A Seattle holiday classic is back in 2023, as the Christmas Boat Parade will bring local boaters together to light up the night and celebrate the season.

It’s that time of year again to bust out your boat’s Christmas lights and decorations, gather your Seattle Christmas Boat Parade crew, and get ready to ring in the holidays. As in past years, the Lake Union parade route is sailboat friendly with no bridges to lift. Start time is at 7:00 p.m., December 16 and registered vessels should be checked in and lined up by 6:30 p.m. See you on the water for some yuletide cheer! Sign up HERE.

Parade Route & Check-In:

Check-In – Registered vessels line up and check-in at 6:30 p.m.

Start – In front of Fremont Tug Boats – just East of the Aurora Bridge, directly across from Morrison’s Fuel Dock
End – At Morrison’s Fuel Dock

  • Vessels Line up: Start Next to: Fremont Tugboats  – Line Up, W to E
    Toward Gasworks Park & so on….
  • 1st Lead Boat – Western Towboat, Tugboat – Bright Yellow & Blue Tug
  • 2nd Boat – Registered Vessels check-in with “Salty Dog” on VHF 68 6:30

Judge’s Location & Details:

Morrison’s North Star Fuel Dock – Judges will be spaced out on the dock

Boat Parade Registered Vessels – Make sure you hoot and holler at the Judges when you cruise by!

Captains – make sure judges get a good look at your bright, colorfully decorated boat & visible Parade # on your bow. 

Boat Parade – Judge Categories:  December 16, 2022:

1. Best In Show – People’s Choice Award
2. Best Santa & Reindeer Theme
3. Best & Biggest Christmas Tree & Lights Theme
4. Best Christmas Snowman, Winter Wonderland Theme
5. Most Overall Christmas Lights – Brightest & Most Colorful Boat in the Parade
“This boat is so bright – you can see it way at the other end of the lake!!!”

 

Seattle Christmas Boat Parade