BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Confluence Culture//events//EN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:christmas-ships-parade-dec-10-2@confluenceculture.events DTSTAMP:20261031T014304Z DTSTART:20261211T010000Z SUMMARY:Christmas Ships Parade LOCATION:Columbia River\, Rotating Locations\, Vancouver\, WA DESCRIPTION:Each December\, the Columbia River shimmers with reflections o f holiday lights as the Christmas Ships Parade sails past the Vancouver Wa terfront and other Clark County vantage points. This free\, family-friendl y 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 Wat ch 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 t he Waterfront Renaissance Trail. Settle in at waterfront restaurants such as The Cove\, WildFin American Grill\, Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar\, McMena mins on the Columbia\, Oswego Grill\, or DOSALAS Latin Kitchen + Tequila B ar 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 Visi ble from Clark County Only select nights of the Columbia River Fleet pass near Clark County shores. These evenings offer the best viewing from Vanco uver\, Camas\, and Washougal: Fri Nov 27 (7:00 PM) - Vancouver Waterfront Park / Grant Street Pier - Vancouver Rotary Tree Lighting / Santa escort t o Vancouver Waterfront (Combined Fleet) Thurs Dec 3 (7:00 PM) - Vancouver Waterfront / Hayden Bay (Combined Fleet) Fri Dec 4 (7:00 PM) - North Portl and Harbor / Wintler Park (Combined Fleet) Fri Dec 5 (6:00 PM) - Camas / W ashougal (Combined Fleet) Mon Dec 7 (7:00 PM) - Wintler Park / Interstate 5 Bridge 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 W aterfront / Hayden Bay Fri Dec 12 (7:00 PM) - Vancouver Waterfront Park / Grant Street Pier 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) - Wintler Pa rk / Interstate 5 Bridge area Times are approximate and may vary with rive r traffic or weather. For the most accurate updates\, visit the official C hristmas Ships website. Know Before You Go Arrive early: Waterfront parkin g and prime viewing areas fill quickly. Bundle up: Evening breezes can be cool—bring layers or blankets. Parking: Garages and metered spaces are ava ilable 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 r outes and times may change with weather or river conditions\, including ra re cancellations. Best Christmas Ships Viewing in Vancouver Vancouver Wate rfront 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 ea st-bound routes. Waterfront Restaurants & Patios – The Cove\, WildFin\, Tw igs\, McMenamins on the Columbia\, Waterfront Taphouse\, Oswego Grill\, an d Dos Alas offer river views with seasonal menus. Best Christmas Ships Vie wing 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. Pla n Your Visit Parking & Access: Downtown Vancouver garages and street parki ng 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 para de nights. Weather & Safety: Events may be delayed or canceled if river co nditions 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 W aterfront 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 v iewing is free and open to everyone. How long does the parade last? Each n ight’s display lasts about 45 to 60 minutes\, depending on fleet size and river traffic. URL:https://confluenceculture.events/events/christmas-ships-parade-dec-10- 2 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR