Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Christmas Ship™ Festival
Embark on a magical holiday journey with the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival, a cherished Pacific Northwest tradition. Sail aboard the beautifully illuminated Spirit of Seattle™ as it visits numerous waterfront communities, filling the air with festive carols performed by onboard choirs. Santa Claus himself makes an appearance, sharing the classic tale of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere with a full-service bar offering seasonal drinks and snacks.
What to Expect
Festive holiday cruise with onboard choir and Santa.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Parking varies by departure location. Some locations offer discounted parking for Argosy patrons, while others have metered street parking or nearby garages. It is recommended to book parking in advance via SpotHero for select locations. Argosy Cruises does not provide parking validation for Pier 54 & 55.
- Accessibility: The crew is trained to assist guests with navigating docks and vessels. Specific mobility limitations may exist on certain vessels; calling ahead is recommended.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Other Christmas Events Near Seattle
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, traditional, joyful, scenic
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low (sails rain or shine)
Special Events & Promotions
- Cookies with Santa & coloring surprise on 2 PM sailings.
- 'Jolly Hour' with discounted drinks on 8 PM sailings (non-special event nights).
- Special Event Nights: Opening Night (Nov 28), Parade of Boats (Dec 12), Grand Finale (Dec 23).
Location
Event Details
Duration
1.5 hours per cruise
Ages
All ages (except for the 21+ Follow Boat)
Neighborhood
Various waterfront communities
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Community Choirs
Organizer
Argosy Cruises
Food & Drink
Full-service bar with specialty cocktails, local wine & beer, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and Ivar's Clam Chowder available for purchase onboard.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at your departure location at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, as boarding begins then and the gate closes 5 minutes prior to departure.
- Dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable, flat shoes, as you may want to enjoy both the indoor heated decks and the outdoor spaces, and docks/decks can be slippery.
- Consider pre-ordering food and beverages during checkout to guarantee availability, especially for popular items like Ivar's Clam Chowder.
- Check the specific departure location for your chosen cruise, as there are multiple embarkation points across the Seattle area and surrounding waters.
- While the main Christmas Ship™ is family-friendly, a separate '21+ Follow Boat' option is available for an adults-only festive party experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Christmas Ship™ and the Follow Boat?
The Christmas Ship™ (Spirit of Seattle) hosts the onboard choir and Santa, serenading communities. The Follow Boat is a separate vessel that follows the Christmas Ship™ and also broadcasts the choir's performance.
What food and drinks are available onboard?
A full-service bar offers specialty cocktails, local beer & wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Snacks, bites, and Ivar's Clam Chowder are also available for purchase. Pre-ordering is recommended.
What is the cancellation policy for Special Events like the Christmas Ship™ Festival?
Guests canceling 10 or more days in advance receive a 50% refund. Cancellations less than 10 days in advance are not refunded, and future credits are not offered for special events.
How should I dress for the Christmas Ship™ cruise?
Dress in warm layers and comfortable, flat shoes. Festive holiday attire is encouraged. Be prepared for both indoor heated decks and outdoor spaces, as well as potentially slippery docks and decks.
Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?
No, outside food or beverages are not permitted onboard. All food and drinks must be purchased from the onboard bar and snack service.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.