# Christmas Ship Parade on Willamette & Columbia Rivers > Event for families in the Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro area (OR / WA). Times are Pacific Time. - When: Dec 4 – Dec 22 · 7:00 PM - Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204 - Ages: All ages - Price: Free public viewing along public riverfront parks - Organizer: Christmas Ship Fleet Volunteers - Official page: https://www.christmasships.org/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/portland/activities/christmas-ship-parade-on-willamette-and-columbia-rivers--listing-14c1cd44a54adf736c256572 ## About Now celebrating over 70 continuous seasons, the Christmas Ship Parade is a legendary Portland winter spectacle. A volunteer fleet of up to 60 private yachts and pleasure boats decorated with thousands of colorful holiday lights and animated displays cruises both the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Families gather bundled in winter coats along public riverfront parks—such as Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Cathedral Park in St. Johns, and Esther Short Park in Vancouver—to watch the floating illuminated parade accompanied by festive horns and holiday carols. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Paved public riverfront promenades and esplanades offer smooth stroller access. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated nearby restaurants and park restrooms available along waterfront routes. • Age Suitability: All ages. • Sensory Tips: Open-air river breezes; children love spotting sparkling Santas and dragons reflected on the dark waters. ## Similar picks in Portland - [The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights](https://grassyknees.com/portland/activities/the-grotto-s-christmas-festival-of-lights--listing-1b210530d97e6bebd99cb3ac) — Nov 27 – Dec 30 · 5:00 PM · The Grotto (National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother) · All ages · From $14 · checked Nov 5. 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