by Kasey Smith 

Seattle Parks and Recreation

The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival is returning November 27! The Christmas Ships are an exciting annual tradition as they sail across Seattle waters! A parade of brightly lit boats will cruise from Puget Sound to Lake Union and out to Lake Washington, stopping at pre-planned locations; the lead ship hosts an onboard chorus singing Christmas carols for neighbors and the community to watch from shore.   

Seattle Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer free bonfires this year at select parks where the Christmas Ships will stop. Community members can bring a warm drink and gather around the fire to watch and sing along with the choir while the night lights up with holiday cheer. Dress warmly, bring umbrellas just in case, and join with your community!  

The free shoreline bonfires organized by Seattle Parks and Recreation will be at the following locations:   

Friday, November 27 

• 6 PM | Alki Beach, 2701 Alki Ave SW 

Thursday, December 3 

• 2 PM | Pritchard Island Beach, 8400 55th Ave S 
• 5 PM | Mt. Baker Beach, 2521 Lake Park Dr S 

Saturday, December 5  

• 11 AM | Ferdinand Street Boat Launch, 5018 Lake Washington Blvd S  
• 3 PM | Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S 

Thursday, December 10 

• 2 PM | Carkeek Park, 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd 
  • Please enjoy light snacks and hot beverages provided by the Carkeek Park Advisory Council. Be green – bring a mug! You can learn more about the volunteer council and their work here.
• 5 PM | Golden Gardens Park, 8498 Seaview Pl NW 

Sunday, December 13 

• 4 PM | Stan Sayres Memorial Park, 3808 Lake Washington Blvd S 

Saturday, December 19  

• 11 AM | Madison Park, 4201 E Madison St 
• 3 PM | Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE 

Monday, December 21 

• 11 AM | Matthews Beach, 5100 NE 93rd St 

Tuesday, December 22 

• 5 PM | Madrona Beach Park, 853 Lake Washington Blvd 

Wednesday, December 23 

• 6 PM | Gas Works Park, 2101 N Northlake Way 

Visitors can warm up with hot drinks and snacks at two SPR concession locations during the events. The Kite Cafe, located in the Golden Gardens Bathhouse, will be open on Thursday, December 10, during the free bonfire and Argosy Christmas Ship singalong, offering hot drinks and treats. 

The Liberty Cafe Concession Stand at Madrona Beach Park will be open on Tuesday, December 22, serving coffee, tea, hot cocoa, spiced cider, and other snacks. The café is located near the restrooms at the north end of the park, and winter operating hours may vary based on weather. 

The ships make stops outside the park system, too! For the full schedule, visit the Christmas Ship Festival website.