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Seattle Christmas Ship Festival
Seattle, WA
Festive holiday cruises with onboard choirs serenading waterfront communities.
About
Experience the magic of the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival, a cherished tradition since 1949. The Spirit of Seattle, adorned with thousands of lights, sails to nearly 40 waterfront communities. Enjoy live choir performances, festive onboard activities, and the joy of holiday carols echoing across Puget Sound. New for this year, the festival expands to include Edmonds and Tacoma, offering even more opportunities to embrace the holiday spirit.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, musical, traditional, community-oriented
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
See ticket link for pricing.
Duration
1.5 hours per cruise
Ages
All ages on Christmas Ship; 21+ on Follow Boat
Schedule
The festival runs from November 28 to December 23, with departures from multiple locations including Seattle, Kirkland, Edmonds, and Tacoma. Special activities include 'Cookies with Santa' on 2 PM sailings and 'Jolly Hour' drink specials on select 8 PM sailings.
Featured Performers
- The Dickens Carolers
- Bellevue Chamber Chorus
- Pacific Sound Chorus
- The Better Half
- Vocal Vintage
- Touchstone Quartet
- Jet Cities Chorus
- MixCapella
- Puyallup HS Norselanders
- Seattle Girls Choir
- Peninsula Community Choir
- Choir of the Sound
- Emerald City Voices
- Travelin Lite
- Cloud Nine Singers
- Community choir
Organizer
Argosy Cruises
Practical Information
Parking
Recommended parking via SpotHero app. Options include Waterfront Garage, Waterfront Place, Hillclimb Court, Waterfront Lot, and 2nd & Seneca Garage. Visit Downtown Seattle Parking or e-Park for more options. No parking validation provided.
Accessibility
https://argosycruises.com/accessibility-overview-docks-facilities-vessels/
Pet Policy
No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Food & Drink
Full-service bar and snacks available for purchase onboard. Pre-ordering of select items is available.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow ample time for parking and check-in, as boarding gates close promptly five minutes before sailing.
- Consider booking the 'Jolly Hour' 8 PM sailing for a discounted drink menu, available on non-special event nights.
- Dress in warm layers and comfortable, non-slip shoes, as you'll be moving between heated indoor decks and outdoor areas, and the docks can be slippery.
- Pre-order select food items like sandwiches or wraps during checkout to guarantee availability and save time onboard.
- Check the schedule for specific choir performances and onshore event locations to plan your ideal viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christmas Ship Festival?
It's a beloved holiday tradition where a decorated ship, the Spirit of Seattle, sails to various waterfront communities, featuring live choir performances and festive onboard activities.
Can children attend?
Yes, the main Christmas Ship is family-friendly. Special 'Cookies with Santa' activities are available on 2 PM sailings for kids and youth.
What are the food and drink options?
A full-service bar and a selection of snacks are available for purchase onboard. Some items can be pre-ordered during checkout.
What should I wear?
Warm, comfortable clothing and flat, non-slip shoes are recommended due to the possibility of moving between indoor and outdoor decks and potentially slippery surfaces.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Sailings are only cancelled if a state of emergency is declared by the mayor or governor due to weather or other causes. Cancellations are rare.