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Christmas Ship Festival
Seattle, WA
Festive holiday cruises with onboard choirs and Santa.
About
Experience a cherished Pacific Northwest holiday tradition with the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival. Hundreds of lights adorn the official Christmas Ship, the Spirit of Seattle, as it sails to various waterfront communities. Onboard, choirs fill the air with festive music, and Santa makes an appearance to read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Guests can choose to sail on the Christmas Ship, join the adults-only 21+ Follow Boat, or enjoy the performance broadcast from shore.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, traditional, cheerful, magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Mid-Range
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
Adult (13+): $54 (Regular), $64 (Opening Night), $76 (Parade of Boats & Grand Finale). Youth (4-12): $40 (Regular), $64 (Opening Night), $76 (Parade of Boats & Grand Finale). Kid (3 and under): Free.
Duration
1.5 hours
Ages
Family-friendly on the Christmas Ship, 21+ only on the Follow Boat.
Schedule
Sailings are approximately 1.5 hours. Special activities include 'Cookies with Santa' on 2 pm sailings and a 'Jolly Hour' with discounted drinks on select 8 pm sailings.
Featured Performers
- Community choir
Organizer
Argosy Cruises
Practical Information
Parking
Parking options vary by departure location, ranging from public garages and street parking to discounted rates at specific marinas. It is recommended to check their departure locations page for detailed parking guidance for each site.
Accessibility
For ADA or Accessibility info, please refer to their Boat Overview page.
Pet Policy
No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Food & Drink
Full-service bar with specialty cocktails, local wine & beer, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Snacks and pre-wrapped food are also available.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Dress in warm layers and comfortable, non-slip shoes, as you'll be on the water and may want to enjoy the outdoor decks.
- Arrive at your chosen departure location at least 30 minutes before sailing time to allow for parking and boarding, as the ship departs promptly.
- Consider pre-ordering food and beverages during checkout to guarantee availability and save time onboard.
- Check the schedule for specific departure locations and times, as the ship visits nearly 40 communities, offering flexibility in where you can join the festivities.
- If you're looking for an adults-only experience, book the 21+ Follow Boat for trivia, giveaways, and photo opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christmas Ship Festival?
It's a holiday tradition where a decorated ship, the Spirit of Seattle, sails to various waterfront communities, featuring onboard choirs, Santa, and festive music, with options to join from shore or a follow boat.
What are the different ways to experience the festival?
You can sail on the official Christmas Ship, join the adults-only 21+ Follow Boat, or watch the choir performance broadcast from shore at designated community events.
What food and drinks are available?
A full-service bar offers specialty cocktails, local beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Snacks and pre-wrapped food items are also available for purchase onboard.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 10 or more days in advance receive a 50% refund. Cancellations less than 10 days in advance are non-refundable.
Where can I find parking information?
Detailed parking information for each departure location is available on the Christmas Ship Festival Departure Locations page on their website.