Spectacular Portland Christmas Ships

Every year, the Portland Christmas Ships light up the night sky with their iconic holiday displays. From the beginning of December to the end of December, the beautiful ships sail along the Willamette River and Columbia River, providing Portlanders a stunning view of brightly lit boats. With Christmas music playing on board and the festive decorations that adorn each vessel, it's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

Dating back to the 1950s, the Portland Christmas Ships have become a beloved tradition in the City of Roses. Every holiday season, the ships set sail for a series of cruises, each one offering a unique experience. On board, passengers can enjoy holiday snacks and beverages, live music, and of course, the majestic views of the illuminated vessels as they make their way down the river. Read on to learn more about this amazing tradition and everything you need to know about the Portland Christmas Ships.

Portland Christmas Ships History

The Portland Christmas Ships first set sail in 1954, when a local man named Don Eldon decided to honor his deceased father by creating a fleet of brightly lit boats. Each boat was outfitted with red, green, and white lights, and the ships were adorned with festive decorations, such as garlands and wreaths. The vessels soon became a beloved tradition in Portland, and every year, more and more ships joined the fleet.

Today, the Portland Christmas Ships fleet has grown to include dozens of vessels, ranging from traditional motorboats to luxury yachts. The ships travel along a variety of routes, so passengers can select the cruise that best fits their holiday needs. The Portland Spirit, a classic paddlewheel boat, is the flagship of the fleet and is the most popular choice for those looking to enjoy a classic Christmas Ship experience.

Experience the Holiday Magic with Portland Christmas Ships

Embarking on a Portland Christmas Ships cruise is a magical experience for all ages. Aboard the vessels, passengers can enjoy delicious snacks and festive beverages while listening to holiday music played by a live band. The ships are also equipped with an audio tour, which provides an entertaining narrative of Portland history and local holiday traditions.

Passengers can also take in the breathtaking beauty of the illuminated ships, each one decorated with thousands of LED lights. The ships also feature a dazzling fireworks show during the cruises, which provides a spectacular finale to the experience.

Booking Your Portland Christmas Ships Cruise

The popularity of the Portland Christmas Ships ensures that tickets sell out quickly, so it's important to book your cruise as early as possible. Tickets can be purchased online or through the Portland Spirit, and the cost of the cruise varies depending on the length and type of the voyage.

Whether you're looking for a romantic evening out or a fun family activity, a Portland Christmas Ships cruise is sure to be a memorable experience. So, don your Santa hats and get ready to hop aboard a magical holiday voyage that will create lasting memories for years to come.

Enjoy A Cruise With Front Row View Of The Christmas Ships Parade Listed