Name: Christmas Ships Parade 2026
Start: 2026-12-15
End: 2026-12-15

DOSALAS Latin Kitchen + tequila bar is a small plates restaurant takes it’s inspiration from Latin influences around the world. Imagine Spain, Peru, Argentina, and Cuba all blended with ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Pair with a cocktail from the uniquely crafted menu and enjoy dining on the water in an opulent modern, chic, and sexy space.

DOSALAS Latin Kitchen + tequila bar

WildFin’s menu selections feature the finest the region has to offer, from Northwest meats, and responsibly harvested fresh fish and seafood to sustainably grown produce.

WildFin American Grill

Columbia Gorge-based Maryhill Winery opened a large tasting room on the developing Vancouver waterfront. The space features an expansive patio and indoor space near the Grant Street Pier, and serves their award-winning wines alongside small plates.

Maryhill Winery

Serving upscale pub food and a wide variety of local beers, The Waterfront Taphouse's second-story spot on the north shore of the Columbia River overlooks the Grant Street Pier.

The Waterfront Taphouse

Twigs offers a variety of American cuisine staples, including salads and sandwiches, handmade pizzas, pasta, steaks and unique chef-Inspired creations. The full bar offers wigs Signature martini selections, local craft beer, and regional wines.

Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar

Willamette Valley Vineyards is a tasting room and full-service restaurant in the second-story spot in the Don Building on the Vancouver Waterfront. The space offers indoor seating, spacious patio seating overlooking the Columbia River, multiple fireplaces, and their signature Barrel Booth seating.⁠

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Airfield Estates has a deeply rooted history that traces back to 1907 when the founder and great-grandfather, H. Lloyd Miller, pioneered to the northwest settling in Sunnyside, Washington. Based in Yakima Valley, the family-owned and operated winery now has tasting rooms in Woodinville, Prosser, and on the Vancouver waterfront.

Airfield Estates

The Ruse Brewing's Crust Collective offers a family-friendly taproom and the popular Portland brewery’s first foray into food service with a Detroit-style pizza theme.

Ruse Brewing’s Crust Collective

Best known for its pasta, made in front of its patrons, Grassa is a fast-casual, artisan comfort food restaurant that started as a food truck in Portland, now expanded to five area locations.

Grassa

With a focus on specialty coffee, Kafiex serves up international brunch and plant-based breakfast items by morning, and desserts with wine, beer, and cocktails by night.

Kafiex Roasters Gastro Café

Vancouver WA provides the perfect blend of [outdoor adventure](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/ "outdoor recreation"), [urban activities](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/trip-planning/neighborhoods/downtown/ "Downtown Vancouver WA"), and [accessibility](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/trip-planning/community-profile/accessible-travel-vancouver/ "Accessible Travel"). Conveniently located between the picturesque Cascade Mountains and the mighty Columbia River, Vancouver is a sports lover's playground.

Whether it’s indoor or outdoor sports, Vancouver WA has the advantage! Your athletes will compete with pride at our amazing natural [venues](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/sports/venues/ "Sports Venues") and diverse sporting facilities. Vancouver offers boundless options for teams of all sports and sizes, which is why past events run the gauntlet from the NAIA Cross Country National Championships at [Fort Vancouver National Historic Site](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/things-to-do/historic-sites-and-museums/fort-vancouver/ "Fort Vancouver") and the Lucas Oil National Motocross Series at [Washougal MX Park](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/washougal-motocross-park/2139/ "Washougal Motocross Park") to the US Rowing Northwest Junior District Championships at [Vancouver Lake](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/vancouver-lake-park/ "Vancouver Lake").

We also work with local sports leagues to grow their programming, raise awareness for events, and assist with securing venues and hotel rooms. Some of our many sports partners include Columbia Premier, Ridgefield Raptors, HoopSource Basketball and the Vancouver Lake Rowing Club.

Visit Vancouver Washington

Each December, the Columbia River shimmers with reflections of holiday lights as the Christmas Ships Parade sails past the Vancouver Waterfront and other Clark County vantage points. This free, family-friendly 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

Watch 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](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/vancouver-waterfront-park/2988/), [Grant Street Pier](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/grant-street-pier/2989/), and scenic stretches of the [Waterfront Renaissance Trail](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/columbia-river-waterfront-renaissance-trail/1952/). Settle in at waterfront restaurants such as [The Cove](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/the-cove/3191/), [WildFin American Grill](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/wildfin-american-grill/2986/), [Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/twigs-bistro-and-martini-bar/2987/), [McMenamins on the Columbia](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/mcmenamins-on-the-columbia/1923/), [Oswego Grill](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/oswego-grill-columbia-shores/3392/), or [DOSALAS Latin Kitchen + Tequila Bar](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/dosalas-latin-kitchen-%2b-tequila-bar/3095/) 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 Visible from Clark County

Only select nights of the Columbia River Fleet pass near Clark County shores. These evenings offer the best viewing from Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal:

- **Fri Nov 27 (7:00 PM)** - Vancouver Waterfront Park / Grant Street Pier - Vancouver Rotary Tree Lighting / Santa escort to Vancouver Waterfront (Combined Fleet)
- **Thurs Dec 3 (7:00 PM)** - Vancouver Waterfront / Hayden Bay (Combined Fleet)
- **Fri Dec 4 (7:00 PM)** - North Portland Harbor / Wintler Park (Combined Fleet)
- **Fri Dec 5 (6:00 PM)** - Camas / Washougal (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 Waterfront / 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 Park / Interstate 5 Bridge area

*Times are approximate and may vary with river traffic or weather. For the most accurate updates, visit the official Christmas Ships website.*

## *Know Before You Go*

- **Arrive early:** Waterfront parking and prime viewing areas fill quickly.
- **Bundle up:** Evening breezes can be cool—bring layers or blankets.
- **Parking:** Garages and metered spaces are available 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 routes and times may change with weather or river conditions, including rare cancellations.

## Best Christmas Ships Viewing in Vancouver

- **Vancouver Waterfront Park & Grant Street Pier** – Main viewing area with open river views.
- **Waterfront Renaissance Trail** – Scenic, walkable path connecting multiple vantage points.
- **[Wintler Park](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/wintler-park/1533/)** – Great for families; good visibility on east-bound routes.
- **Waterfront Restaurants & Patios** – The Cove, WildFin, Twigs, McMenamins on the Columbia, Waterfront Taphouse, Oswego Grill, and Dos Alas offer river views with seasonal menus.

## Best Christmas Ships Viewing in Camas & Washougal

- **[Steamboat Landing Park](https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/listing/steamboat-landing-park/2074/)** – 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.

## Plan Your Visit

- **Parking & Access:** Downtown Vancouver garages and street parking 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 parade nights.
- **Weather & Safety:** Events may be delayed or canceled if river conditions 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 Waterfront 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 viewing is free and open to everyone.

**How long does the parade last?**  
Each night’s display lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on fleet size and river traffic.

Christmas Ships Parade 2026

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