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Deets: Celebrate the holidays with this iconic DC event that features over sixty beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. 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 District’s Holiday Boat Parade will offer activities for all ages including:
Decorate holiday ornaments and write a letter to Santa on Recreation Pier
Roast s’mores at Camp WAFF’s wood-burning fire pit
Visit the 45-foot nautical-inspired tree on District Pier
Enjoy live music from the Royals on the District Pier Stage, the Too Much Talent Band on the Transit Pier Floating stage or carolers throughout the neighborhood
Snap a picture with Santa at The Grove or holiday costume characters along Wharf Street
Sing holiday karaoke with your friends at the 7th Street Stage
“Salute” oversized toy soldiers in The Green
Sip on winter drinks at the Corona Cheer Garden
Glide over the ice on Transit Pier at The Wharf’s Ice Rink, DC’s only over-water ice skating rink
Visit the Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree and Bar and donate to Operation Ride Home while enjoying festive sips on Market Pier
Enjoy a dazzling fireworks finale over the Washington Channel
EVENT SCHEDULE:
6:00–9:00pm — Activities throughout The Wharf (Corona Cheer Garden, s’mores, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, live music by the Royals and Too Much Talent Band and visits with Santa)
7:00pm — Boats arrive in the Washington Channel, Tommy McFly emcees the parade
8:00pm — Fireworks Salute
8:15pm–9:00pm — Live music by the Royals continues on the District Pier Stage. The bar will still be open!
Hint for the Average Socialite: This event is free and open to the public; no registration is required to view the parade or enjoy the live music and activities. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. This event will take place rain or shine. Actual start times may vary pending parade progress.
