Christmas Ships Parade 2026

Each December, the Columbia River shimmers with reflections of holiday lights as the Christmas Ships Parade sails past the Vancouver Waterfront and other Clark County vantage points. This free, family-friendly event has been a local tradition for nearly 70 years, bringing a touch of magic to the river for visitors and residents alike.

What to Expect

Watch dozens of lighted boats glide along the Columbia River, each decorated with glowing displays and festive themes. The parade is most visible from Vancouver Waterfront Park, Grant Street Pier, and scenic stretches of the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. Settle in at waterfront restaurants such as The Cove, WildFin American Grill, Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar, McMenamins on the Columbia, Oswego Grill, Waterfront Taphouse, or DOSALAS Latin Kitchen + Tequila Bar for cozy indoor views and warm drinks as the boats drift by between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., depending on the evening’s route.

2026 Parade Nights Visible from Clark County

Only select nights of the Columbia River Fleet pass near Clark County shores. These evenings offer the best viewing from Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal:

• Fri Nov 27 (4:00 PM) - Vancouver Waterfront Park / Grant Street Pier - Vancouver Rotary Tree Lighting / Santa escort to Vancouver Waterfront (Combined Fleet)
• Thurs Dec 3 (7:00 PM) - Vancouver Waterfront / Hayden Bay (Combined Fleet)
• Fri Dec 4 (7:00 PM) - North Portland Harbor (Combined Fleet)
• Sat Dec 5 (6:00 PM) - Camas / Washougal (Combined Fleet)
• Mon Dec 7 (7:00 PM) - Washington Shores/Wintler Park
• Tues Dec 8 (7:00 PM) - I-205 / Steamboat Landing / 164th Ave
• Wed Dec 9 (7:00 PM) - North Portland Harbor
• Fri Dec 11 (7:00 PM) - Vancouver Waterfront / Hayden Bay
• Sat Dec 12 (6:00 PM) - St. Helens City Docks to Columbia City/Washington Shoreline. (This is not a Vancouver waterfront route.)
• Tues Dec 15 (7:00 PM) - North Portland Harbor
• Wed Dec 16 (7:00 PM) - Vancouver Waterfront Park / Hayden Bay
• Thurs Dec 17 (7:00 PM) - I-205 / Steamboat Landing / 164th Ave
• Fri Dec 18 (7:00 PM) - Washington Shores/Wintler Park

Times are approximate and may vary with river traffic or weather. For the most accurate updates, visit the official Christmas Ships website.

Know Before You Go

• Arrive early: Waterfront parking and prime viewing areas fill quickly.
• Bundle up: Evening breezes can be cool—bring layers or blankets.
• Parking: Garages and metered spaces are available downtown Vancouver; limited lots serve Camas and Washougal parks.
• Accessibility: Waterfront Renaissance Trail, Vancouver Waterfront Park, and Steamboat Landing Park are all ADA-accessible.
• Stay flexible: Parade routes and times may change with weather or river conditions, including rare cancellations.

Best Christmas Ships Viewing in Vancouver

• Vancouver Waterfront Park & Grant Street Pier – Main viewing area with open river views.
• Waterfront Renaissance Trail – Scenic, walkable path connecting multiple vantage points.
• Wintler Park – Great for families; good visibility on east-bound routes.
• Waterfront Restaurants & Patios – The Cove, WildFin, Twigs, McMenamins on the Columbia, Waterfront Taphouse, Oswego Grill, and DOSALAS offer river views with seasonal menus.

Best Christmas Ships Viewing in Camas & Washougal

• Steamboat Landing Park – Excellent vantage when the fleet turns near the east end of the county.
• Washougal Waterfront Park – Peaceful alternative with wide river perspective and ample parking.

Plan Your Visit

• Parking & Access: Downtown Vancouver garages and street parking provide quick access to the waterfront. Camas and Washougal parks have smaller lots—arrive early.
• Timing: Boats generally appear between 7 and 9 p.m.
• Dining: Reserve waterfront restaurant seating well in advance on parade nights.
• Weather & Safety: Events may be delayed or canceled if river conditions are unsafe—check the official website (link above) for real-time updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch the Christmas Ships in Vancouver and the surrounding area?
The best views are from Vancouver Waterfront Park, Grant Street Pier, and the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. On certain nights, the fleet also passes Steamboat Landing Park, Camas Marina, and Washougal Waterfront Park.

Do I need tickets?
No. Shoreline viewing is free and open to everyone.

How long does the parade last?
Each night’s display lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on fleet size and river traffic.