Christmas Ships Parade Sticking to Holiday Schedule Despite Pandemic

by Elisa Klein | Nov 28, 2020 | Events, Features, News

Portland, OR. The Christmas Ships will be parading for fifteen nights this holiday season, December 4th through December 22nd (with just a couple of nights off). Organizers say, “We’re excited to continue the parade this year and offer some form of normalcy in such an abnormal time. Our lighted boat parade is an event that people can enjoy and view safely this holiday season. Even if you just catch a glimpse of us on the water while driving, we hope we brighten your evening.”

The boats, 14 to 65 feet long, are brightly decorated for the holiday season. Up to 60-holiday boats are expected to make up the two fleets.

The privately-owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas. Some of the ship’s owners have been part of the Christmas tradition for more than 30 years.

Christmas Shipowners are getting ready to set sail for their 66th year as residents make plans to watch the colorful flotillas during the parade’s 2020 holiday season.

Organizers remind spectators to stay six feet apart, wear masks, and follow all other protocols to stay safe from the spread of COVID-19. “We are scheduled to parade 15 nights and there are many places along the parade routes to watch without crowding. Check our schedule and plan ahead. We want you to enjoy our parade in the best of health and well-being!”

The nonprofit is also looking for donations. The primary funding source is the waterfront business community. Many of these businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and are not able to donate this year. Donations help to defray the cost of administering, maintaining and promoting the non-profit. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization. Here’s a link to the donate page:  https://www.christmasships.org/make-a-donation

You can support the Christmas Ship Parade at https://www.christmasships.org/make-a-donation

If you’ve never seen our parade before, you have many opportunities to see us. Figure out which river and night work best for you from our schedules: Columbia River Schedule -or- Willamette River Schedule.  The schedule details for each night list some of the best viewing locations to see us.  Sometimes that may be from a shoreline park or it may be from the warmth of a restaurant overlooking the river.  On the Willamette, you always have the opportunity to see us from a dinner cruise.  Make your reservations now, they book up fast!

How will you participate this year?  As a spectator or as a Christmas Ships skipper?  As long as you have a boat that can do at least 6 knots and have a desire to decorate it, we welcome anyone to join us.  It’s a fulfilling experience that you won’t forget.  Be warned, it is addictive!  The commitment can be whatever you want it to be.  Join us for one night or join us for all.  To see some of the benefits, please visit: Benefits. To sign up, please visit: Sign Up.

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