Seattle Announces Free Christmas Ship Bonfires at 11 Parks for 2026 Holiday Season

Seattle’s holiday waterfront tradition returns on November 27, 2026, as the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival begins its annual journey across Puget Sound. Seattle Parks and Recreation will complement the festivities with free community bonfires at selected parks, giving residents a chance to enjoy the illuminated boats and listen to Christmas carols performed by a choir aboard the lead ship.

The free bonfires are scheduled at 11 Seattle waterfront locations between November 27 and December 23. Visitors can gather along the shoreline, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and sing along with the music. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a hot drink and an umbrella.

2026 Free Bonfire Schedule

Friday, November 27

• 6 p.m. – Alki Beach, 2701 Alki Ave. SW

Thursday, December 3

• 2 p.m. – Pritchard Island Beach, 8400 55th Ave. S
• 5 p.m. – Mt. Baker Beach, 2521 Lake Park Dr. S

Saturday, December 5

• 11 a.m. – Ferdinand Street Boat Launch, 5018 Lake Washington Blvd. S
• 3 p.m. – Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S

Thursday, December 10

• 2 p.m. – Carkeek Park, 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd.
• 5 p.m. – Golden Gardens Park, 8498 Seaview Pl. NW

Sunday, December 13

• 4 p.m. – Stan Sayres Memorial Park, 3808 Lake Washington Blvd. S

Saturday, December 19

• 11 a.m. – Madison Park, 4201 E. Madison St.
• 3 p.m. – Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE

Monday, December 21

• 11 a.m. – Matthews Beach, 5100 NE 93rd St.

Tuesday, December 22

• 5 p.m. – Madrona Beach Park, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.

Wednesday, December 23

• 6 p.m. – Gas Works Park, 2101 N. Northlake Way

Food and Drinks

Visitors can purchase hot drinks and snacks at selected park concessions during two events. The Kite Cafe at Golden Gardens Bathhouse is scheduled to open on December 10. The Liberty Cafe concession stand at Madrona Beach Park is expected to serve coffee, tea, hot chocolate, spiced cider, and snacks on December 22. Winter hours may vary depending on weather.

The Christmas Ship Festival runs from November 27 through December 23. The decorated boats travel through local waterways, stopping at designated waterfront locations for performances. Visitors can enjoy many of the onshore performances for free without purchasing cruise tickets.

For the complete ship route and performance schedule, visit the official Argosy Cruises website.