As the chill of December settles over the DMV, nothing warms the boating soul quite like the glow of holiday lights reflecting off the Potomac—especially during the twin spectacles of the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and the DC Wharf Holiday Boat Parade & Party, both firing up on Saturday, December 6, 2025. These festive flotillas transform the waterfront into a nautical winter wonderland, with dozens of decked-out vessels parading themes from “Reindeer Rave” to “Santa’s Floating UFO,” kicking off Alexandria’s 25th annual tradition and DC’s 33rd. Whether you’re a spectator bundled up on shore or a captain plotting your light show, it’s a prime chance to shake off the off-season blues before spring’s siren call. Pro tip for participants: With registration now closed for both events (email info@wharfdc.com if you’re already in, but latecomers are out of luck), focus on the fun—spectating is free and fabulous, turning the shoreline into one massive, mistletoe-kissed, and whisky-soaked party.
Kicking off in Alexandria, dockside festivities at Waterfront Park (1 King Street) crank up from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., blending holiday cheer with local flavor: Pop into the Port City Brewing Company beer garden for a pint, grab Neapolitan pizza from Frank Pepe or tacos from Tequila & Taco, and let the kids craft at AR Workshop Alexandria or snap pics at the Lee-Fendall House Museum. Over at the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N Union St.), the Holiday Festival runs 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., complete with Santa’s dramatic fireboat arrival at 3:30 p.m. from Alexandria City Marina. The parade itself launches at 5:30 p.m. from the City Marina (0 Cameron St.), cruising a one-mile southward route along the Old Town waterfront for 45-60 minutes—expect earlier sightings north of Founders Park during staging and later views to the south.
Head to DC’s Wharf for non-stop action starting at 5:00 p.m. across piers like District, Transit, and Recreation: Toast in the Corona Cheer Gardens, roast s’mores at the Caps Campfire pit, decorate ornaments, belt holiday karaoke, or pose with Santa and pets at the Pet Pix Photobooth (5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., courtesy of Brandywine Valley SPCA). Live tunes hit at 5:00 p.m. with Too Much Talent Band on Transit Pier, followed by My Hero Zero on District Pier at 6:00 p.m. The parade proper rolls in at 7:00 p.m. along the Washington Channel, emceed by Tommy McFly, culminating in an 8:00 p.m. fireworks barge blast and an after-party on District Pier with DJs spinning Jingle Bell Rock till late.
For those lucky enough to be parading (congrats on snagging a spot before cutoff), keep your engines purring with smart fueling stops—the Wharf Marina dishes out gas at a competitive $5.15 per gallon, while James Creek Marina nearby is your go-to for diesel at $4.10 per gallon, ensuring you don’t sputter out mid-mistletoe. Both events sail rain or shine, so layer up, arrive early via Metro (King Street for Alexandria, Waterfront for DC), and dodge parking pandemonium with rideshares or the water taxi for a floating VIP view. It’s the ultimate pre-spring teaser: Lights dancing on the water, crowds buzzing with eggnog-fueled goodwill, and a reminder that even in the depths of winter, the Potomac’s party never truly docks. Mark your calendars, crew—December 6 is when the holidays go full throttle.
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PS: Big Ups to Chris Rupp for the reminder!