Christmas Ships Parade
✓ Verified 2025-2026
Where: Columbia and Willamette Rivers, various viewing points, Portland, Oregon
When: November 28 - December 21 (fleets have scheduled nights off)
Hours: Roughly 4 pm - 7 pm, varies by night and location
Cost: free
55-60 decorated boatsvisible from both riverbanksindividually designed nautical holiday themesoptional dinner cruisesrunning since 1954attraction
A Pacific Northwest tradition that began in 1954 with a single vessel, the parade now sends roughly 55 to 60 custom-decorated boats along the Willamette and Columbia rivers on rotating nightly schedules. Designs range from Santa fishing to a Loch Ness Monster in a Santa hat, all viewable for free from the riverbanks.