The 2022 Christmas Ships Parade is Full Steam Ahead

The 2022 Christmas Ships Parade is Full Steam Ahead

Portland, OR. It’s the most wonderful time of year and Christmas Ships Parade boat captains are getting ready to set sail for the 68th annual event. Organizers say, “We’re busy testing the lights, updating the displays, and polishing our boats, all to get ready to shine for you!” There are new boat displays and participants are bringing back old favorites. All fleet members are enthusiastic volunteers, paying all their own expenses, to put on the colorful show. The Christmas Ship Parades take place on both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. We’ve got the schedule below.

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 Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River 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 40 years.

The traditional Christmas Ship Parade features brilliantly decorated boats on the Willamette and Columbia rivers.


There are some new displays, and participants are bringing back old favorites as well. All fleet members are enthusiastic volunteers, paying all their own expenses, and ready to put on a show.

Below are links to downloadable Parade Schedules. Additionally, there’s a complete list of the schedule with live links for more information.

Columbia River Parade Schedule Download

Willamette River Parade Schedule Download

Willamette Fleet Schedule – December 2022:
Dec. 3rd, 6:00 PM
Dec. 5th, 7:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
 

Milwaukie

Dec. 6th, 7:00 PM
Dec 7th, 7:00 PM
Dec. 10th, 6:00 PM
Dec. 11th, 4:30 PM
COMBINED
 

Milwaukie

Dec 14th, 7:00 PM
Dec. 15th, 7:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
 

Milwaukie

Dec. 16th, 7:00 PM
Dec. 17th, 4:30 PM
COMBINED

Meet & Greet

Dec. 17th, 8:00 PM
COMBINED
Venue: Public Dock near RiverPlace Marina
 
Dec. 18th, 2:00 PM
COMBINED
Venue: Public Dock near RiverPlace Marina
 
20, Dec 20th, 7:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
 
21, Dec. 21st
7:00 PM
WILLAMETTE

 

 

Columbia Fleet Schedule – December 2022:

Dec. 3rd, 6:00 PM
Dec. 6th, 7:00 PM
Dec 7th, 7:00 PM
Dec. 10th, 6:00 PM
Dec 14th, 7:00 PM
Dec. 15th, 7:00 PM
COLUMBIA
 

North Portland Harbor

Dec. 16th, 7:00 PM
Dec. 17th, 4:30 PM
COMBINED
 

Meet & Greet

Dec. 17th, 8:00 PM
COMBINED
Venue: Public Dock near RiverPlace Marina
 
Dec. 18th, 2:00 PM
COMBINED
Venue: Public Dock near RiverPlace Marina
 
20, Dec 20th, 7:00 PM
COLUMBIA
 
21, Dec. 21st
7:00 PM
COLUMBIA
 

From Christmas Ships Parade:

Are you a boater interested in joining the parade?   The requirements are few and the fun is great.  And there is still time to get involved! Just click on the “Join Us > Benefits” menu to find out why you should become a Christmas Ship Skipper, then sign up! Fulfill that dream and check off that bucket-list item.  Join us for the 2022 Christmas Ships Parade!

We offer a sincere thank you to sponsors and supporters.  Check them out on the supporters page.  We also want to thank you, our fabulous community members.  Without you, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so THANK YOU!

 

2021 Christmas Ships Parade Ready to Set Sail

2021 Christmas Ships Parade Ready to Set Sail

Portland, OR. The 2021 Christmas Ships Parade season is upon us. It will launch on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers for 15 nights, beginning on Friday, December 3rd through Tuesday, December 21st. There are six nights when the ships have a combined fleet (all boats in one location). The privately-owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem, and Hood River areas. Some of the ship owners have been part of the Christmas tradition for more than 30 years.

The boats range from 14 to 65 feet long and are brightly decorated for the holiday season. Up to 60-holiday boats are expected to make up the two fleets this year.

The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon were tied along the rails and they paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow and has become a beloved Portland area tradition.

Below is a link to the schedules:

Columbia Fleet Schedule and Willamette Fleet Schedule

Here are some photos from previous years:

Here’s a video about the Christmas ships parade from several years ago:

From The Christmas Ship Parade Organizers:

We are fully funded by the generous financial contributions of many waterfront businesses as well as individuals.  If you enjoy seeing us out on the water, please consider supporting us by donating here: Make a donation.

The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon were tied along the rails and they paraded on the rivers

Many restaurants and hotels along the Columbia and Willamette rivers are already taking reservations with nights already booked for some evenings.

Each skipper is responsible for their own expenses, including fuel and insurance for their vessels over the two weeks. This can run into the hundreds of dollars, which in itself is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm the Christmas Ship skippers bring to the organization and the community. The organization accepts donations to help cover the cost of maintaining, managing, and promoting the organization, but none of these donations go to the skippers, their crews, or their boats. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff or officers, just a large group of friendly individual volunteers/skippers who give back to the community they love.

Again, a full schedule for the Columbia and Willamette fleets, as well as a link for donations, can be found at www.christmasships.org.  For Skipper interviews or other requests, send us a note through the Christmas Ship contact page.

The Schedule’s Here for the 2013 Christmas Ship Parade

The Schedule’s Here for the 2013 Christmas Ship Parade

Portland, December 6th, 2013. This year marks the 59th year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon.  We’ve got the schedule for both routes with viewing locations and times for restaurants, hotels and outdoor viewing.

It is an volunteer organization, not all the boats make it out every night, but organizers always seem to have enough enthused Captains to put on a lively parade.

The traditional Christmas Ship Parade features decorated boats on the Willamette and Columbia rivers.

The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets.

The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets.

Both fleets will be out most every night for two weeks beginning December 6, 2013 and running nightly through December 21, 2013 (with the exception of Monday, December 9th, when the Christmas Ships will not run). The fleet will do a special performance in Camas, WA on Nov. 30th.

Without donations from the restaurants and the hotels that are situated along the waterfront, this parade would not be possible. Organizers encourage you to book Christmas parties at sponsoring restaurants and hotels. Christmas Ships, Inc is a non-profit organization,and depends on donations.

Weather and/or water conditions are the only elements that cancel the ships performance. That determination is made by the leaders for the evening one hour before the ships are scheduled to begin performing and will be posted here immediately.

2013 Willamette River Parade Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 30th – Camas/Washougal

At 7:00PM, the fleet will assemble in front of the Port of Camas/Washougal and parade in the area of the docks for about an hour. The fleet will then return to Portland on the Washington side. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Friday, Dec 6th – North Portland Harbor – Combined with Columbia Fleet

At 7:00PM, the parade will assemble in the area of the James. M Gleason boat ramp, (NE 43rd/Marine Dr), and then head downriver to North Portland Harbor. North Portland Harbor is located on the Oregon side of Hayden Island. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Saturday, Dec. 7th – St Helens, Columbia City, RV Park (WA side)

At 6:000PM, both fleets will assemble at the St. Helens City Docks and head downriver to Columbia City, and weather/river conditions permitting crosses to the WA side and the RV Park, then returns to St. Helens City Docks. The fleet is out about two hours. Ships remain overnight at St. Helens City Docks and leave Sunday for the trip up Multnomah Channel. Outdoor viewing locations

6:00PM

Sunday, Dec. 8th – Scappoose, Multnomah Channel to Willamette River

At 4:30PM, both the Columbia and the Willamette Fleet wil meet in the afternoon at Coon Island and leave for Scappoose arriving approximately 5:00PM then continue up the Multnomah Channel to the Willamette River. This is a long night and arrival at the Willamette River is usually between 8:00P and 8:30P. It is not possible to give a closer time frame due to weather conditions, debris in the river, and other conditions beyond our control. Additional information, restaurant and outdoor viewing locations

5:00PM

Monday, Dec. 9th – No Parade Tonight

Tuesday, Dec. 10th – OMSI to Fremont Bridge

At 7:00PM, the Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area before heading upstream to the Spaghetti Factory before heading downriver to the area of the Fremont Bridge The fleet will go under the bridge and then turns to return to Riverplace Marina. The fleet will be out for about two hours. Restaurant and hotel links, outdoor viewing location and further details

7:00PM

Wednesday, Dec. 11th – Milwaukie

The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace. Restaurants and hotel links, outdoor viewing locations and further details

7:00PM

Thursday, Dec. 12th – OMSI to Fremont Bridge

At 7:00PM, the Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area and head upstream to the Spaghetti Factory before heading downriver to the area of the Fremont Bridge The fleet will go under the bridge and then turns to return to Riverplace Marina. The fleet will be out for about two hours. Restaurant and hotel links, outdoor viewing location and further details

7:00PM

Friday, Dec. 13th – Milwaukie, Oregon Yacht Club

The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace. Restaurants and hotel links, outdoor viewing locations and further details

7:00PM

Saturday, Dec. 14th – Lake Oswego

At 5:00PM, both fleets will leave RiverPlace Marina(downtown Portland) headed to Lake Oswego, arriving about 6:15P – 6:30, subject to weather and river conditions. The ships will go as far as George Rogers Park and turn back to Portland. Restaurant, hotel and outdoor viewing locations, maps and further details

5:00PM

Sunday, Dec. 15th – Downtown Portland/St John’s area

At 5:00PM, the Willamette and Columbia Fleets assemble in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in the OMSI/Riverplace area and proceed upstream to the Spaghetti Factory before heading downriver to St. John’s arriving at approximately 6:30 PM and remain in the area for about 30 minutes. The parade will then continue on to the Columbia River and each boat owners home port. Additional information, restaurants and hotels, plus outdoor viewing locations

5:00PM

Monday, Dec. 16th – Milwaukie

The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace. Restaurants and hotel links, outdoor viewing locations and further details

7:00PM

Tuesday, Dec. 17th – OMSI to Fremont Bridge

At 7:00PM, the Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in front of OMSI/Riverplace and proceed upriver to the Spaghetti Factory area before heading downriver to area of the Fremont Bridge The fleet will go under the bridge and then turns to return to Riverplace Marina. The fleet will be out for about two hours. Restaurant and hotel links, outdoor viewing location and further details

7:00PM

Wednesday, Dec. 18th – Milwaukie

The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace. Restaurants and hotel links, outdoor viewing locations and further details

7:00PM

Thursday, Dec. 19th – OMSI to Fremont Bridge

At 7:00PM, the Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will begin in front of OMSI/Riverplace, proceed upriver to the Spaghetti Factory and then travel downriver to area of the Fremont Bridge The fleet will go under the bridge and then turns to return to Riverplace Marina. The fleet will be out for about two hours. Restaurant and hotel links, outdoor viewing location and further details

7:00PM

Friday, Dec. 20th – Milwaukie, Oregon Yacht Club

The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) at 7:00PM and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. The fleet will arrive about 7:45PM and about 8:15P the fleet turns and returns to RiverPlace Marina. On the nights that Oregon Yacht Club is listed, the fleet will go in below Oaks Park and in front of the floating homes on the way back to RiverPlace. Restaurants and hotel links, outdoor viewing locations and further details

7:00PM

Saturday, Dec. 21st – Downtown Portland, St. Johns Boat Ramp

At 5:00PM the Willamette and Columbia Fleets will form up in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will head upriver to Rivers Edge and Spa then, return to work in the OMSI/Riverplace area for a time before heading downstream to the St. Johns Boat Ramp Area, arriving approximately 6:45PM. When finished, all boats will return to their home ports, the parade will not return to Riverplace Marina this night.
Restaurants and hotel links, outdoor viewing location and further details

2013 Columbia River Parade Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 30th – Camas/Washougal

At 7:00PM, the fleet will assemble in front of the Port of Camas/Washougal and parade in the area of the docks for about an hour. The fleet will then return to Portland on the Washington side. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Friday, Dec 6th – North Portland Harbor

At 7:00PM, the parade will assemble in the area of the James. M Gleason boat ramp, (NE 43rd/Marine Dr), and then head downriver to North Portland Harbor. North Portland Harbor is located on the Oregon side of Hayden Island. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Saturday, Dec 7th – St. Helens, Columbia City, RV Park on WA side

At 6:000PM, both fleets will assemble at the St. Helens City Docks and head downriver to Columbia City, and weather/river conditions permitting crosses to the WA side and the RV Park, then returns to St. Helens City Docks. The fleet is out about two hours. Ships remain overnight at St. Helens City Docks and leave Sunday for the trip up Multnomah Channel. Additional information and outdoor viewing locations

6:00PM

Sunday, Dec 8th – Scappoose, Multnomah Channel to the Willamette River

At 4:30PM, both the Columbia and the Willamette Fleet will meet in the afternoon at Coon Island and leave for Scappoose arriving approximately 5:00PM then continue up the Multnomah Channel to the Willamette River. This is a long night and arrival at the Willamette River is usually between 8:00P and 8:30P. It is not possible to give a closer time frame due to weather conditions, debris in the river, and other conditions beyond our control.
Additional information, restaurants, and outdoor viewing locations

5:00PM

Monday, Dec 9th – No Parade this night

Tuesday, Dec 10th – I-5 Bridge area, Hayden Bay

At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area including Grandma’s Cove, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM at Beaches, and Hayden Bay approximately 8:45 PM. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Wednesday, Dec 11th – I-205 Bridge Area, 164th St. Steamboat Landing – Washington Side of River

At 7:00PM the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and departs upriver to the I-205 Bridge area by Steamboat Landing and up to about the 164th St. location before turning downriver Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Thursday, Dec 12th – James Gleason Boat Ramp/Washington Shores/I-5 Bridge Area.

At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and remains for about the first half hour, then heads across the river to the Washington Shoreline until about 8pm. Then heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 8:15 PM. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Friday, Dec 13th – 42nd St. Boat Ramp Washington Shores/Wintler Park/Hayden Bay

At 7:00 PM the fleet will assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain for the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, then cross the river to the Washington Shoreline at about 7:45PM. We will complete the night in Hayden Bay. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Saturday, Dec 14th – Lake Oswego

At 5:00PM, both fleets will leave RiverPlace Marina(downtown Portland) headed to Lake Oswego, arriving about 6:15P – 6:30, subject to weather and river conditions. The ships will go as far as George Rogers Park and turn back to Portland. Additional information and viewing locations

5:00PM

Sunday, Dec 15th – Downtown Portland, St Johns area

At 5:00PM, the Willamette and Columbia Fleets assemble in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will start in the Riverplace/OMSI area and travel downriver to St. John’s arriving at approximately 6:30 PM and remain in the area for about 30 minutes. The parade will then continue on to the Columbia River and each boat owners home port. Additional information and viewing locations
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5:00PM

Monday, Dec 16th – I-5 Bridge area, Hayden Bay

At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area including Grandma’s Cove, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM at Beaches, and Hayden Bay approximately 8:45 PM. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Tuesday, Dec 17th – I-5 Bridge area/Hayden Bay

The Columbia fleet will assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Wednesday, Dec 18th – James M Gleason Boat Ramp, WA Shores, Wintler Park, I-5 Bridge area

At 7:00 PM the fleet will assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and across the river to the Washington Shoreline and about 8:00PM, head to the restaurants in the area of the I-5 Bridge. The parade will not be on the Oregon side below the I-5 Bridge tonight.
Additional information and viewing locations

7:00PM

Thursday, Dec 19th – I-5 Bridge area/Hayden Bay

At 7:00 PM the fleet will assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM. Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Friday, Dec 20th – North Portland Harbor

At 7:00PM, the parade will assemble in the area of the James. M Gleason boat ramp, (NE 43rd/Marine Dr), and then head downriver to North Portland Harbor. North Portland Harbor is located on the Oregon side of Hayden Island.

Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations

7:00PM

Saturday, Dec 21st – Downtown Portland – St. Johns Area

At 5:00PM the Willamette and Columbia Fleets will form up in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The parade will head upriver to Rivers Edge and Spa then return to work in the OMSI/Riverplace area for a time before heading downstream to the St. Johns Boat Ramp Area, arriving approximately 6:45PM. When finished, all boats will return to their home ports, the parade will not return to Riverplace Marina this night.

Additional information, restaurants and outdoor viewing locations