The Christmas Ships Parade Is The Most Wonderfully Oregon Holiday Event Ever

There are lots of exciting holiday events in Oregon, but the Portland Oregon Christmas Ships Parade might just be the most Oregon holiday event ever. This unique family event began in 1954 with one lone sailboat from the Portland Yacht Club. Today, over 60 boats take to the Columbia and Willamette Rivers each December; a festive fleet that delights onlookers with dazzling displays and twinkling lights. In fact, the annual Oregon Christmas Ships parade is actually the longest continually running Christmas Ship parade in America! Just one more reason why we think this waterfront event in Oregon is definitely one of the best ways to experience Christmas in Portland!

Portland, Oregon, is always lovely. The city's riverfront is iconic and charmingly captivating.

And come December, the Portland riverfront shines brighter and more beautifully than ever.

This is the magic of the Christmas Ships Parade, a holiday event that's been dazzling Portlanders since 1954.

When this holiday event began, there was just one single, bow-adorned ship from the Portland Yacht Club. The next year, more ships joined in the fun.

Today, some 60 ships take part in this time-honored tradition, arriving at the Willamette and Columbia Rivers dressed to impress.

For 15 nights in December, both of these iconic PNW rivers dazzle with the procession of dozens of decked-out, brightly lit vessels.

From the banks of the two rivers, visitors can enjoy this only-in-Oregon event up close. The parade is free to enjoy, and absolutely worth seeking out. A schedule for each river can be found on the official Christmas Ships website.

Thousands come to enjoy the Christmas Ships on the Columbia River each year. This Oregon tradition packs restaurants and hotels along the two rivers, so be sure to check out the schedule and plan ahead!

Of course, our favorite way to enjoy the ships is on the water. Guests aboard the Portland Spirit Cruises get front-row seats to the action.

Visit the Portland Spirit Christmas Ships Cruises website to learn more.

The Portland Christmas Ships Parade is an event that folks from all over the PNW seek out. Once you experience the magic of dozens of dazzling vessels parading down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, you'll see why it's become a beloved Beaver State tradition.

Have you ever been to the Portland Christmas Ships Parade before? What festive fun! These Christmas boats in Portland have been lighting up the water for nearly 70 years, and it just keeps getting better. If you have any memories from this sweet annual event, we'd love to hear about them!

For more info and to plan your visit, view a full schedule on the Christmas Ships website.

Looking for more holiday fun? Portland is also home to Oregon's largest drive-thru Christmas lights display! Or, take a Christmas lights road trip around the state to enjoy a taste of everything our state has to offer. Just be sure to check out our road trip packing guide so you don't forget anything important.