The holidays may be months away, but the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival will be here before you know it. Get tickets while you can
The Seattle Christmas Ship Festival is back in 2022! One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, if you can’t wait to experience this dose of holiday cheer, you’re in luck. Whether you want to catch a ride with St. Nick on the The Spirit of Seattle or want to listen to the choir, gathered ’round a bonfire at a local beach, there are tons of ways families can enjoy this Pacific Northwest tradition. Remember that this super popular event sells out quickly, as do reservations at local restaurants. So if you want to get in on the singing, Santa, lighted boat action, now is the time to do it.
Experience the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival
Ride the Christmas Ship Lead Boat
Every year Argosy Cruises pulls out all the stops with the spectacularly decorated Spirit of Seattle, the designated Christmas Ship that all the other boats follow. During the 90-minute cruise, a local choir sings at scheduled shore side locations (see schedule below) and Santa mingles with the kids and smiles for holiday pictures. While on board you can expect some holiday sing-alongs and a very special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Santa. The boat has two fully enclosed, heated decks, one outside deck, restrooms and a cash bar. While cruisin’ the waters, you and your little elves can enjoy snacks, chowder and beverages available for purchase. Reserve online.
Cost: $54/Adult; $40/Kid (4–12); $50/Senior; Free, kids 3 & under; $72/person for Opening Night (Nov. 25) & Grande Finale (Dec. 23)
Follow the Christmas Ship Boat
Being on the Christmas Ship is quite a treat, but so is riding the Follow Boat that (you guessed it) follows the lead ship. Not only will you get fantastic photos of the Spirit of Seattle, but you’ll get many of the Christmas Ship perks, too. Fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms and food and drink for purchase, the follow boat cruise is a bit longer and includes a broadcast of the choir aboard The Spirit of Seattle. So far the Follow Boat will run on two nights—
Good to Know: This year the Follow Boat is 21 and over. Maybe a great date night?
Cost: $57/Person
Dine at a Waterfront Restaurant
Because sitting down to dinner at a restaurant with a view is always in season, here’s a fun idea: check the sailing schedule below and pick a primo viewing location with nearby waterfront restaurants, like Lake Union, Alki, Redondo Beach or Leschi. Places like Duke’s, Anthony’s, Salty’s and Ivar’s Salmon House are all great options with covered outdoor seating and viewing decks, so you and the fam can feast your eyes on a panorama of glowing boats while also enjoying a fine meal.
Watch from the Shore at Local Beaches & Parks
Whether it’s your neighborhood beach park or a stunning downtown location like the Olympic Sculpture Park, when the Christmas Ships sail past it’s a truly spectacular sight. Many locations will have a bonfire going, which are noted below. Bundle up the kiddos, grab a thermos of hot cocoa and go! Times listed below detail when the parade will stop and broadcast choir performances over their state-of-the-art sound system. The full schedule includes sailing departure times, private events and bonfire details.
Related: Where to Find the Best U-Cut Tree Farms near Seattle
Christmas Ship Sailing Schedule
Friday, November 25: Pier 55 (Opening Night/First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Don Armeni Park
Friday, November. 25: Pier 55 (Opening Night/Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Elliott Bay Marina
Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
2:35 p.m. Olympic Sculpture Park
Sailing includes cookies with Santa
Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Salty's on Alki Beach
Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (Third Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Alik Beach Park (bonfire)
Sunday, November 27: Shilshole Bay Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Carkeek Beach Park (bonfire)
Sunday, November 27: Shilshole Bay Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Golden Gardens Park (bonfire)
Friday, December 2: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
5:35 p.m. Ferdinand State Park (bonfire)
Friday, December 2: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:10 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Park (bonfire)
Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
2:35 p.m. Pritchard Island Beach (bonfire)
Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
5:35 p.m. Seward Park (bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Third Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
8:40 p.m. Stan Sayers Memorial Park (bonfire)
Sunday, December 4: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: Peninsula Community Chorus
5:35 p.m. Mercer Shore Club (private)
Sunday, December 4: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: Peninsula Community Chorus
8:35 p.m. Mt. Baker Beach (bonfire)
Friday, December 9: Lake Union Park (First Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
5:35 p.m. ASUW Shell House (bonfire)
Friday, December 9: Lake Union Park (Second Sailing/Parade of Boats)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
8:20 p.m. Fremont Cut (rolling show/bonfire)
Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
2:10 p.m. Marina Park (1st performance/bonfire)
2:50 p.m. Magnuson Park (2nd performance/bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
5:35 p.m. Juanita Beach Park (bonfire)
Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (Third Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
5:35 p.m. Seattle Tennis Club (private)
Sunday, December 11: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Laurelhurst Beach Club (private)
Sunday, December 11: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Houghton Beach
Friday, December 16: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
5:35 p.m. Madrona Park (bonfire)
Friday, December 16: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:35 p.m. Denny Blaine Park (bonfire)
Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
2:35 p.m. Waverly Beach Park
Sailing includes cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
5:35 p.m. Madison Park (bonfire)
Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (Third Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
8:40 p.m. Meydenbauer Bay Park
Sunday, December 18: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Touchstone Quartet
5:35 p.m. Windermere Park (private)
Sunday, December 18: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Touchstone Quartet
8:40 p.m. Luther Burbank Park
Monday, December 19: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Bellevue Youth Choir
5:35 p.m. OO Denny Park (bonfire)
Monday, December 19: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:40 p.m. Log Boom Park
Tuesday, December 20: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:40 p.m. Lake Forest Park Civic Club (private)
Wednesday, December 21: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Holy Names Vocal Ensemble
5:35 p.m. Carillon Point (bonfire)
Wednesday, December 21: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:40 p.m. Sheridan Beach Club (private)
Thursday, December 22: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Medina Beach Park
Thursday, December 22: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Yarrow Point (bonfire)
Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
2:40 p.m. The Ballard Locks (bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa
Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Ivar's Salmon House
Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (Third Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:30 p.m. Seattle Yacht Club (1st performance/private)
9:10 p.m. Gas Works Park (2nd performance/bonfire)
Good to Know: Argosy Cruises donates a portion of all ticket sales to The Seattle Times’ Fund for Those in Need, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.
Online: argosycruises.com
All photos courtesy Argosy Cruises
