Looking for festive fun on the waterfront in D.C. this holiday season? Make your plans to attend the annual holiday boat parade along the Washington Channel and The Wharf. This event is a family-friendly classic, where you can enjoy over 60 beautifully decorated boats and festivities both on land and on the water. It’s also a great chance to take some family photos for the holiday card!
2025 Washington D.C. Holiday Boat Parade & Celebration Details
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Boat Parade Start: The decorated boats begin arriving in the Washington Channel at around 7:00 PM.
- Fireworks Finale: Around 8:00 p.m., fireworks will be displayed over the Washington Channel to conclude the parade.
- Activities & Festivities: From 5:00-8:00 PM, there will be various land-based holiday activities at The Wharf, including live music, ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, visits with Santa, s’mores by a fire pit (“Camp Wharf”), a Christmas tree (45-foot nautical tree), and other visuals like a Jack Daniel’s barrel tree.
Parade Route & Location
- The boats parade along the Washington Channel, which runs by The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront.
- The main focal point for spectators is The Wharf piers (District Pier, Transit Pier, etc.) and along “Wharf Street” by The Wharf.
Best Land Viewing Spots
Here are some places on land where you can get good views, just make sure you arrive early to secure a decent viewing spot.
- District Pier at The Wharf
- This is a great Central location, close to many of the event activities, with good views of decorated boats arriving in the channel. Just plan to arrive early, by 5 pm, to secure a good spot and expect large crowds.
- Transit Pier
- Close to music and festivities, also at The Wharf, but with more obstructed views. This has fewer crowds, but it can be more challenging to have a good view of the parade.
- Wharf Street / Piers on the Waterfront
- Enjoy the options of many vantage points, fewer crowds, and being near shopping and food vendors along this stretch. Just be sure to bring some warm clothes as this more exposed area can be cold at night.
Tips for land spectators:
- Dress warmly; it’ll be early December in D.C., likely cold near the water, especially after sunset.
- Bring layers, hats/gloves, maybe a blanket, plus something like a thermos with hot drink (where allowed).
- Public transit or arriving early is strongly encouraged. Parking near The Wharf is limited, and the traffic can be heavy close to 5-7 PM.
- For families: bring children’s gear, possibly small folding chairs, and a plan for restrooms or leaving the event early if necessary.
- Bring money and your ID if you’re looking to sip a hot toddy or other adult beverages from the Corona Cheer Garden.
Seeing the Parade from the Water: Use Getmyboat
If you prefer seeing the parade from the water itself, renting a boat via Getmyboat is an excellent option. Here’s how to plan that, what to expect, and safety & regulatory considerations.
What GetMyBoat Offers in Washington, D.C.
- There are 70-80+ boat rentals listed for the D.C. area.
- Types include powerboats, pontoons, yachts, and smaller vessels. Some are luxury yachts; some are smaller boats for casual cruising.
- Many listings include a crewed/captained option, which is likely helpful, especially during busy event traffic. Consider booking a boat charter starting earlier so you can enjoy some time on the water sightseeing before settling into your parade viewing spot.
How to Plan to Be on the Water for the Parade
Book Early
Because this is a high-demand event, boats will get booked well in advance. Aim to reserve your boat rental or yacht charter several weeks before the holiday boat parade.
Choose the Right Size & Type
Consider how many people are in your party and make sure you book a boat that will accommodate all passengers. Also consider your comfort — December is a colder time to go boating so you'll want to think about warmth (covered or open decks), and viewing angles available from the boat (you’ll want good visibility).
Book a boat with a captain. It makes everything easier and safer on the water (you don’t have to worry about navigation, docks, or dealing with other boaters).
Pick Ideal Launch / Dock Location
Many Getmyboat boats pick up around The Wharf Marina, Georgetown, The Yards, and Old Town Alexandria. Determine which is best for your group and find a boat that will accommodate your desired pickup location.
If possible, choose one that starts near The Wharf or the Washington Channel so you can be in position before parade boats arrive around 7:00 PM.
Plan Time Buffer
Be on the water early (e.g., 6:00-6:30 PM) to navigate safely, avoid congestion, and find a good spot.
Factor in put-in time, boarding, safety briefing, and navigating slow zones.
Understand Regulations & Safety
Check whether you need a boating safety certificate or local licensing to drive a rental. Some rentals are captained, some are bare-boat/self-drive.
Life jackets & safety gear must be aboard.
Be aware of possible closures or restricted waterways during the parade/fireworks for safety. Authorities may close parts of the Washington Channel or set safety zones. It’s crucial to ensure your boat is legal to be in that area during the parade.
Comfort & Logistics on Board
Dress warmly. This is important, especially on open water, where the wind will make it feel colder.
Bring blankets, hot drinks in a thermos, and snacks.
Bring camera gear, extra batteries; views from the water are great, but may be darker.
Be mindful of seasickness if you or anyone in your party is prone.
Typical Costs & What to Expect Based on Getmyboat Listings
- Smaller boats/pontoons often start around $150-$250/hour (for fewer passengers) when captained or including fuel.
- Luxury yachts or bigger vessels cost considerably more (could be $400-$700+/hour for a nice yacht), depending on amenities, size, duration.
- Many listings will require a minimum duration (often 2 hours or more) for larger boats.
Step-by-Step Plan to Experience the Parade & Celebrations
Here’s a timeline that will help you get the most out of the event:
4:30-5:00 PM
Arrive at The Wharf (or dock your boat) to claim good land vantage point or get your boat in position.
5:00-6:30 PM
Enjoy land-based festivities (food, music, Santa, ornaments etc.), or if on boat: get settled, safety briefing, warm-ups.
6:30 PM
Head out or move into position in the Washington Channel if you're on water; land spectators move to prime viewing spots.
7:00 PM
Parade officially starts; watch the decorated boats go by; capture photos.
8:00 PM
Fireworks finale; make sure you are in a clear view. If on water, ensure you're in a safe zone, following the coast guard or harbor patrol guidance.
After 8-9 PM
Event winding down; either head back to the dock or enjoy remaining land activities; allow time for exit (traffic, docks etc.).
In Summary - Top Tips
To maximize your experience of the 2025 Holiday Boat Parade in D.C.
- Plan to arrive early (land or water) so you’re ready by 7:00 PM when the parade begins.
- If you want a more premium, immersive experience, rent via Getmyboat a vessel big enough for your party, ideally with a captain, from a dock close to the Washington Channel.
- Dress for winter; bring layers, warm gear.
- Be aware of safety, regulations, and boating rules; check local notices for waterway closures or safety zones around fireworks.
- For land watching, District Pier and Transit Pier are top choices; the waterfront walkway along The Wharf offers many spots.
The holiday boat parade in Washington, D.C., is a wonderful opportunity to kick off the holiday season and get into the spirit of the city. It’s a laidback event and a fun excuse to enjoy the waterfront with friends and family. Don’t wait to plan on attending the event — whether you rent a boat with a Getmyboat captain in D.C. or find the perfect viewing spot from land, take action to make sure you can enjoy this spectacular event.
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