The Royal Argosy Christmas Ship Festival

The Royal Argosy Christmas Ship Festival in Seattle (benefit's the Seattle Times Fund for the needy)
The parade runs from December 1st-23rd, and passes through 45 waterfronts communities in the Puget sound region.

If you ever get the chance to visit Seattle during the Christmas season, try to schedule an evening aboard one of the decorated boats that participate in the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival. This is a northwest tradition that has been taking place annually for almost 60 years. Even if you don't get aboard one of the boats, make sure to stake out a spot on the shore to watch when the floating parade comes past your community: the boat parade takes place in the evening, and the glow of the festive lights on the dark water is gorgeous.

The Royal Argosy parade is the largest holiday flotilla in the world. It takes place during the evenings beginning on December 1st, and doesn't end until the few days before Christmas day. It is led by "The Spirit of Seattle," which is an Argosy Cruise ship that has kind one become Seattle's water mascot (you can see the Spirit of Seattle cruising from Lake Washington to the Ballard Locks all throughout the year.) For Christmas, however, the Spirit of Seattle undergoes a transformation, and is completely decked out in lights and decorations, as are all the other boats manned by members of northwest communities that follow behind it. You can get a seat for the night on one of three types of boat, offering different kinds of entertainment (all ships have heated decks and refreshments.) And you have the added bonus of knowing that a portion of your ticket money went towards charitable causes. If you decide to ride on one of the regular Parade boats, tickets run from about $20-$40 for adults, depending on which night you pick, and what boat. (Children usually cost around $15.) You get great views of the water, and will enjoy conversing with other passengers. If you ride aboard the Spirit of Seattle Christmas ship, it is a little more expensive, but also more fun for the kids. They have a Santa Claus, as well as an evening full of holiday games.

If you decide to ride the Royal Argosy Cruise ship, it costs around $90 per adult (and this is more of an adult affair.) But the extra money gets you a delicious three course meal. Everything is very formal: good china, white linens, a professional wait staff, and excellent drinks. You also get the pleasure of hearing some of the Northwest's best choirs performing throughout the evening. (Check the schedule if you want to hear a specific choir.) The jazz band plays between sessions, making for a lovely, festive evening, in a beautiful setting.

Or if you decide to stay ashore, find your way over to the waterfront community that the boat parade is scheduled to go past during the course of the evening. The community sets up beachfront bonfires, and there is singing and great socializing. The bonfires are huge and keep you very warm. And the choir performances are broadcast to the people on shore. Plus, you have the added advantaged of seeing the entire floating parade out on the water, and it is a great sight: tons of ships and bright, twinkling white lights. It is a really good way to bring out your holiday spirit.