The Christmas Ships Parade has launched and will run 15 different nights through the month of December. See the full schedule and parade route details at www.christmasships.org. The Christmas Ships Parade is a 100%, volunteer run 501(c)3 nonprofit featuring boats beautifully decorated with illuminated displays parading at night on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. The Parade brings joy, builds community, celebrates the season, creating cherished memories. The Parade is free and there are many great viewing opportunities along the route. As well, there are many restaurants, hotels and businesses with wonderful views. Check the detail for each route on our webpage for suggestions.
What: The Christmas Ships Parade provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season! Gather your family, friends, coworkers and head to the riverfront! This one-of-a-kind event offers a unique experience (and great backdrop for your holiday photos!)
Who: The Christmas Ships Parade and YOU! Over 70 decorated, illuminated boats will parade for you and your community
Why: There is no better way to celebrate the season than with Christmas Ships Parade
When: 15 nights in December – for complete dates and details visit: www.christmasships.org
- The Columbia River parade routes begin Thursday December 5
- The Willamette River parade routes begin Monday December 9
Where: On the Columbia and Willamette Rivers
- Weeknights launching from RiverPlace Marina on the Willamette and from the M James Gleason Boat Ramp on the Columbia.
- Weekends vary as we visit North Portland Harbor, Camas, St Helens, Columbia City, Woodland, the Multnomah Channel, Lake Oswego and areas in between.
Check the schedule for the specific parade routes and details
Meet & Greets: Open house style events on December 21, 8-10 p.m. and December 22, 2-4:30 p.m. both at the RiverPlace Public Docks. Come join us and meet the fleet! Please bring a new unwrapped toy for our annual toy drive!
Tickets: There are NO tickets required to watch the Parade. The Christmas Ships Parade does not offer rides on the boats.
Contact: Kelly Marks, Kelly@ChristmasShips.org
Donate: If you are interested in helping, consider donating! All contributions help offset the expenses involved in running our nonprofit organization. Go to christmasships.org to donate. And Thank You!
Fun facts about the Christmas Ships Parade:
- The Christmas Ships Parade started in 1954 and is the longest continuously operating illuminated boat parade in the US
- During a typical year, the Parade travels approximately 345 nautical miles
- The Parade passes over 80 miles of shoreline each season
- Boats in the Parade range between 14 and 65 feet and include motor and sail boats
- All Christmas Shippers are volunteer and receive no reimbursement, paying for all their own expenses
- The Christmas Ships Parade partners each year with Columbia River Fire & Rescue and Portland Fire Toy and Joy Makers to collect toys for kids
- Each Christmas Shipper designs their own display, many also fabricating these unique lighted displays using a variety of materials
- The Parade is a designated Oregon Heritage Tradition, one of only 28 in the state!
- The Christmas Shippers love to interact with you! If you are watching us, let us know! (The best way is on FB – if you are on shore, we can’t always hear you from the boats)
- The Christmas Ships Parade is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, not subsidized by or an agency of any City, County or other municipal entity
- The Christmas Ships Parade is happy to bring festive joy to your holiday season!
Social Media
- Twitter @ChristmasShips
- Facebook christmasship.parade
- Instagram christmasships
- www.christmasships.org
Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 comprised of dedicated humans. We value the individual uniqueness inherent to humanity.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Boreas Group
Portland Spirit
RiverPlace Marina
Beaches Restaurant & Bar
Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront
Waverley Country Club
The Cove
Fred’s Marina
Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Inc.
Dr. Jared Bowyer, DDS
Hotel Indigo
Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge
Maryhill Winery
Residence Inn Downtown/RiverPlace
Salty’s on the Columbia
Yacht Tubs
Oregon Yacht Club
City of St Helens
The Old Spaghetti Factory
The Sextant Bar & Galley
Willamette Shore Trolley
Port of Woodland
Channel Island Marina Association
Twigs Bistro
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Class Harbor Association
The Electric Boat Company
Waterfront Organizations of Oregon
Portland Rowing Club
Columbia Crossings Marinas
Salpere Bay Marina
Rocky Pointe Marina
Tidewater Cove Marina
Waverly Marina Association
Columbia River Yacht Club
The Boatyard at Rocky Pointe
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