Christmas parades 2026Washington, DC · The District

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Washington, DC, 2026.

We found four Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Washington, DC with 2026 dates: two parades and two tree lightings and lighting nights, all free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf: Dec 5 · Evening. Plus 1 more.2 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting: Nov 21 · 6–8pm. Plus 1 more.2 lightingsIs it free?Every one listed here is free to watch.4 freeDaytime or after dark?2 daytime, 2 in the evening. Each card is marked.2 evening

Last checked · 4 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

21NovSatAlexandria Holiday Tree LightingTree lighting · 6–8pm3DecThuNational Christmas Tree LightingTree lighting · Not listed5DecSatHoliday Boat Parade & Party at The WharfParade · Evening5DecSatAlexandria Scottish Walk Holiday ParadeParade · 10:30am–12:30pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around DC

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near DC

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in DC

Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The WharfNext: Dec 5, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in DC

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Washington, DC: the FAQ

Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Evening; fireworks around 8pm (Southwest Waterfront). Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 10:30am–12:30pm (Alexandria).

Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting at Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St.: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 6–8pm. National Christmas Tree Lighting at The Ellipse, President’s Park: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, Not listed.

All of the ones we list are free to watch: Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting, National Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf and Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: National Christmas Tree Lighting and Alexandria Scottish Walk Holiday Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 29, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in DC that weekend, parades included.

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