The Portland Christmas Ship Parade Is Back For 2021

by | Dec 8, 2021 | Entertainment, Family Fun, News, Portland | 0 comments

Ho ho ho Oregon, one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas parades ever has started for 2021. This classic parade goes clear back to 1954 and started with only one decorated sailboat gliding down the river. In the years following, more and more ships began to join the parade, becoming increasingly popular and magical over the years. This year makes for the 66th year of the Portland Christmas Ships tradition.

Everything you need to know about the Portland Christmas Ship Parade

If you plan on going to Portland to see the event, you can make reservations at one of the great places to eat at any restaurants on the river, or even book a hotel room overlooking the water. You could also take a cruise on the Portland Spirit and book your ride on the Willamette Shore Trolley's Christmas Ships excursion.

portland christmas ship parade

Image courtesy of Christmas Ships

Watch The Parade For Free

If you aren't looking to spend a lot, you can just as easily bundle up with friends and family and watch from the waterfront as the parade itself is free of charge.

Length of Christmas Ship Parade

The Portland Christmas Ship Parade on average lasts about 2 hours and features around 55-650 boats between the two fleets.

portland christmas ship parade

Image courtesy of Christmas Ships

Expect The Parade To Be Cold

As temperatures will expect to dip during the winter in Oregon, you will want to dress accordingly. While the weather can have a significant impact on the safety of the performance, there is a chance the parade can be canceled up to 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Schedule for the Christmas Ship Parade

The parade started December 3, 2021, and will go all the way through to the 21st of December. For a detailed route description and a list of places to see the Christmas Ships see the Columbia route schedule here and the Willamette route schedule here.

You can also check via Twitter or Facebook for updates to the route.

portland christmas ships parade

Image courtesy of Christmas Ships

Where to Park

There are plenty of places to park, with spots available at all of the waterfront parks along the routes and at the waterfront restaurants for those with reservations. Here are a few ideas for viewing locations:

  • Vancouver Landing Amphitheater
  • Warehouse 23
  • Beaches Restaurant
  • McMenamins on the Columbia
  • Vancouver Waterfront
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park
  • The Old Spaghetti Factory
  • Cathedral Park

 

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Image courtesy of Christmas Ships

 

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Image courtesy of Christmas Ships

Before heading out, make sure to check weather conditions. Hot chocolate is a must! Learn about other great places to see Christmas lights this year in Oregon here.

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Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

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