Christmas Ship™ Festival
A Northwest Tradition for over 75 years
The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival is a beloved Pacific Northwest tradition that has been lighting up the holidays since 1949. Each season, the Spirit of Seattle™—our Official Christmas Ship™—is adorned with hundreds of sparkling white lights and sails to 40+ waterfront communities across the Puget Sound. Experience the Christmas Ship™ as the onboard choir fills the night air with festive music, delighting guests aboard, passengers on follow boats, and communities gathered along the shoreline.
Christmas Ship™ Sailings:
2PM SAILINGS – All Youth/Kids can enjoy Cookies with Santa & a coloring surprise!
8PM SAILINGS – Feel merry & bright with our “Jolly Hour” bringing guests a discounted drink menu exclusive to this sailing time. Available on non-special event Christmas Ship™ sailings.
21+ Follow Boat Theme Schedule:
- Dec. 11 – Ugly Sweaters
- Dec. 18 – Santravaganza
- Dec. 19 – Christmas Characters:
- Dec. 20 – Ho-Ho-Ho Down
- Dec. 23 – Onesie Party
Three ways to experience the Christmas Ship™ Festival
Christmas Ship™
21+ Follow Boat
Onshore Gathering
Hop aboard and ride the official Christmas Ship™, the Spirit of Seattle™, and choose from departure locations across Seattle, Kirkland, Renton, Ballard, and Edmonds.
This experience includes:
- 1.5-hour cruise to a waterfront community with Santa
- Live performance by a community choir onboard
- Santa reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Full-service bar with festive cocktails, local wine & beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
Looking to add some grown-up fun to your holiday season? Hop on the 21+ boat and follow the Spirit of Seattle along it’s route. Don’t forget to dress to the theme!
This experience includes:
- 1.5-hour cruise to a waterfront community
- Light trivia & chances to win giveaways
- Selfie Station & Photo-op opportunities
- Full-service bar with specialty cocktails, local wine & beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
Welcome the Christmas Ship™ from a community gathering or onshore event and enjoy the 20-minute choir performance broadcasted from the Christmas Ship™. Find where the boat will be stopping and performing in our full schedule below.
- Gatherings are open to the general public (unless noted private in the schedule)
- Onshore gatherings are hosted by the park & community
- Events, times, and locations are subject to change
Special Event Nights
Opening Night | Nov. 27
Parade of Boats | Dec. 11
Grand Finale | Dec. 23
Begin the Christmas Season with us
Be the first to experience the Christmas magic on the water and the beginning of the Annual Christmas Ship™ Festival on Pier 55! Prior to boarding our 5 pm sailing, Santa will lead the countdown from the dock around 4:15 pm and light up the Christmas Ship™ with sparkling lights to signal the start of the multi-day festival. Enjoy a holiday raffle onboard for exciting prizes!
Schedule: Friday, Nov. 27th onboard our 5pm and 8pm sailing.
The Holiday Boat Parade of the Season
An annual tradition, on Parade of Boats night in Seattle, brightly decorated boats will convene in Lake Union and begin their promenade through the Fremont Cut. Catch the shimmery lights from aboard the Christmas Ship™, join the Seattle boat parade on your own decorated vessel, or gather at the official onshore viewing party at Evanston Plaza for panoramic views of the flotilla. It’s a holiday event that cannot be missed!
Schedule: Friday, Dec. 11th only the 8pm sailing.
The Ultimate Holiday Spectacle
Be a part of the most dazzling nautical night in the Pacific Northwest. In Argosy Cruises tradition, we close out the final day of the Christmas Ship™ Festival with Grand Finale. Throughout the day and especially at night, decorated boats from all over the region convene for the final performances of the Christmas Ship™. Ride the last sailings of the season!
Schedule: Wednesday, Dec. 23rd onboard our 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm sailings.
Additional Info
Parking & Directions
Find your departure location address & additional parking information
Full Schedule - PDF
See who is performing onboard, where the Christmas Ship™ will be stopping, and more
Accessibility
More information on boat accessibility and additional assistance for boarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about boarding, onboard experience, or what to wear?
Holiday Charters
Looking to host a company holiday party, family gathering, or event? Inquire now!
Holiday Shop
Browse our selection of locally made gifts, souvenirs and festive wear.
Argosy Cruises is proud to donate a portion of ticket sales to participating non-profits and The Seattle Times Fund For Those In Need, an annual program that raises money for several local charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area. Contribute to Argosy’s $45,000 goal by riding the Christmas Ship™!
Christmas Ship™ Photo Gallery
