The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 61 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, through December 23rd, 2010 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 27 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 add lights to you vessel andjoin 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.
To make a reservation on the Christmas ship or follow boat please call 206-622-8687, or follow the links below to book your event.
Please Note
All bookings by phone, on-line or in person are final and non-refundable.
CHRISTMAS SHIP™ SPONSORS
The Christmas Ship™ Festival is sponsored by The Seattle Times, KeyBank, KOMO 4 Television and AAA Washington ( Join AAA and save 10% on your Christmas Ship booking!) .
2010 CHRISTMAS SHIP™ SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 (SPECIAL PREVIEW and VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Seattle Girls' Choir - Cantamus
Depart: South Lake Union 7:00pm, Return: 9:00pm (Value Night)
7:00-7:20 South Lake Union Park, 8:05-8:25 Seattle Yacht Club
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 (SPECIAL PREVIEW and VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Kitsap Carolers
Depart: South Lake Union 5:00pm, Return: 7:25pm (Value Night)
5:30-5:50 MOHAI, 6:15-6:35 Seattle Tennis Club (private)
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, OPENING NIGHT (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Con Brio Women's Choir
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
6:30-7:00 Opening Ceremony, Kirkland Marina
7:05-7:25 Kirkland Marina Park, 8:20-8:40 Gasworks Park
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
CHOIR: Rainier Youth Choir - Colla Voce
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm (Value Night)
7:55-8:15 Mercer Island Beach Club (private), 8:45-9:05 Beaux Arts (private)
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
CHOIR: Northwest Boychoir - Advanced Choir
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:40pm
8:00-8:20 Gene Coulon, 8:50-9:10 Newcastle
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Seattle Girls' Choir - Allegra
Departure: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
4:10-4:30 Medina, 5:10-5:30 Houghton Beach
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 10:30pm
8:45-9:05 Chism Beach, 9:25-9:45 Madrona
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
CHOIR: Northwest Boychoir - Intermediate Choir
Depart: Leschi 5:00pm, Return: 7:20pm
5:40-6:00 Ferdinand Street, 6:15-6:35 Stan Sayres, 6:45-7:05 Mt. Baker Beach
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Snohomish County Windjammers
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm (Value Night)
7:50-8:10 Pritchard Beach, 8:25-8:45 Seward Park
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: The Everett Chorale
Depart: Edmonds 7:00pm, Return: 9:10pm (Value Night)
7:10-7:30 Edmonds, 8:20-8:40 Richmond Beach
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Des Moines 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm (Value Night)
7:55-8:15 Brown’s Point, 8:50-9:10 Redondo Beach
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
CHOIR: St. Martin's University Chorale
Depart: Tacoma 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
7:00-7:20 Glass Museum, 8:20-8:40 Gig Harbor
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
CHOIR: Canterbury Belles
Depart: Pier 55 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
8:05-8:25 Manchester City Park, 9:15-9:35 Olympic Sculpture Park
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Northwest Girlchoir - Vivace
Depart: Pier 55 4:00pm, Return: 6:00pm
4:10-4:30 Pier 66, 5:15-5:35 Seacrest Marina
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Pier 55 8:00pm, Return: 10:20pm
8:50-9:10 Lowman Beach, 9:40-10:00 Alki Beach
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12
CHOIR: Emerald City Voices
Depart: Pier 55 5:00pm, Return: 7:50pm
6:00-6:20 Carkeek Park, 6:30-6:50 Blue Ridge
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Soundwave
Depart: Pier 55 6:30pm, Return: 9:20pm (Value Night)
7:30-7:50 Winslow Waterfront Beach, 8:40-9:00 Don Armeni
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: North Kitsap Northern Lights
Depart: Poulsbo 6:30pm, Return: 8:35pm (Value Night)
6:30-6:50 Poulsbo, 7:15-7:35 Keyport, 7:50-8:10 Lemolo
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 (VALUE NIGHT)
CHOIR: Northwest Girlchoir - Amore
Depart: Shilshole 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm (Value Night)
8:10-8:30 Locks, 9:05-9:25 Golden Gardens
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Des Moines 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm (Value Night)
7:10-7:30 Des Moines, 8:10-8:30 Dash Point
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
CHOIR: Voices Northwest
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
7:50-8:10 Luther Burbank, 8:50-9:10 Yarrow Point Park
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Vivace! Cathedrals Choir
Depart: Kirkland 3:45pm, Return: 5:55pm
3:55-4:15 Kirkland Marina Park, 4:55-5:15 Madison Park
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: Rainier Youth Choir - Conosare
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 10:30pm
8:55-9:15 Sheridan Beach Club, 9:45-10:05 Matthews Beach
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
CHOIR: Lake Washington Singers
Depart: Kirkland 5:00pm, Return: 7:40pm
5:00-5:20 Tracy Owen Station, 6:00-6:20 Juanita Beach Park
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20
CHOIR: Bellevue Chamber Chorus
Depart: Kirkland 6:30pm, Return: 8:45pm
7:00-7:20 OO Denny, 8:00-8:20 Laurelhurst
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
CHOIR: Master Chorus Eastside
Depart: Kirkland 6:30pm, Return: 8:55pm
6:45-7:05 Carillon Point, 7:45-8:05 Meydenbauer Bay
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
CHOIR: Choir of the Sound
Depart: Kirkland 6:30pm, Return: 9:00pm
7:25-7:45 Lake Forest Civic Club (private), 8:20-8:40 Magnuson Beach
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Pacific Sound Chorus
Depart: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
4:00-4:20 Matthews Beach, 5:00-5:20 Houghton Beach
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, PARADE FINALE
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
Christmas Ship with Choir - Lead Boat (more info)
Follow Boat to Christmas Ship - Parade Boat (more info)
*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:
1. You can ride the Official Christmas Ship. This Lead 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. Every night from November 28th 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).
Rates to ride the Christmas Ship itself: $35 adults, $19 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee and tax are additional on all events). The finale performance, December 23rd, is $58 for adults and $38 for kids 5-12.
We also have special value nights on the Christmas Ship, as indicated on the schedule.
Value Night Rates: $25 adults, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee & tax are additional on all events)
2. Parade Boats, or follow boats to the Christmas Ship do just that. They follow the Christmas Ship but do not have the choir on board. 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.
Rates to ride the parade boats: $25 adults, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee & tax are additional on all events).
3. 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. 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 2-1/2-hour cruise on most nights. Locations and times vary greatly in the month of December.
Soem nights, we also offer a special sailing of the Dinner Boat for families that includes a family-friendly 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. Return to Top of Page
4. 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. To know where to find the bonfire sights, just click on the live links in the schedule
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FAMILY NIGHT EARLY DINNER AND PARADE
Join Argosy for a December tradition designed for families. As you watch the Christmas ship, enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner as well as strolling carols provided by the Dickens Carolers. Santa will be on board and 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.
Rate: $59 adults, $10 kids ages 5-12 (Under 4 no charge) (pre-paid service charge and tax additional on all Royal Argosy events)
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MAPS TO DEPARTURE LOCATIONS
Click here for directions to different departure locations.
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BOXED MEALS
Please note: No outside food or drink are allowed on board our boats. 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 pre-order boxed meals. Menus coming soon.
Boxed meals must be ordered a minimum of 48 hours in advance by calling Argosy Cruises at (206-622-8687). A limited number of boxed meals may be available for purchase on board the boat. All sales are final.
Only Advance Orders include a ticket for one free coffee, tea or soda.
Boxed meals must be ordered a minimum of 48 hours in advance by calling Argosy at 206.622.8687. A limited number of boxed meals may be available for purchase on board the boat at a higher rate, however, only advance orders include a ticket for coffee, tea or soda. Rates above include sales tax, all sales are final.
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