A Vancouver Tradition for 56 Years!
2010 marks the 56th season of the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia River (and the Willamette River in Portland). The fleet averages 55 to 60 ships adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, and will be on parade every night beginning December 9 for two weeks! The parade begins at approximately 7 pm and lasts about two hours. The only thing that will cancel the parade would be unsafe weather or water conditions.
There are many places along the Vancouver Waterfront to view the Christmas Ship Parade, some inside and some outside. For a complete daily schedule, including maps and indoor and outdoor viewing locations, click here. This is an all volunteer organization, and the Skippers pay for their own decorations and fuel costs, for the enjoyment of all. What started out as one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club, has grown into a fleet of between 55 and 60 ships, and has become a family tradition for many boat owners.
Maybe it’s time to make the Christmas Ship Parade one of your family traditions, too. :-D