Parade of Lights at DC Wharf Promises Fun and Fireworks for the Whole Family

There is absolutely no parade like a boat parade, and this year’s annual holiday parade of lights at the DC Wharf will include tens of thousands of lights, fireworks, live music and the world’s largest World Series trophy! That’s right Nat’s fans! Wharf Life DC has built the world’s largest World Series Trophy and it will be on display Saturday night!

The event is free and open to the public. Come see up to 70 boats decorated in full holiday regalia participating in the parade of lights. Floating up the Washington Channel, spectators will see the holiday season come to life like never before. There will be giant reindeer, water skiing santas, and floating winter wonderlands.

For the boating community at Wharf Gangplank Marina and Capital Yacht Club, the parade of lights marks the end of the boating season and the true beginning of the holidays and it’s done in typical boatlife style: with a massive party.

On land, the Wharf has a schedule of fun events including a waterfront beer and wine garden, s’mores, and live music. The parade kicks off at 7pm and is led by Fireboat John Glenn. Our friends at The Tommy Show, Tommy McFly and Kelly Collis, will be the emcees calling all the action. After the parade, stick around for the fireworks, which the Wharf always does right!

Below is the official schedule of events:

6:00–9:00pm — Activities throughout The Wharf (Waterfront Beer and Wine Garden, s’mores, and music)
7:00pm — Boats arrive in the Washington Channel
8:00pm — Fireworks Salute
8:15pm–9:00pm — Live music continues on District Pier Stage

*Actual start times may vary pending parade progress.

As your might know, traffic around the Wharf can be terrible, so please think about leaving your car at home and consider one of these options including the water taxi or metro.