Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival returns to Seattle this month & here’s when

From Magic in the Market to local holiday lighting displays, there are plenty of unique ways that Seattle celebrates the holiday season. One of the best and most classically PNW has to be the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival. It returns this month and here’s what to expect and how to partake.

The ship-to-shore holiday celebration is in its 72nd year, originally starting in 1949. Onlookers can see The Spirit of Seattle decorated with hundreds of shimmery white lights as it sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities. In total, about 40 are visited.

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While it’s spectacular to watch the ships from around the sound, you can actually go on board both the main ship and follow boat. On board, you’ll get to be up close and personal with the choirs that fill Puget Sound with holiday cheer.

If you choose to purchase tickets for the Christmas ship you’ll get to enjoy the following.

• 1.5-hour cruise to a waterfront community
• On board community choir
• Reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
• Full-service bar with specialty cocktails, local wine & beer, and non-alcoholic beverages

If you choose to purchase tickets for the 21+ Follow Boat you’ll get to enjoy these fun offerings.

• 1.5-hour cruise to a waterfront community
• Broadcast choir performance
• Photo booth and ugly sweater contest
• Full-service bar with specialty cocktails, local wine & beer, and non-alcoholic beverages

But if you’d rather save on tickets and enjoy the boats from the shore, that’s perfectly fine too. You’ll be able to see the boats on opening night November 25th-27th and December weekends with the final sail happening on December 23rd.

Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship

When: November 35th-27th, Weekends in December until the 23rd
Where: Multiple departure locations
Cost: $54-$72