINGTON LOBBYIST
Watch the Holiday Boat Parade from Limani’s Winter Wonderland
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* The best view of DC’s famous Holiday Boat Parade is waiting for you at Limani, DC. This over-the-water gem on the Southwest Waterfront offers unbeatable sights, festive vibes, and cozy luxury.
Located at The Wharf, Limani is the only three-story restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Washington Channel. Every table guarantees water views, and for the ultimate experience, you can reserve a private igloo on the penthouse balcony turned Winter Wonderland .
Why Limani is the Perfect Holiday Spot
Limani is transforming its rooftop for the holidays. Picture this: temperature-controlled igloos, Bose sound systems, and a special holiday menu—all while overlooking the twinkling lights of the boat parade. Add festive touches like life-sized nutcrackers, a sleigh for Instagram photos, and a 10-foot holiday tree, and you’ve got the ultimate holiday vibe.
The festivities don’t stop there. Enjoy complimentary koulourakia (traditional Greek cookies) and specialty holiday drinks like Rakomelo, a cozy cocktail of raki, Greek honey, cinnamon, and cloves. Or try the “Spicy Dionysus,” a mulled wine cocktail inspired by the Greek god of wine.
A Full Night of Holiday Fun at The Wharf
The Holiday Boat Parade isn’t just about the boats. From 6:00–8:00 pm, The Wharf will be alive with holiday activities like s’mores, ornament decorating, and live music from local DC bands. Santa himself will be there for photos and visits.
At 7:00 pm, the illuminated boats will parade through the Washington Channel, followed by a stunning fireworks finale at 8:00 pm. All of this can be enjoyed from the warmth of Limani’s stunning vantage points.
Give Back While Celebrating
Limani is also hosting a toy drive benefiting Volunteers of America. Bring a gift and make someone’s holiday brighter.
Reserve Your Seat Today This is the most in-demand spot for DC’s Holiday Boat Parade. Reservations for Limani’s Winter Wonderland, especially its igloos, are filling up fast, so call to reserve: (202) 804-8000, or book on OpenTable for reservations: OpenTable – Boat Parade
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