To make a reservation on the Christmas ship or follow boat please call 206.623.1445
argosy Christmas Ship™ Festival
The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 59 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. From our flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the holiday season.
Each night, from Saturday November 29 through December 23rd, the Argosy Christmas Ship™ sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, over 45 in total. Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances to these communities, all broadcast via state-of-the-art speaker system. This year, we are beginning the program on Saturday night, November 29 to help commemorate the new South Lake Union Park. Both Saturday and Sunday will be value nights.
On shore, thousands of people gather around roaring bonfires anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Ship™. You can either join us on board the Christmas Ship™ or one of the Parade ships that follow, or join with friends and neighbors to gather together for your own caroling tradition. If you own your own boat, feel welcome to join in the festival and help form the largest holiday floating parade in the world.
In addition to good cheer, family, and friends, a portion of all ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: South Lake Union 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm (Value Night)
7:50-8:10 Madison Park*, 8:30-8:50 Seattle Yacht Club
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 (SPECIAL PREVIEW)Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: South Lake Union 6:00pm, Return: 8:30pm (Value Night)
6:00-6:20 South Lake Union Park, 7:20-7:40 Seattle Tennis Club
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, OPENING NIGHTReturn to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:20pm
6:00-6:30 Opening Ceremony, Kirkland Marina
7:00-7:20 Kirkland Marina Park*,
8:10-8:30 Gasworks Park*
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Leschi Marina 7:00pm, Return: 9:40pm (Value Night)
8:00-8:20 Gene Coulon*,
8:50-9:10 Newcastle*
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:10pm (Value Night)
7:30-7:50 Matthews Beach*,
8:30-8:50 Houghton Beach*
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4Return to top of page
Departure: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
7:50-8:10 Atlantic City*,
8:25-8:45 Seward Park*
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:20pm
7:40-8:00 Ferdinand St.*,
8:15-8:35 Stan Sayres*,
8:45-9:05 Mt. Baker Beach*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, FIRST SAILINGReturn to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
4:10-4:30 Medina*,
5:00-5:20 Yarrow Point Park*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, SECOND SAILING Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 7:45pm, Return: 10:05pm
8:30-8:45 Chism Beach,
9:25-9:45 Laurelhurst*
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Des Moines 5:00pm, Return: 7:15pm
5:45-6:05 Brown’s Point*,
6:30-6:50 Redondo Beach*
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Edmonds 7:00pm, Return: 9:10pm (Value Night)
7:10-7:30 Edmonds,
8:20-8:40 Richmond Beach*
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Shilshole 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm (Value Night)
8:00-8:20 Locks,
9:05-9:25 Golden Gardens*
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Bremerton 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm (Value Night)
7:00-7:20 Bremerton Marina,
8:05-8:25 Silverdale
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Pier 55 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
8:05-8:25 Manchester City Park*,
9:15-9:35 Olympic Sculpture Park
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Pier 55 7:00pm, Return: 9:50pm
8:00-8:20 Carkeek Park*,
8:30-8:50 Blue Ridge*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, FIRST SAILINGReturn to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Pier 55 4:00pm, Return: 6:00pm
4:20-4:40 Pier 66,
5:15-5:35 Seacrest Marina*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, SECOND SAILINGReturn to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Pier 55 8:00pm, Return: 10:20pm
8:50-9:10 Lowman Beach*,
9:40-10:00 Alki Beach*
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Pier 55 5:00pm, Return: 7:50pm
6:10-6:30 Winslow Waterfront Beach,
7:10-7:30 Don Armeni*
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Des Moines 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm (Value Night)
7:10-7:30 Des Moines*,
8:10-8:30 Dash Point*
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Tacoma 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm (Value Night)
7:00-7:20 Glass Museum,
8:20-8:40 Gig Harbor*
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm (Value Night)
7:55-8:15 Mercer Island Beach Club (private)*,
8:45-9:05 Beaux Arts*
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
7:15-7:35 Carillon Point,
8:35-8:55 Meydenbauer Bay*
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:40pm
8:00-8:20 Tracy Owen Station,
9:00-9:20 Juanita Beach Park*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, FIRST SAILINGReturn to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 3:45pm, Return: 5:55pm
3:55-4:15 Kirkland Marina Park*,
4:55-5:15 Madison Park*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, SECOND SAILINGReturn to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 10:30pm
8:55-9:15 Sheridan Beach Club,
9:45-10:05 O.O. Denny Park*
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 5:00pm, Return: 7:10pm
5:50-6:10 Luther Burbank,
6:35-6:55 Madrona*
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22Return to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm (Value Night)
8:00-8:20 Lake Forest Civic Club (private)*,
8:55-9:15 Magnuson Beach*
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, FIRST SAILINGReturn to top of page
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
4:00-4:20 Matthews Beach*,
5:00-5:20 Houghton Beach*
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, PARADE FINALEReturn to top of page
CHOIR: Seattle Girls' Choir-Prime Voci
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 11:05pm
8:45-9:05 Portage Bay (W. Montlake Park),
9:45-10:05 Gasworks Grand Finale*
*Bonfire Sites/special lighting (subject to change)
Cruise choices & RATES for the festival
People who want to participate in the festival have a number of options:
You can ride the Official Christmas Ship. This ship is called the Spirit of Seattle and has the choir on board that sings out to shore. It is the lead ship that all other boats follow. Rates to ride the Christmas Ship itself are:
$35 adults, $31.50 seniors, $19 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Tax is additional on all events)
We also have special value nights on the Christmas Ship, as indicated on the schedule. These Value Night Rates are:
$25 adults, $22.50 seniors, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Tax is additional on all events)
Parade Boats, or follow boats do just that. They follow the Christmas Ship but do not have the choir on board. Rates to ride the parade boats are:
$25 adults, $22.50 seniors, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Tax is additional on all events).
Some nights are also followed by the Royal Argosy, Seattle's Dinner Boat. This option allows you to follow in the parade while having a 3-course seated-served meal that you order form a menu. Everyone has their own private table and there is generally a live band on board. The Royal Argosy only follows the parade on SOME evenings. On December 23rd we also offer a special early sailing of the Dinner Boat for families that includes a buffet and follows the Christmas Ship. (Both the Christmas Ship itself and all the other follow boats have boxed-meal options). Please check the schedule or call if you want to ride this boat on a parade night. Rates to ride the Royal Argosy are:
(Tax & pre-paid service charge additional on dinner boat events)
Or, you can bring out your own boat and follow the parade with friends and family. For those who simply want from shore, please join us at one of the locations in the schedule - many with wonderful bonfires and community involvement. Return to top of page
Official Christmas Ship™ (Lead Ship with the choir)
Every night through the 23rd of December, the Christmas Ship™, Argosy's Spirit of Seattle, takes its place at the head of the parade as the Official Christmas Ship. On board, a local featured choir sings 20-minute programs at scheduled shoreside locations. The choir is broadcast over state-of-the-art speaker systems, letting those on shore join in the festivities. On board, Santa mingles with guests, spreading cheer. Certain holiday activities keep guests entertained between choral performances: sing-a-longs, a"Ho-Ho-Ho" contest, a children's activity corner, and the camaraderie that the holiday spirit brings out.
The boat has two fully enclosed, heated decks, one outside deck, restrooms, and a cash bar. Guests also have the option of pre-purchasing boxed meals. (Boats that follow the Christmas ship are called Parade Boats and do not have a choir onboard).Return to top of page
Parade ships (FOLLOW THE LEAD SHIP, no choir)
The brightly lit Parade Ships follow the Christmas Ship™ . Boats that follow the Christmas ship are called Parade Boats and do not have a choir onboard. Many boats make up the parade ship fleet, including many of Argosy's own ships as well as privately owned boats from nearby marinas.
Parade Ships are fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms, and a cash bar. Guests also have the option of pre-purchasing boxed meals. On board activities include a 'Ho-Ho-Ho' contest, Santa's magical presence, sing-a-longs, and a kids' activity area. All parade ships position themselves alongside the Christmas Ship™ to enjoy the outstanding choral performances. Return to top of page
THE Royal Argosy dinner ship
The elegant Royal Argosy (decorated beautifully for the holidays) is a perfect way to create a holiday tradition in your family or with co-workers. Join us for a seated served 3-course dinner, live music and a 3-hour cruise. Locations and times vary. Note: The Royal Argosy follows the Christmas Ship on select nights only.
Join Argosy for a December tradition designed for families. As you watch the Christmas ship, be prepared to enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner as well as strolling carols provided by the Dicken's Carolers. Santa will be on board and a special arts and crafts will be available for little ones!
Buffet dinner includes: Field Greens Salad, Grilled Vegetable Platter, Fruit Platter, Chicken, Salmon with rice pilaf, Ravioli, breads and dessert samplers. Plus kids will have home-made macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers.
No outside food or drink are allowed on board. Guests who would like a full service dinner included, may want to consider cruising on the Royal Argosy. Or, for those who are riding the Christmas Ship or a follow boat, you may order boxed meals provided by Gretchen's and delivered to the boat.
Boxed meals must be ordered a minimum of 48 hours in advance by calling Argosy Cruises at (206-623-1445). Those who order in advance will get a discount as well as receive a ticket good for a free fountain soda, coffee or hot tea on board. Only a limited number of boxed meals will be available for purchase on board the boat. All sales are final. Return to top of page
Please Note
All bookings by phone, on-line or in person are final and non-refundable
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