December's Season of Celebration and Sharing - The 2011 Christmas Ship Parade - Sail the Columbia and Willamette Rivers

The 2011 Christmas Ship Parade sets sail this month on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. The parade started out in 1954 as one lone sailboat, and now the fleet averages 55 to 60 ships (between both rivers) adorned with Christmas lights and decorations.

The ships sail every night beginning December 8 and ending December 20, 2011.The parade begins at approximately 7 pm and lasts about two hours. The only thing that can cancel the parade is unsafe weather or water conditions.

The 2011 Christmas Ship Parade has become a family tradition for many boat owners, and the Skippers pay for their own decorations and fuel costs, for the enjoyment of all. As this is an all volunteer organization, not all ships make it out every night.

There are many places along the Portland-Vancouver Waterfront to view The 2011 Christmas Ship Parade, some inside and some outside. In fact, some restaurants and hotels along both rivers donate to the cause each year as a thank you for the boost in business.

The weather looks cooperative for the first few days of the parade, so you might want to call now to make reservations  at a waterfront restaurant. Naturally, you can also bundle up, fill the thermos with hot chocolate, and view the ships from an outdoor vantage point.


The 2011 Christmas Ship Parade - Sails the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.  Here's the schedule!

This is a local TV news report about The Christmas Ship Parade.

Looking for a home with Columbia River views?  I'd love to be your guide - let's explore your options.