Christmas Ship Festival 2024 in Seattle

The Christmas Ship Festival in Seattle is a long-standing holiday tradition that showcases the spirit of the season through festive boat parades, caroling, and community gatherings. This annual event, organized by Argosy Cruises, begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues until December 23, 2024. With its vibrant displays of lights and festive atmosphere, the festival offers an enchanting experience for both locals and visitors. This article provides detailed information about the festival, including activities, schedule, ticket prices, location, and its historical significance.

Activities: What to Expect

The Christmas Ship Festival has been a cherished Northwest tradition since 1949. It features a parade of beautifully decorated boats, which travel through various waterfront communities around Lake Washington and Puget Sound. The festival's highlight is the Spirit of Seattle, the official Christmas Ship, adorned with hundreds of shimmering white lights. Onboard, community choirs perform classic holiday carols, entertaining not only passengers but also audiences onshore. For those wishing to participate, there are three main ways to experience the festival:

Christmas Ship Cruise

Guests can board the Spirit of Seattle for a 1.5-hour cruise to a waterfront community. The experience includes live choir performances, readings of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and access to a full-service bar.

21+ Follow Boat

This adults-only option allows guests to enjoy the festive atmosphere while following the Christmas Ship. The experience features a broadcast of the choir performance, photo opportunities, and a selection of specialty cocktails.

Onshore Events

Communities along the route host celebrations, allowing spectators to enjoy a 20-minute choir performance broadcasted from the Christmas Ship. These gatherings often include festive activities and entertainment.

Schedule and Program

The Christmas Ship Festival runs from November 29 to December 23, 2024, with multiple performances scheduled throughout this period. The festival begins each evening with the Christmas Ship departing from Lake Union Park, with various stops in waterfront neighborhoods.

Preview Sailings

The festival kicks off with preview sailings on November 23 and 24. On November 23, the ship departs from Pier 55 for two sailings featuring the Pacific Sound Chorus, with the first sailing from 5:00 to 6:30 pm and the second from 8 to 9:30 pm. The following day, November 24, includes two additional sailings from Shilshole Bay, showcasing the Seattle Girls Choir.

Opening Night Sailings

The official opening night is on November 29, with sailings departing from MOHAI at 5 pm and 8 pm, accompanied by The Dickens Carolers.

Regular Sailings

From November 30 to December 22, the festival features regular sailings departing from various locations, including Hyatt Regency Lake Washington and Kirkland City Dock. Each sailing includes performances by local choirs, with choirs such as In the Mix, Emerald City Voices, and many more scheduled throughout the festival.

Grand Finale

The festival culminates with a grand finale on December 23, featuring three sailings from Lake Union Park, again with The Dickens Carolers providing musical entertainment.

Onshore Bonfire Events

The Festival also features a series of festive onshore bonfire events, hosted by Seattle Parks & Recreation, the City of Kirkland, and the City of Bellevue, scheduled from November 23 to December 23 at various parks,

Tickets

Watching the parade from the shore is free, making Lake Union Park a perfect spot to enjoy the lights and caroling without spending a dime. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the on-water experience of the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, ticket prices vary depending on the selected cruise. Adults aged 13 to 64 can expect to pay between $49 and $76, while seniors aged 65 and older can purchase tickets ranging from $45 to $76. Youth tickets for children aged 4 to 12 are available for $35 to $76, and children aged three and under can attend for free.

Parking

For those planning to drive, parking options are available at several locations. Argosy Cruises Pier 55, situated at 1101 Alaskan Way, features paid surface lots and garages in the vicinity. The Kirkland City Dock offers multiple parking options, including free evening and weekend parking. Additionally, Lake Union Park provides paid parking nearby, along with available street parking.

Location and Infrastructure

The Christmas Ship Festival primarily departs from Lake Union Park, which is conveniently located near downtown Seattle. This urban setting provides easy access to various amenities, dining options, and other attractions in the area. The park itself offers scenic views of Lake Union, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy the festivities. Fremont Cut is another great vantage point to watch the ships pass by. Or, take the festive plunge: decorate your own boat with lights and join the parade!