Portland, OR. — One of Oregon’s most cherished holiday traditions is preparing to illuminate the region’s rivers once again. The Christmas Ships Parade, a fixture of Pacific Northwest winters since 1954, announced its 71st season, featuring more than 70 decorated and illuminated boats parading along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers over 15 nights in December.
“The Christmas Ships Parade provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season,” said Kelly Marks, a representative for the parade. “This one-of-a-kind event offers a unique experience and creates cherished memories while bringing joy and building community.”
Parade President Kat Pettersen said the tradition is as meaningful for participants as it is for spectators. “Our Christmas Ship Skippers enjoy seeing and hearing the spectators on shore as much as the spectators enjoy seeing the brightly lit boats,” Pettersen said. “It fills our hearts to see the spirit of the Parade reflected in the faces of the spectators.”
Parade Schedule & Routes
Columbia River routes begin Thursday, December 5
Willamette River routes begin Monday, December 9
The fleet will visit communities from North Portland Harbor to Camas, St. Helens, Columbia City, Woodland, the Multnomah Channel, Lake Oswego, and several stops in between. Weeknight parades depart from Riverplace Marina on the Willamette and the M. James Gleason Boat Ramp on the Columbia.
A full schedule and viewing suggestions are available at http://www.christmasships.org/parade-schedule
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Special Events & Toy Drive
Two Meet & Greet Open Houses will be held on the Riverplace Public Docks:
Friday, December 20 from 8:00–10:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 21 from 2:00–4:30 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the annual toy drive benefiting children in need.
A Volunteer-Powered Heritage Tradition
The Christmas Ships Parade is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) and is recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition, one of just 28 in the state. Participants design, build, and pay for their own displays while covering their own operating costs.
Notable yearly impacts include:
Roughly 345 nautical miles traveled
More than 80 miles of shoreline passed
Boats ranging 14 to 65 feet
Annual partnerships with Columbia River Fire & Rescue and Portland Fire & Rescue Toy & Joy Makers
The parade is not affiliated with or subsidized by any local government, and does not offer rides on participating boats.
Viewing and Support
Viewing is free, and many waterfront restaurants, hotels, and public areas offer excellent vantage points. Donations to help sustain the parade can be made at http://www.christmasships.org
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Presenting Sponsors: Boreas Group, Portland Spirit, RiverPlace Marina
Premier Sponsors: Pacific Lifestyle Homes, Fidelity Investments
Supporting Sponsors: Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, The Cove, Fred’s Marina, Boat Insurance Agency, Dr. Jared Bowyer, Hotel Indigo, Residence Inn Downtown/RiverPlace, Salty’s on the Columbia, Island Style Charters, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Portland River Tours, Scovare Expeditions, Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Who Song & Larry’s, The Electric Boat Company
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