The District’s Holiday Boat Parade at The Wharf: 2023 Boat Registration

Join The Wharf for a magical night of boating and fireworks celebrating 31st Annual District Holiday Boat Parade in Washington, DC.

This year’s parade will be on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 6:00–9:00pm, with Fireworks at 8:00pm. The parade route stretches from the tip of Hains Point up the Washington Channel to the docks at The Wharf.

This site is for registering your boat for the parade. You must own your own boat to take part. Members of the public who wish to view the Parade do not need to register; attendance is free and open to the public.

Registration

Captains who are planning to participate in the parade must use this Eventbrite form to register their vessel.

All vessels taking part in the Parade must be decorated.

Parade participation is limited to the first 65 to register.

Registration ends Monday, November 27.

Download the Captain’s Overview Flyer here.

Parade Schedule

6:00pm: Landside activities begin at The Wharf

6:30pm: Boats assemble at Hains Point

7:00pm: Parade begins at Hains Point and sails into the Washington Channel

7:30pm: Parade boat docking begins as participants continue sailing down the Channel

8:00pm: Fireworks finale to the parade

9:00pm: Land activities end

Prizes

Boats that decorate and participate in the parade in the Washington Channel are eligible for judging and may receive one of the following prizes:

• Best in Parade: $1000
• Showstopper: $900
• First Place: $800
• Second Place: $700
• Third Place: $600
• Best Sail Boat: $500
• Best Motor Boat: $500
• Waterfront Wow: $500
• Founder’s Award: $500
• Spirit of DC: $500
• Best Crew: $500
• Partner’s Award: $500
• Most Ingenious Idea: $500
• Most Likely to Capsize: $100

Limited to pre-registered boaters. Winners will be announced to the public at 9pm. Prizes will be distributed at the After Party.

Captains Meeting

The Wharf will host a mandatory Captain’s Coordination Meeting at The Wharf Galley for all pre-registered vessels on Thursday, November 30 at 7pm at 760 Maine Avenue. SW—2nd Floor. The meeting will include hors d’oeuvres, a hosted bar and giveaways. Parking is complimentary.

Captains After Party presented by Oasis Marinas

The private Captain’s After Party presented by Oasis Marinas begins at 8pm at Pearl Street Warehouse (33 Pearl Street SW). The After Party is limited to the participating Captain and up to 7 additional pre-registered crew per vessel (8 total maximum). This private event will feature live music, hot hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and parade prize distribution. The Captain’s After Party is a ticketed event—no exceptions will be made for non-registered boaters and you must participate in the Parade to attend. Party concludes at 10pm.

Parade Gifts

Each pre-registered parade boat that enters the Washington Channel for judging will receive a special Captains Treasure Chest (distributed at the After Party), including a Captain’s $50 Thank You Gift Card, Parade T-shirts, and other parade memorabilia for the pre-registered Captain and crew (maximum of 8 total per vessel).

Free On-Land Events

• Visit with Santa
• Holiday ornament decorating
• Christmas tree photos
• Live music
• Roaring bonfire with s’mores available for purchase
• Holiday street performers
• Festive balloon art
• Signature performance by The Royals
• Holiday characters on Wharf Street
• Fireworks at 8pm