One cold December in 1954, a lone ship sailed the Columbia River, decorated for the holiday season by the Portland Yacht Club. Since then, the Christmas Ships Parade has evolved into the longest continuously operated boat parade in the United States, and the number of participants has skyrocketed. This year, more than 85 ships have volunteered to join the procession, reflective of the increased popularity and participation.
The spectacle is annual and takes place over 15 days in December. In 2020, it was designated as an official Oregon Heritage Tradition, a recognition appointed by the Oregon Heritage Commission to events in Oregon that are at least 50 years old and represent what it means to be an Oregonian.
Andy Smith is a longtime participant in the parade, where he currently captains a boat and helps to organize the event. He believes the recognition underscores the parade’s lasting impact on Portland’s identity. “The idea was simply to brighten up people’s holiday,” says Smith. “Since then, it’s grown into something much bigger.”
The parade is completely free, making it an accessible and affordable holiday activity. Mark Neiman, a Portland resident and longtime Christmas Ships Parade spectator, recalls, “During the holidays, my family was always looking for free [or] cheap Christmas-related activities. One year, my mom discovered the [Christmas Ships Parade] through the PTA at my elementary school, and it became a tradition for us to go every year after that.”
As a designated nonprofit, the Christmas Ships Parade is entirely managed and run by volunteers. The fleet consists of both newcomers and longtime participants, some of whom have been involved in the parade for over 40 years.
Even with all the volunteers, preparing for the parade can be surprisingly difficult. According to Andy Flug, a devoted volunteer and self-proclaimed “worker bee,” setting up the parade is more difficult than the parade itself.
Volunteers ensure light display designs can withstand constant movement while on the water, as well as rain and wind. Powering the lights can be a significant obstacle on the water. “Some people run their decorations off of their boat’s house batteries with an inverter, and some use a generator,” says Flug.
For many volunteers, the true joy of the parade comes from the crowds that gather along the riverbanks.
“I love to see the [spectators] and watch their reactions and excitement,” says Flug. “It brings so much joy, and [it’s] a core piece of Portland’s culture. If I can help spread some cheer and make someone’s day, I’m happy to spend the time and money participating with the Christmas Ships.” To Neiman, the best part about watching the ships is the creative light designs. “All the boaters [are] extremely dedicated to creating these incredible light tableaus that are especially spectacular during December darkness and cold,” he says.
For Portlanders deciding whether to attend the festivities, Andy Smith keeps the invitation simple: bring some warm clothes, make some hot chocolate, head to the waterfront, and enjoy the view.
Smith puts it best: “I would simply tell anyone to go out and just have fun and cheer us on! We do this for you.”
As the decorated boats illuminate the rivers for their 70th year, the Christmas Ship Parade continues to bring joy, community, and Christmas spirit to the riverbanks of the Rose City.
