Christmas Ships Parade
Spectators gather along the shoreline to watch a flotilla of motor and sail boats decorated with vibrant, illuminated holiday displays. Around 80 festively lit vessels cruise the waterways, parading individually or joining together into a nearly two-mile-long display. Visitors can also take advantage of dockside opportunities to view the boats up close and meet the volunteer skippers.
What to Expect
The longest continuously operating illuminated boat parade in the United States.
Event Details
Duration
Some parade descriptions say the fleet is out for about two hours.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Waterfront
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Christmas Ships Parade
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of festive light displays
Vibe
Festive and scenic
Energy Level
Low
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free to attend.
- Hours: December 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM; December 5: 6:00 PM–8:30 PM; December 12: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM; December 13: 4:30 PM–9:00 PM; December 17 Columbia Fleet: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM; December 19: 4:30 PM–8:00 PM; December 20: 5:00 PM–7:00 PM. On December 11 the Willamette Fleet listing runs until 9:30 PM.
- Parking: For viewing the December 8 Columbia Fleet outing at M. the gate is kept open later for spectators to watch the ships assemble, and $5 parking applies.
Tips & Advice
- Check which fleet and route runs on your night before heading out, because the Columbia and Willamette fleets follow different routes on different dates.
- Arrive early and plan to wait a while, because weather, river debris and commercial traffic mean there are no exact times for specific viewing spots.
- Watch for updates when the weather turns, since severe weather can cancel a parade and those decisions are made close to parade time.
- Book a river cruise or a table at a riverside restaurant like Salty's, The Sextant or The Cove if you'd rather watch from the water or indoors.
- Dress warmly for an evening on the riverbank, since the fleet is out for about two hours on many routes.
Special Events & Promotions
- Combined-fleet Santa escort to the Vancouver Waterfront for the Vancouver Rotary Tree Lighting on Friday, November 27.
- Combined-fleet nights, when both fleets parade together, on December 3, 4 and 5 and December 12.
- Meet & Greet at Riverplace Marina on December 19 and 20, a chance to see the boats up close.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are good spots to watch on the Vancouver side?
Rotary Way west of I-5 is an outdoor viewing spot. Riverside restaurants and hotels include The Cove, Hotel Indigo Vancouver and McMenamins on the Columbia. On the Vancouver Waterfront route, you can see the fleet from both sides of the river.
Where can I watch the Willamette fleet in Portland?
Outdoor spots include Riverplace Esplanade at the west end of the Marquam Bridge, Tom McCall Waterfront Park along SW Front, and the South Waterfront Greenway. The Old Spaghetti Factory is right on the route.
Can I watch the ships from the water?
Yes. River cruises and excursions include Portland Spirit, Island Style Charters, Portland River Tours, Scovare Expeditions and The Electric Boat Company. The Willamette Shore Trolley is another option. The Government Island docks can only be reached by boat.
Can I find out exactly when the ships will pass my spot?
No. Weather, river debris and commercial river traffic all affect the parade, so there are no exact times for specific viewing spots. On many routes the fleet is out for about two hours.
How can I bring my own boat into the parade?
First-year skippers and crew must attend the New Participant Orientation in October. All skippers attend the mandatory All Participant Orientation on November 10. If you haven't signed up yet, email the organizers.
More Christmas Events Near Vancouver
More Christmas Events near Vancouver
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.