The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 59 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. From our flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the holiday season.
Each night, from Saturday November 29 through December 23rd, the Argosy Christmas Ship™ sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, over 45 in total. Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances to these communities, all broadcast via state-of-the-art speaker system. This year, we are beginning the program on Saturday night, November 29 to help commemorate the new South Lake Union Park. Both Saturday and Sunday will be value nights.
On shore, thousands of people gather around roaring bonfires anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Ship™. You can either join us on board the Christmas Ship™ or one of the Parade ships that follow, or join with friends and neighbors to gather together for your own caroling tradition. If you own your own boat, feel welcome to join in the festival and help form the largest holiday floating parade in the world.
In addition to good cheer, family, and friends, a portion of all ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.
To make a reservation on the Christmas ship or follow boat please call 206.623.1445.
Please Note
All bookings by phone, on-line or in person are final and non-refundable.
CHRISTMAS SHIP™ SPONSORS
The Christmas Ship™ Festival is sponsored by The Seattle Times, KeyBank, KOMO 4 Television and Starbucks Coffee Company in cooperation with the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.
2008 CHRISTMAS SHIP SCHEDULE
To make a reservation on the Christmas ship or follow boat please call 206.623.1445.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29 (SPECIAL PREVIEW)
CHOIR: The Dicken's Carolers
Depart: South Lake Union 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm (Value Night)
7:50-8:10 Madison Park*, 8:30-8:50 Seattle Yacht Club
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 (SPECIAL PREVIEW)
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: South Lake Union 6:00pm, Return: 8:30pm (Value Night)
6:00-6:20 South Lake Union Park, 7:20-7:40 Seattle Tennis Club
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, OPENING NIGHT
CHOIR: Seattle Girls' Choir - Cantamus
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:20pm
6:00-6:30 Opening Ceremony, Kirkland Marina
7:00-7:20 Kirkland Marina Park*, 8:10-8:30 Gasworks Park*
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2
CHOIR: Rainier Ensemble
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm (Value Night)
7:55-8:15 Mercer Island Beach Club (private)*, 8:45-9:05 Beaux Arts*
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
CHOIR: Columbia Children's Choir
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:10pm (Value Night)
7:30-7:50 Matthews Beach*, 8:30-8:50 Houghton Beach*
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
CHOIR: St. Martin's University Chorale
Departure: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
7:50-8:10 Atlantic City*, 8:25-8:45 Seward Park*
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
CHOIR: Seattle Children's Chorus - Camerata
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:20pm
7:40-8:00 Ferdinand St.*, 8:15-8:35 Stan Sayres*, 8:45-9:05 Mt. Baker Beach*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Bellevue Chamber Chorus
Depart: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
4:10-4:30 Medina*, 5:00-5:20 Yarrow Point Park*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: Con Brio Women's Choir
Depart: Kirkland 7:45pm, Return: 10:05pm
8:30-8:45 Chism Beach, 9:25-9:45 Laurelhurst*
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
CHOIR: Northwest Boychoir Advanced Choir
Depart: Des Moines 5:00pm, Return: 7:15pm
5:45-6:05 Brown's Point*, 6:30-6:50 Redondo Beach*
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
CHOIR: The Everett Chorale
Depart: Edmonds 7:00pm, Return: 9:10pm (Value Night)
7:10-7:30 Edmonds, 8:20-8:40 Richmond Beach*
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
CHOIR: Vivace! Cathedrals Choir
Depart: Shilshole 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm (Value Night)
8:00-8:20 Locks, 9:05-9:25 Golden Gardens*
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
CHOIR: TBD
Depart: Bremerton 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm (Value Night)
7:00-7:20 Bremerton Marina, 8:05-8:25 Silverdale
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
CHOIR: Choir of the Sound - Aplets
Depart: Pier 55 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
8:05-8:25 Manchester City Park*, 9:15-9:35 Olympic Sculpture Park
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
CHOIR: Northwest Girl Choir - Amore
Depart: Pier 55 7:00pm, Return: 9:50pm
8:00-8:20 Carkeek Park*, 8:30-8:50 Blue Ridge*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Northwest Girl Choir - Vivace
Depart: Pier 55 4:00pm, Return: 6:00pm
4:20-4:40 Pier 66, 5:15-5:35 Seacrest Marina*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: Canterbury Belles
Depart: Pier 55 8:00pm, Return: 10:20pm
8:50-9:10 Lowman Beach*, 9:40-10:00 Alki Beach*
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
CHOIR: Soundwave
Depart: Pier 55 5:00pm, Return: 7:50pm
6:10-6:30 Winslow Waterfront Beach, 7:10-7:30 Don Armeni*
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
CHOIR: Rainier Youth Choirs - Concert Choir
Depart: Des Moines 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm (Value Night)
7:10-7:30 Des Moines*, 8:10-8:30 Dash Point*
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
CHOIR: North Kitsap Northern Lights
Depart: Tacoma 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm (Value Night)
7:00-7:20 Glass Museum, 8:20-8:40 Gig Harbor*
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
CHOIR: Choir of the Sound - Cotlets
Depart: Leschi Marina 7:00pm, Return: 9:40pm (Value Night)
8:00-8:20 Gene Coulon*, 8:50-9:10 Newcastle*
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
CHOIR: Master Chorus Eastside
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
7:15-7:35 Carillon Point, 8:35-8:55 Meydenbauer Bay*
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
CHOIR: Snohomish County Windjammers
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:40pm
8:00-8:20 Tracy Owen Station, 9:00-9:20 Juanita Beach Park*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Tahoma Girls' Choir
Depart: Kirkland 3:45pm, Return: 5:55pm
3:55-4:15 Kirkland Marina Park*, 4:55-5:15 Madison Park*
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: Columbia Vocal Ensemble
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 10:30pm
8:55-9:15 Sheridan Beach Club, 9:45-10:05 O.O. Denny Park*
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
CHOIR: Pacific Sound Chorus
Depart: Kirkland 5:00pm, Return: 7:10pm
5:50-6:10 Luther Burbank, 6:35-6:55 Madrona*
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
CHOIR: The Dicken's Carolers
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm (Value Night)
8:00-8:20 Lake Forest Civic Club (private)*, 8:55-9:15 Magnuson Beach*
Book the Lead Christmas Ship (Value Night)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: The Dicken's Carolers
Depart: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
4:00-4:20 Matthews Beach*, 5:00-5:20 Houghton Beach*
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, PARADE FINALE
CHOIR: Seattle Girls' Choir - Prime Voci
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 11:05pm
8:45-9:05 Portage Bay (W. Montlake Park), 9:45-10:05 Gasworks Grand Finale*
*Bonfire Sites/special lighting (subject to change)
CRUISE CHOICES & RATES FOR THE FESTIVAL
People who want to participate in the festival have a number of options:
You can ride the Official Christmas Ship. This Lead Ship is called the Spirit of Seattle and has the choir on board that sings out to shore. It is the lead ship that all other boats follow.
Rates to ride the Christmas Ship itself are: $35 adults, $19 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee and tax are additional on all events). The finale night, December 23rd, is $58 for adults and $38 for kids 5-12.
We also have special value nights on the Christmas Ship, as indicated on the schedule.
These Value Night Rates are: $25 adults, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee & tax are additional on all events)
Parade Boats, or follow boats to the Christmas Ship do just that. They follow the Christmas Ship but do not have the choir on board.
Rates to ride the parade boats are: $25 adults, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee & tax are additional on all events).
Some nights are also followed by the Royal Argosy, Seattle's Dinner Boat. This option allows you to follow in the parade while having a 3-course seated-served meal that you order form a menu. Everyone has their own private table and there is generally a live band on board. The Royal Argosy only follows the parade on SOME evenings. On December 23rd we also offer a special early sailing of the Dinner Boat for families that includes a buffet and follows the Christmas Ship. (Both the Christmas Ship itself and all the other follow boats have boxed-meal options). Please check the schedule or call if you want to ride this boat on a parade night.
Rates to ride the Royal Argosy are:
Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs: $89 adults, $30 kids 5-12
Fri, Sat, Sun & 12/23 (Finale): $99 adults, $39 kids 5-12
12/23 (Early Sailing 3:30-6:00): $59 adults, $10 kids 2-12
(pre-paid service charge and tax additional on dinner boat events)
Or, you can bring out your own boat and follow the parade with friends and family. For those who simply want from shore, please join us at one of the locations in the schedule - many with wonderful bonfires and community involvement.
OFFICIAL CHRISTMAS SHIP™ (LEAD SHIP WITH THE CHOIR)
Every night through the 23rd of December, the Christmas Ship™, Argosy's Spirit of Seattle, takes its place at the head of the parade as the Official Christmas Ship. On board, a local featured choir sings 20-minute programs at scheduled shoreside locations. The choir is broadcast over state-of-the-art speaker systems, letting those on shore join in the festivities. On board, Santa mingles with guests, spreading cheer. Certain holiday activities keep guests entertained between choral performances: sing-a-longs, a"Ho-Ho-Ho" contest, a children's activity corner, and the camaraderie that the holiday spirit brings out.
The boat has two fully enclosed, heated decks, one outside deck, restrooms, and a cash bar. Guests also have the option of pre-purchasing boxed meals. (Boats that follow the Christmas ship are called Parade Boats and do not have a choir onboard).
Rates to ride the Christmas Ship itself are: $35 adults, $19 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee and tax are additional on all events). The finale night, December 23rd, is $58 for adults and $38 for kids 5-12.
We also have special value nights on the Christmas Ship, as indicated on the schedule. These Value Night Rates are: $25 adults, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee & tax are additional on all events)
PARADE SHIPS (FOLLOW THE LEAD SHIP, NO CHOIR)
The brightly lit Parade Ships follow the Christmas Ship™ . Boats that follow the Christmas ship are called Parade Boats and do not have a choir onboard. Many boats make up the parade ship fleet, including many of Argosy's own ships as well as privately owned boats from nearby marinas.
Parade Ships are fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms, and a cash bar. Guests also have the option of pre-purchasing boxed meals. On board activities include a 'Ho-Ho-Ho' contest, Santa's magical presence, sing-a-longs, and a kids' activity area. All parade ships position themselves alongside the Christmas Ship™ to enjoy the outstanding choral performances.
Rates to ride the parade boats are: $25 adults, $12 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under. (Fuel surcharge fee & tax are additional on all events).
THE ROYAL ARGOSY DINNER SHIP
The elegant Royal Argosy (decorated beautifully for the holidays) is a perfect way to create a holiday tradition in your family or with co-workers. Join us for a seated served 3-course dinner, live music and a 3-hour cruise. Locations and times vary. Note: The Royal Argosy follows the Christmas Ship on select nights only.
Rates to ride the Royal Argosy are:
Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs: $89 adults, $30 kids 5-12
Fri, Sat, Sun & Tuesday, 12/23 (Finale): $99 adults, $39 kids 5-12
12/23 (Early Sailing 3:30-6:00): $59 adults, $10 kids 2-12
(pre-paid service charge and tax additional on dinner boat events)
This schedule changes frequently.
THE KWJZ JAZZ SHIP
Join us on Monday's, December 1st, 8th and 15th with KWJZ for our annual Jazz ship following the Christmas Ship.
More information coming soon!
SANTA BRUNCHES ABOARD THE ROYAL ARGOSY
Join us on Sunday's from 12-2 for a fabulous brunch buffet, crafts for kids and a visit from Santa! More information coming soon!
FAMILY NIGHT EARLY DINNER AND PARADE
Join Argosy for a December tradition designed for families. As you watch the Christmas ship, be prepared to enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner as well as strolling carols provided by the Dicken's Carolers. Santa will be on board and a special arts and crafts will be available for little ones!
Buffet dinner includes: Field Greens Salad, Grilled Vegetable Platter, Fruit Platter, Chicken, Salmon with rice pilaf, Ravioli, breads and dessert samplers. Plus kids will have home-made macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers.
MAPS TO DEPARTURES
Click here for directions to different departure locations.
BOXED MEAL OPTIONS
No outside food or drink are allowed on board. Guests who would like a full service dinner included, may want to consider cruising on the Royal Argosy. Or, for those who are riding the Christmas Ship or a follow boat, you may order boxed meals provided by Gretchen's and delivered to the boat.
Boxed meals must be ordered a minimum of 48 hours in advance by calling Argosy Cruises at (206-623-1445). Those who order in advance will get a discount as well as receive a ticket good for a free fountain soda, coffee or hot tea on board. Only a limited number of boxed meals will be available for purchase on board the boat. All sales are final.
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