The DMV area is filled with incredible festive cheer, from small towns that host massive Christmas Parades to incredible tree lighting ceremonies; there is certainly no shortage of exciting activations that are fit for the holidays.
That being said, one of the most unique of these experiences, the Holiday Boat Parade, is one of the most fun of the season!
Fortunately, the DMV area will have two Holiday Boat Parades on the same night this December, so you can choose whichever one you want to go to, or even try to see them both!
The two boat parades are:
- Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
- Holiday Boat Parade & Party at the Wharf
The date that both events are slated to take place is Saturday, December 6th!
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Alexandria’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is hosting its 25th celebration this year as part of the town’s biggest holiday weekend.
The parade will take place at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront and start at around 5:30 pm, but dockside festivities will be hosted earlier in the day from 2 to 8 pm, which means you have a good baked-in excuse to show up early and ensure you have a good spot to view the parade.
The dozens of boats participating in the parade will cruise slowly along the Potomac River shoreline to ensure all parade attendees can get a good look and enjoy the festive colors of their creative designs.
Typically, the boats will have unique themes or reference particular holiday stories with their light displays, aiming for a shot to win the sought-after “Best in Show” bragging rights after the parade is concluded.
The event is free, but consider yourself encouraged to enjoy some of the festive fun taking place dockside, such as the pop-up beer garden, an ornament-making workshop, or even crafting Christmas Crowns.
Holiday Boat Parade & Party at the Wharf
The 33rd annual Holiday Boat Parade & Party at the Wharf is also slated for the evening of Saturday, December 6th.
The festivities will kick off at 5 pm with activities including:
- The Corona ‘Cheer Garden’
- S’mores
- Ornament decorating
- Live music
- Meet Santa
- … And more
While the festive activities do kick off at 5 pm, the boats will start to float in at around 7 pm to kick off the parade.
Finally, at around 8 pm, the evening will be capped off with a fireworks finale fit for the occasion!
This event will also be free for attendees, so no ticket is required for you to have a fun time!