About the Christmas Ships Parade

Since 1954, the Christmas Ships Parade has been a beloved Pacific Northwest tradition that brings joy, wonder and holiday spirit to families across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Celebrating Our 72nd Season of Light, Community and Tradition

What began with one simply decorated sailboat has grown into the longest continuously operating illuminated boat parade in the United States, with around 80 boats participating throughout the season lighting up the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

Each December, for 15 magical nights, our flotilla of festively lit vessels glides through the waterways, spreading cheer to thousands along the shore. The parade is 100% volunteer-powered and operated by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fueled by the dedication of our community and the generosity of sponsors and donors.

A ship with a tall mast illuminated with Christmas lights docked on a Portland river at sunset
Viewers watch the Christmas Ships Parade as it moves down a river in Portland

A Celebration for All

Free to attend – no tickets needed

  • Family-friendly – perfect for all ages

  • Multiple viewing locations – check our route maps to find your spot

  • 15 nights in December – view our schedule for dates and details

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, we invite you to bundle up, grab some cocoa and be part of a tradition that lights up both rivers and hearts.

A ship with candy cane Christmas lights docked in front of a Marriott Hotel

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.

  • Most of the Shippers return to the parade year after year after year. In fact, several have been parading for over 40 years!

  • The Christmas Ships Parade partners each year with Portland Fire Toy and Joy Makers, Scappoose Fire & Rescue, and Columbia River Fire & Rescue 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 30 in the state.

  • The Christmas Shippers love to interact with you! If you are watching us, let us know (The best way is on Facebook or Instagram; 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!

Christmas Ships Parade FAQs

  • Welcome! We’re an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit group of boat owners who decorate our boats with festive lights and displays. For 15 nights during the holiday season, we parade on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, bringing joy and holiday cheer to thousands of spectators each night.

  • We parade on 15 nights during the holiday season. You can find the full schedule here.

  • No tickets are required! The Parade is free to watch and can be viewed from many public areas and locations listed on our website.

  • Many local restaurants and hotels take reservations to view the Christmas Ships. But plan ahead! Many book out months in advance and some will completely sell out prior to Parade season.

  • Severe weather is the one thing that can cause a cancellation. These decisions are made close to parade time. We post updates on our website, and you can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and sign up for Christmas Ships FlashAlerts.

  • We parade on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in the greater Portland and Vancouver region. Specific routes and viewing areas are posted for each night in the Parade Schedule details.

  • We’ve been parading since 1954 — this is our 72nd year! We’re proud to be the longest continuously operating illuminated boat parade in the United States.

  • This year, around 80 boats will participate throughout the season parading simultaneously on both the Columbia and the Willamette Rivers. On select nights, the fleet comes together, creating a nearly two-mile-long spectacular display!

  • Check our detailed nightly schedules for both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers — they include routes and some approximate arrival times.
    Note: All times are approximate and may vary due to river conditions or bridge lifts.

  • Yes! In 2026, you’ll have three chances to walk the docks and meet the skippers:

    • Saturday, December 12 – City of St. Helens public dock (before the Parade starts at 5:30 PM)

    • Saturday, December 19 – RiverPlace Marina dock (8:00–10:00 PM)

    • Sunday, December 20 – RiverPlace Marina dock (2:00–4:30 PM)

    These are great opportunities to see the displays up close, talk to the skippers, and take photos!

  • We’d love to have you join us! Reach out via email at contact@christmasships.org or visit our booth at the Portland Holiday Market or the Portland Boat Show. We'll help you get started!

  • Absolutely! Our fleet includes boats from 14’ to 65’. The basic requirements are that your boat is seaworthy, insured, and has some form of illuminated display — and we’re happy to help you get set up. Visit our Join Us page for more information.

  • The Parade covers many miles of riverfront with lots of fantastic free public viewing opportunities each night. If you would like some specific suggestions, check out the details listed for each route on our Parade Schedule.

  • All boats are privately owned and not available for public rides. The best view of the Parade is from the shore where you can see all the boats on full display.

  • We sure do—thank you! We're an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit. While we have no paid staff, we do have expenses, and your support helps keep the tradition alive.
    You can make a tax-deductible donation online here. We truly appreciate your generosity!