11th Annual Parade of Boats

Three Ways to Experience the Parade of Boats

1. Ride the Christmas Ship™

2. Register for the Parade

3. Watch at our Viewing Party

Hop on our Christmas Ship™ and experience the Parade of Boats from the water! Enjoy being onboard the vessel leading the parade, surrounded by other decorated boats, while waving to those onshore.

Looking for an adults-only experience? The 21+ Follow Boat offers an ugly sweater party on the water while following the Christmas Ship™ through the parade.

Have a boat you’re dying to show off and decorate? Join the parade and cruise with us as we make our way through the Fremont Cut!

Whether you’re participating for friendly competition or just want to be part of the decorating fun, all boaters are welcome. Registration is free, and there’s no parade without you! Sign up below.

Argosy Cruises will be hosting an onshore viewing party for the Parade of Boats right in the Fremont neighborhood! We’ll have a prime viewing spot with a front-row look of all the competing vessels as they cruise by.

This is one of Seattle’s most sparkling nights, and you won’t want to miss it. Best of all, the event is open to the public! Enjoy holiday music in the plaza and browse our vendors for a warm beverage and treat.

Onshore Viewing Party

Get ready to witness one of Seattle’s most twinkling nights on the water! Argosy Cruises’ 11th Annual Parade of Boats viewing party comes to Evanston Plaza in the Fremont December 11th. Free and open to the public, this lively event is the ultimate spot to watch, cheer, and witness the decorated holiday fleet as they light up the night. Bring your crew and join the crowd for a festive boat parade like no other.

When: Friday, December 11th, 2026
Event Time: 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Parade Viewing: Boats will start making their way down the water at 8:20 pm
Where: Evanston Plaza next to Phenopath Lab on the Fremont Cut (off of Evanston Ave North and North Northlake Way)

Register for our Annual Parade of Boats

Free to participate and sign up! Decorated in sparkling lights, the boating community comes together for one night to parade through Lake Union and down the Fremont Cut, showcasing festive décor to families and friends onshore. Register your vessel to be part of the parade and/or compete for “Best in Show.”

Date: Friday, December 11, 2026
Parade Time: 8:20 to 9:30 pm (approx)*
Location: Meet on Lake Union & parade down the Fremont Cut | Parade Route

Things to know:

Boater numbers help us spot your vessel and make announcements to the crowd. Register by November 30th to get your number mailed in time. Late registrations are still welcome—you just won’t receive a number.
If you are not interested in the competition but would like to join the parade, please still register! This helps us accurately gauge the parade for our onshore viewers and ensures a smooth event.
Only registered vessels can compete for Best in Show. Registration requires submission of the form and confirmation email.
Each boater is responsible for assessing their own skills and ensuring the safety of passengers and vessel. It is imperative to follow all rules of the waterways and exercise extra caution.

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This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Name(Required)

First Last

E-Mail (All information is communicated via email. Please ensure it is spelled correctly!)(Required)

Address (This is where we will send your boater number via mail)(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Level of participation:(Required)

I just want to be in the parade

I want to be in the parade and compete in "Best in Show"

Boat Profile

Type of Vessel (Check all that apply)(Required)

Sail

Power

Charter

Commercial

Name of Vessel(Required)

Vessel Height (Needed for the Fremont Bridge)(Required)

Vessel Length(Required)

Describe the decorations of your boat! This information is used to announce your vessel to the onshore audience.(Required)

Anything unique, special, or you just want us and the crowd to know about your boat?

Boat Photo - Decorated is preferred!

Accepted file types: jpg, png, , Max. file size: 6 MB.

Waiver(Required)

I have read & understand the below Waiver of Liability

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

1. I have read, understand & agree to the Terms & Conditions.
2. I fully understand and agree that my participation in the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival Parade of Boats is voluntary and at my own risk.
3. I hereby certify that there exists full liability and property damage, and personal injury insurance on the vessel being entered in the parade.
4. I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless Argosy Cruises, the City of Seattle, Seattle Parks & Recreation, and any other entities along the parade route.
5. I hereby grant full consent to the Argosy Cruises for the free use of my picture or name in any broadcast, telecast, or other accounts of the events of the parade.
6. I fully understand and agree to allow Argosy Cruises to distribute my vessel name and assigned Parade Number to other registered vessels as part of the Parade Roster.