Join Us
Ready to be part of something fun, festive and uniquely Northwest? Join a select group of boaters who take part in a cherished multi-generational holiday tradition. Our lighted boat parade is fun, addicting and incredibly rewarding—and the best part? There’s NO fee to participate!
Why Join?
Create Lasting Memories
Bring joy to your family and friends while starting a magical holiday tradition of your own.
Boost Your Boating Confidence
Gain skills and confidence alongside seasoned captains who are always willing to share tips and tricks.
Design Your Display
Learn how to deck out your boat for maximum holiday cheer—with plenty of help and inspiration from fellow paraders.
Flexible Parade Schedule
Life’s busy—we get it! Choose the nights that work for you. Parade one evening or all 15—the choice is yours.
Build Lifelong Friendships
Experience the camaraderie of our tight-knit boating community. Meet amazing people who share your love for the water—and the holidays.
Give Back to the Community
We’re a nonprofit that brings joy to thousands every season while supporting the communities we love.
Enjoy a Few Perks
Free or reduced-rate moorage during parade season
Access to fuel discounts
Reduced rates on repairs and haul outs (if needed)
Why Boaters Love the Christmas Ships Parade
Information for New Skippers
All boats must be capable of maintaining at least 6 knots against the winter current
A working VHF Radio is mandatory for communication with the parade fleet and leaders
Chartplotter, radar and range finder are not mandatory. However, a chartplotter and range finder are strongly recommended. Radar is very helpful.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when decorating your boat. We have skippers with years of experience that are always willing to give advice.
Have a helpful crew member onboard each night
Displays don’t need to be complex; simple works!
Meet minimum Coast Guard requirements for your boat size (nav lights, PFDs, fire extinguishers, horn, bilge pump) – Safety is our #1 priority
Insurance and Boater Safety Card required (unless exempt)
Portable generator for lights/inverter/genset
Always remember that you are performing for the community and your guests. Have fun!
Sign up now
Please take a moment to carefully read the following before you proceed with filling out the form.
The Skipper acknowledges and agrees that any acceptance of the Skipper for participation in the above Parade of lighted Christmas Ships shall be contingent upon and in reliance upon the above representations, and upon agreement by the Skipper to the following:
To put safety above all other considerations in all activities. Unless exempt, all participants must have a valid Oregon Boater Education Card (or other state's equivalent).
To follow all instructions and directions from all operators of lead vessels and all officers, agents or representatives of CSI. However, if any instructions or directions could result in or create a risk of damage or destruction to any property or injury or death to any person, the Skipper shall disregard the instructions and directions and take the safest course of action.
To comply with all requirements of law, all instructions and regulations established by the U.S. Coast Guard and all standards and requirements established for the safety of the above Parade of Lighted Christmas Ships.
At all times to maintain the Skipper's vessel and any other vessel which the Skipper may operate and all lighting decorations on the vessel in proper and safe condition. It is understood that the operations of the lead vessels and the officers, agents, and representatives of CSI will not inspect any vessel for safety or determine the skills, capacity, or condition or any operator of any participating vessel.
To accept full financial and other responsibility for all damage or destruction to property and injury or death to persons, directly or indirectly caused by the Skipper or the Skipper's vessel, and to indemnify, defend, and hold the owners and operators of all lead vessels and all officers, directors, agents, and representatives of CSI jointly and severally harmless for all damage or destruction to property (including, without limitation, damage to the Skipper's vessel) and for all injury or death to persons (including, without limitation, injury or death to the Skipper and all persons aboard the Skipper's vessel and any other vessel the Skipper may operate) directly or indirectly related to the participation of the Skipper or the vessel described herein in the above parade of lighted Christmas Ships regardless of the cause of such damage, destruction, death, or injury.
That you will decorate your boat with an appropriate display and bear the cost of such display as well as any boat operating expenses (Ex. fuel). Appropriate displays are ones that promote the spirit of joy and happiness. This should not include any political messaging or promotion of any organization (political, corporate, or church) or website other than the Christmas Ships. Ultimate determination of what is deemed appropriate will be made by CSI or its representatives.
That you will not operate as a commercial vessel. This includes, but is not limited to, offering rides “for sale.” However, rides may be donated, ex. for a charity auction.
That the obligations of the undersigned parties shall be joint and several. CSI, in its sole discretion, at any time shall have the exclusive right to determine whether and at what times and locations the Skipper or the Skipper's vessel will be permitted to participate in the above parade of lighted Christmas Ships, and the undersigned parties shall comply with such determinations.