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Christmas Ships and Bonfires at the Parks Return – 2021 Schedule

Photo of more than a dozen boats crusing a waterway at night, strung with colorful holiday lights.

The Argosy Christmas Ships are back! An annual Seattle tradition, the holiday cruises were sadly cancelled last year due to the pandemic. This year the festivities return in full glory: a parade of brightly-lighted boats will cruise from Puget Sound to Lake Union and out to Lake Washington. Stopping at pre-planned locations, the lead ship hosts an onboard chorus singing Christmas carols for neighbors and community to watch from shore.

This year Seattle Parks and Recreation is pleased to add bonfires back into the mix at select Seattle parks. Community members can bring a warm drink in a thermos and gather around the fire to watch and even sing along to the choir while the night lights up with much needed holiday cheer. Dress warm, bring umbrellas just in case, and join with your community! This is sure to be an extra-special activity this year. (The ships make stops outside the park system too.)

These events are free, and all ages are welcome. 

Here are the times and park locations for shoreline bonfires organized by Seattle Parks and Recreation:

  • Nov. 26 @ 5:35pm, Don Armeni Park (Opening Night) (not park supported)
  • Nov. 27 @ 8:35pm, Alki Beach Park
  • Nov. 28 @ 5:35pm, Carkeek Park
  • Nov. 28 @ 8:35pm, Golden Gardens Park
  • Dec. 3 @ 5:35pm, Seward Park
  • Dec. 4 @ 2:35pm, Pritchard Island Beach
  • Dec. 4 @ 8:40pm, Stan Sayres Memorial Park
  • Dec. 5 @ 8:35pm, Ferdinand Street Park
  • Dec. 11 @ 2:50pm, Magnuson Park
  • Dec. 17 @ 2:35pm, Madison Park Beach
  • Dec. 17 @ 5:35pm, Madrona Park
  • Dec. 18 @ 2:35pm, Matthews Beach
  • Dec. 23 @ 9:10pm, Gas Works Park (Grand Finale)