Photo courtesy of Christmas Ships Parade
One of my favorite views of Portland is at night when the city lights reflect off of the glassy surface of the Willamette River. This sight becomes even more enchanting every holiday season during the annual Christmas Ships Parade.
The annual tradition of Christmas ships gathering in fleets to parade up and down the Willamette and Columbia rivers is celebrating its 71st year in 2025. Are you a first timer to this event or looking for this year’s schedule? Continue reading to find out what you can expect.
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2025 Portland Christmas Ships Parade
During the holiday season, up to 60 boats, 14 to 65 feet long, make up two fleets each brightly decorated in lights and displays. The privately owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver and beyond to put on a show each year. Some of the boat owners have been part of Christmas tradition for more than 40 years.
The Christmas Ships Parade is viewable on select nights in and around Portland. The parade can be seen from Portland, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, Scappoose, Vancouver, Camas, Washougal and St. Helens.
Viewing the Parade
The Christmas Ships Parade is free to attend from multiple outdoor viewing spots.
If you want to make the night extra special, consider making a reservation at a restaurant along the Willamette or Columbia rivers. I’ve included a list of restaurants and hotels for each event. Ask for a table by the window, or if they have outdoor covered and heated dining options.
Meet and Greet Nights
If you want an extra special experience, attend one of the Meet and Greet nights. Meet the Christmas Ships skippers and see some of the boats up close. If you’re interested in joining the parade, the skippers can answer your questions. These events happen on select nights before and after the fleet heads out on the water for the light show.
Meet and Greets are held at RiverPlace Marina, 1510 SW Harbor Way in Portland.
2025 Meet and Greet schedule:
- Saturday, December 20, from 8-10 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21, from 2-5 p.m.
“Christmas Ship Parade” by Visitor7 is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Christmas Ships Schedule
The Christmas Ships schedule has 15 select viewing nights from December 4-21, 2025. The fleets run their routes for two to three hours.
View the full schedule and choose what night to take in the sights and sounds of one of Portland’s best holiday light displays. The list is organized by date and location.
Keep in mind that on some nights events may be canceled due to weather conditions.
Thursday, December 4, at 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to Vancouver Waterfront
The fleet assembles at M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and crosses to the Washington side near Tidewater Cove. It then heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge area.
The fleet can be seen from both sides of the river and is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
The Cove, 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland
Hotel Indigo Vancouver, 550 Waterfront Way, Vancouver
Salty’s on the Columbia, 3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland
The Sextant Bar & Galley, 4035 NE Marine Dr, Portland
McMenamins on the Columbia,1801 S.E. Columbia River Dr., Vancouver
Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to North Portland Harbor
The combined fleet assembles at M. James Gleason Boat Ramp and parades in the area before traveling to North Portland Harbor on the Oregon side of Hayden Island. You cannot view this route from the Washington shore or your car along the harbor.
The fleet is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
Sundance Marina, 570 NE Tomahawk Drive, Portland (Public welcome December 5 only)
Salty’s Restaurant, 3839 NE Marine Drive, Portland
The Sextant Bar & Galley, 4035 NE Marine Drive, Portland
Saturday, December 6 at 6 p.m.
Camas/Washougal/Steamboat Landing Park
The combined fleet gathers in front of Port of Camas/Washougal and parades in the area for about an hour. The fleet returns to the Camas/Washougal docks and then travels back to Portland along the Washington side arriving in the Portland/Vancouver area around 8:30 p.m. ending near the M. James Gleason boat ramp.
Viewing locations:
Port of Camas/Washougal, 24 South A St, Washougal
Washougal Waterfront Park, 56 S 1st St, Washougal
Steamboat Landing Park, 15th St, Washougal
Monday, December 8, at 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to Vancouver Waterfront/Hayden Bay
The fleet gathers in front of M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive, and crosses to the Washington side near Tidewater Cove. It then heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge area.
The fleet can be seen from both sides of the river and is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
The Cove, 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland
Hotel Indigo Vancouver, 550 Waterfront Way, Vancouver
Salty’s on the Columbia, 3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland
The Sextant Bar & Galley, 4035 NE Marine Dr, Portland
McMenamins on the Columbia,1801 S.E. Columbia River Dr., Vancouver
Monday, December 8, at 7 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Johns Landing/Fremont Bridge
The fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina and travels upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory, to the Johns Landing area. It will then turn around near The Boathouse apartments at S. Boundary St. The fleet turns around to head back downriver to the Fremont Bridge area. The fleet goes under the bridge past the waterfront condos before returning to Riverplace Marina.
The fleet will be out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy.
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St.
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St.
Tuesday, December 9, at 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to Washington Shores/Wintler Park
The ships gather in front of M. James Gleason Boat Ramp and remains in the area of the boat ramp for 15 minutes then crosses the river to Tidewater Cove and Wintler Park. Then the fleet heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge and can be seen from both sides of the river. The parade will return to the Oregon side below the I-5 Bridge.
The fleet will be out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
Along NE Marine Drive from NE 29th to 42nd St
The Cove, 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland
Hotel Indigo Vancouver, 550 Waterfront Way, Vancouver
Salty’s on the Columbia, 3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland
The Sextant Bar & Galley, 4035 NE Marine Dr, Portland
McMenamins on the Columbia,1801 S.E. Columbia River Dr., Vancouver
Tuesday, December 9, at 7 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Milwaukie
The fleet begins in front of Riverplace Marina and travels upriver to the Milwaukie Bay Riverfront Park area. The fleet spends about 15 minutes before returning to Riverplace Marina.
The fleet is out for approximately two hours.
Viewing locations:
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St., Portland
Milwaukie Riverfront Park, 11211 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie
South Waterfront Park, 2001 S River Dr., Portland
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St., Portland
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery, Portland
Willamette Park, 6500 S Macadam Ave., Portland
Sellwood Riverfront Park, 1221 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland
Powers Marine Park, SW Macadam Avenue south of the Sellwood Bridge, Portland
Wednesday, December 10, 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to I-205/Steamboat Landing/164th Ave
The fleet gathers in front of M. James Gleason Boat Ramp and continues upriver to the I-205 Bridge area and Steamboat Landing. The fleet continues upriver to the area of SE 164th in Vancouver.
The fleet stays on the Washington side and is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
The Cove, 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
Salty’s Restaurant, 3839 NE Marine Drive, Portland
The Sextant Bar and Galley, 4035 NE Marine Drive, Portland
NE Marine Drive from NE 43rd to the west end of Lemon Island
Wednesday, December 10, 7 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Johns Landing/Fremont Bridge
The fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina and travels upriver past the Old Spaghetti Factory to the Johns Landing area. It turns around near The Boathouse apartments, S. Boundary St., and heads downriver to the Fremont Bridge area. The fleet will go under the bridge before returning to Riverplace Marina.
The fleet is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St.
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery, Portland
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy.
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St.
Friday, December 12, 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to Vancouver Waterfront/Hayden Bay
The fleet gathers in front of M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive, and crosses to the Washington side near Tidewater Cove. It then heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge area.
The fleet can be seen from both sides of the river and is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
The Cove, 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland
Hotel Indigo Vancouver, 550 Waterfront Way, Vancouver
Salty’s on the Columbia, 3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland
The Sextant Bar & Galley, 4035 NE Marine Dr, Portland
McMenamins on the Columbia,1801 S.E. Columbia River Dr., Vancouver
Friday, December 12, 7 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Milwaukie/Oregon Yacht Club
The fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina and travels upriver to the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat ramp, the fleet turns and heads back downriver. On the way back, it travels below Oaks Park toward Holgate Channel and in front of the Oregon Yacht Club.
The fleet is out for close to three hours.
Viewing locations:
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St., Portland
Milwaukie Riverfront Park, 11211 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie
South Waterfront Park, 2001 S River Dr., Portland
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St., Portland
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery, Portland
Willamette Park, 6500 S Macadam Ave., Portland
Sellwood Riverfront Park, 1221 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland
Powers Marine Park, SW Macadam Avenue south of the Sellwood Bridge, Portland
Saturday, December 13, 6 p.m.
St. Helens City Docks to Columbia City/Washington Shoreline
The combined fleet gathers at the St. Helens City Docks and parades in front of the docks for 30 minutes before heading downriver to Columbia City. The fleet crosses to the Washington side near Woodland then returns to St. Helens City Docks.
The fleet is out about two hours.
Viewing locations:
Columbia View Park, 3 Strand St., St. Helens
Columbia Courthouse, 230 Strand St.
Caples House Museum, 1925 First St., Columbia City
Pixie Park, 1816 The Strand, Columbia City
Sunday, December 14, at 4:30 p.m.
JJ Collins Memorial Park to Scappoose/Multnomah Channel to Willamette River
The combined fleet meets at Coon Island and leaves for Scappoose. It continues up the Multnomah Channel to the Willamette River. The parade is visible in the Linnton area at the end. The Willamette Fleet can be seen returning to Riverplace Marina.
Viewing locations:
Fred’s Marina, 12800 NW Marina Way, Portland
Rocky Pointe, 23586 NW St. Helens Hwy., Portland
McCuddy’s Landing, 34326 Johnson’s Landing Rd, Scappoose
Hadley’s Landing, NW Sauvie Island Rd., Sauvie Island
Sauvie Island Boat Ramp, 15475 NW Ferry Rd, Portland
Tuesday, December 16, 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to I-205/Steamboat Landing/164th Ave
The fleet gathers in front of M. James Gleason Boat Ramp and continues upriver to the I-205 Bridge area and Steamboat Landing. The fleet travels to the area of SE 164th in Vancouver.
It stays on the Washington side and is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
The Cove, 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
Salty’s Restaurant, 3839 NE Marine Drive, Portland
The Sextant Bar and Galley, 4035 NE Marine Drive, Portland
NE Marine Drive from NE 43rd to the west end of Lemon Island
Tuesday, December 16, 7 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Milwaukie
Starting at Riverplace Marina, the fleet travels upriver to the Milwaukie Bay Riverfront Park. It spends 15 minutes by the park before returning to Riverplace Marina.
The fleet is out for approximately two hours.
Viewing locations:
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St., Portland
Milwaukie Riverfront Park, 11211 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie
South Waterfront Park, 2001 S River Dr., Portland
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St., Portland
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery, Portland
Willamette Park, 6500 S Macadam Ave., Portland
Sellwood Riverfront Park, 1221 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland
Powers Marine Park, SW Macadam Avenue south of the Sellwood Bridge, Portland
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to Vancouver Waterfront/Hayden Bay
Wednesday, December 17, at 7 p.m.
The fleet gathers in front of M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive, and crosses to the Washington side near Tidewater Cove. It then heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge area.
The fleet can be seen from both sides of the river and is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
The Cove, 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland
Hotel Indigo Vancouver, 550 Waterfront Way, Vancouver
Salty’s on the Columbia, 3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland
The Sextant Bar & Galley, 4035 NE Marine Dr, Portland
McMenamins on the Columbia,1801 S.E. Columbia River Dr., Vancouver
Wednesday, December 17, at 7 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Johns Landing/Fremont Bridge
The fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina and travels upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory, to the Johns Landing area. It will then turn around near The Boathouse apartments at S. Boundary St. The fleet turns around to head back downriver to the Fremont Bridge area. The fleet goes under the bridge past the waterfront condos before returning to Riverplace Marina.
The fleet will be out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy.
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St.
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St.
Thursday, December 18, at 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to North Portland Harbor
The combined fleet assembles at M. James Gleason Boat Ramp and parades in the area before traveling to North Portland Harbor on the Oregon side of Hayden Island. You cannot view this route from the Washington shore or your car along the harbor.
The fleet is out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
Salty’s Restaurant, 3839 NE Marine Drive, Portland
The Sextant Bar & Galley, 4035 NE Marine Drive, Portland
Thursday, December 18, at 7 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Milwaukie
The fleet begins in front of Riverplace Marina and travels upriver to the Milwaukie Bay Riverfront Park area. The fleet spends about 15 minutes before returning to Riverplace Marina.
The fleet is out for approximately two hours.
Viewing locations:
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St., Portland
Milwaukie Riverfront Park, 11211 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie
South Waterfront Park, 2001 S River Dr., Portland
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St., Portland
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery, Portland
Willamette Park, 6500 S Macadam Ave., Portland
Sellwood Riverfront Park, 1221 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland
Powers Marine Park, SW Macadam Avenue south of the Sellwood Bridge, Portland
Friday, December 19, at 7 p.m.
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp to Washington Shores/Wintler Park
The ships gather in front of M. James Gleason Boat Ramp and remains in the area of the boat ramp for 15 minutes then crosses the river to Tidewater Cove and Wintler Park. Then the fleet heads downriver to the I-5 Bridge and can be seen from both sides of the river. The parade will return to the Oregon side below the I-5 Bridge.
The fleet will be out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, 4325 NE Marine Dr, Portland ($5 parking fee)
Along NE Marine Drive from NE 29th to 42nd St
The Cove, 5731 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver
Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland
Hotel Indigo Vancouver, 550 Waterfront Way, Vancouver
Salty’s on the Columbia, 3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland
The Sextant Bar & Galley, 4035 NE Marine Dr, Portland
McMenamins on the Columbia, 1801 S.E. Columbia River Dr., Vancouver
Friday, December 19, at 7 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Johns Landing/Fremont Bridge
The fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina and travels upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory, to the Johns Landing area. It will then turn around near The Boathouse apartments at S. Boundary St. The fleet turns around to head back downriver to the Fremont Bridge area. The fleet goes under the bridge past the waterfront condos before returning to Riverplace Marina.
The fleet will be out for about two hours.
Viewing locations:
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy.
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St.
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St.
Saturday, December 20, at 4:30 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to Lake Oswego
The fleet leaves Riverplace Marina headed to Lake Oswego and will go as far as George Rogers Park, remaining in the area for a while before heading back to Portland. The parade can be seen from the Milwaukie Bay Riverfront Park on and from Lake Oswego. If time permits, the fleet may spend time in Milwaukie Bay on the way back from Lake Oswego.
The parade of boats is out for approximately three-and-a-half hours.
Viewing locations:
Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Dr., Lake Oswego
Roehr Park, 350 Oswego Pointe Dr., Lake Oswego
George Rogers Park, 611 S State St., Lake Oswego
South Waterfront Park, 2001 S River Dr., Portland
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St., Portland
Milwaukie Bay Park, 11001 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie
Riverplace Esplanade, 0300 Block SW Montgomery, Portland
Willamette Park, 6500 S Macadam Ave., Portland
Sellwood Riverfront Park, 1221 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland
Powers Marine Park, SW Macadam Avenue south of the Sellwood Bridge, Portland
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St., Portland
Sunday, December 21, 5 p.m.
Riverplace Marina to St. Johns Bridge/Cathedral Park
The fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina and travels upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory, to the John’s Landing area. The fleet then turns and travels downriver to the St. Johns Bridge/Cathedral Park area. The ships remain in the St. Johns area for about 30 minutes.
This is my favorite location to watch the Christmas Ships Parade. I recommend viewing from the top of the St. Johns Bridge.
The fleet is out for about an hour.
Viewing locations:
Cathedral Park, N Edison Street and Pittsburg Ave., Portland
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy., Portland
Eastbank Esplanade near Kerr Public Dock, Audrey McCall Beach and OMSI
South Waterfront Greenway, 838 S Curry St., Portland
South Hawthorne Waterfront Park, near Clay and Naito Parkway
The Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 S.W. Bancroft St., Portland
For more information about the Christmas Ships, visit the Christmas Ships Parade website.
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