It’s time for the annual Christmas Ships Parade on the Columbia River! One of the best parts of this parade is that it isn’t just a one night event; the Christmas Ships Parade runs (almost) nightly from Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 18, 2016.
I love driving around looking at Christmas lights on homes throughout Clark County. But, there’s something extra special about watching Christmas lights as they float down a dark Columbia River. (Maybe one day I’ll actually be able to ride IN the parade :-) ). 2016 marks the 62nd year of the Christmas Ships Parade, and there are over 60 ships in the combined fleet that have signed up.
On Saturday, December 3, the combined fleet will assemble in front of the Port of Camas-Washougal and Parade for about an hour. The fleet will return to the Camas-Washougal docks and then parade back to Portland along the Washington side. You’re invited to get an up close (and warm) viewing spot at the Port of Camas-Washougal and enjoy “festive caroling, free cider and cookies and a warm viewing area. The Christmas ships set sail at 6 pm and it’s a glorious site to see from our large windows.” ~Port of Camas-Washougal (24 S A St, Washougal)
The Port of Vancouver USA is also inviting the public to a special Christmas Ships viewing and Terminal 1 Open House at the Grand Ballroom of the former Red Lion Inn at the Quay on Monday, December 5, 2016, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
While the Christmas Ships Parade is scheduled almost nightly, the parade route does change and may be canceled due to extreme weather or dangerous conditions, so be sure to visit the Christmas Ships Parade for updated schedule information.
“If you love our parade, please vote for us in USA Today’s 10Best Holiday Parades in the country. You can vote once per day at USA Today 10Best.” Last time I checked, Christmas Ships Parade was in 9th place nationwide!
