Features

2021 Christmas Ships Parade Ready to Set Sail

Portland, OR. The 2021 Christmas Ships Parade season is upon us. It will launch on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers for 15 nights, beginning on Friday, December 3rd through Tuesday, December 21st. There are six nights when the ships have a combined fleet (all boats in one location). The privately-owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem, and Hood River areas. Some of the ship owners have been part of the Christmas tradition for more than 30 years.

The boats range from 14 to 65 feet long and are brightly decorated for the holiday season. Up to 60-holiday boats are expected to make up the two fleets this year.

The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon were tied along the rails and they paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow and has become a beloved Portland area tradition.

Below is a link to the schedules:

Columbia Fleet Schedule and Willamette Fleet Schedule

Here are some photos from previous years:

Here’s a video about the Christmas ships parade from several years ago:

From The Christmas Ship Parade Organizers:

We are fully funded by the generous financial contributions of many waterfront businesses as well as individuals. If you enjoy seeing us out on the water, please consider supporting us by donating here: Make a donation.

The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon were tied along the rails and they paraded on the rivers

Many restaurants and hotels along the Columbia and Willamette rivers are already taking reservations with nights already booked for some evenings.

Each skipper is responsible for their own expenses, including fuel and insurance for their vessels over the two weeks. This can run into the hundreds of dollars, which in itself is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm the Christmas Ship skippers bring to the organization and the community. The organization accepts donations to help cover the cost of maintaining, managing, and promoting the organization, but none of these donations go to the skippers, their crews, or their boats. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff or officers, just a large group of friendly individual volunteers/skippers who give back to the community they love.

Again, a full schedule for the Columbia and Willamette fleets, as well as a link for donations, can be found at www.christmasships.org. For Skipper interviews or other requests, send us a note through the Christmas Ship contact page.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.