Seattle has all sorts of amazing holiday traditions from the Nutcracker to Christmas Ships to Magic in the Market. If you happen to own a boat and are looking for ways to partake in the season, we have an event for you. This year, you can join in the Seattle Christmas Boat Parade and here’s how.

The Seattle Christmas Boat Parade is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Boat owners come together each year on Lake Union for an official parade full of maritime joy. Boaters wow onlookers from the shore and also cruise by judges to determine just who has the best light displays.

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This year boaters will be judged in several categories including the following.

1. Best In Show – People’s Choice Award
2. Best Santa & Reindeer Theme
3. Best & Biggest Christmas Tree & Lights Theme
4. Best Christmas Snowman, Winter Wonderland Theme
5. Most Overall Christmas Lights – Brightest & Most Colorful Boat in the Parade

So how do you join? For starters, you or someone you know needs access to a boat. Then you visit the parade’s website and register your vessel. Be sure to look at all of the rules and get out all of your best lights. Enjoy!

Seattle Christmas Boat Parade

When: December 17th
Where: Lake Union
Cost: Free