Vancouver residents will be celebrating the holidays with a unique tradition that dates back almost 70 years.
The Christmas Ships Parade is a free event suitable for people of all ages, who have the opportunity to watch ships sail the Columbia River, decked out in holiday lights. Events like this can be advertised when organizers use flyer printing to create handouts to distribute in the area.
The ships are decorated with festive displays such as Christmas trees, elves, Santa Claus, reindeer, and other holiday classics. Among the peak viewing spots in Vancouver are the Grant Street Pier, Vancouver Waterfront Park, and the Waterfront Renaissance Trail. Restaurants that overlook the river offer a chance to enjoy a meal and a drink while taking in the parade.
The ships’ routes differ each night. The fun begins on December 4, when the route includes Grant Street Pier and Vancouver Waterfront Park. On December 6, the ships head east to Camas, Washougal, and the Steamboat Landing Park. On December 8, the route passes Vancouver Waterfront Park and The Cove.
The best viewing on December 9 is from Wintler Community Park and the I-5 Bridge area. On December 10, the ships will make a loop, passing both Vancouver Waterfront, and Steamboat Landing, and on December 12, they will pass the Grant Street Pier and Vancouver Waterfront Park. The last day of the parade is December 17, when the ships pass Vancouver Waterfront Park and the Renaissance Trail.
