The Christmas Ship Parade in Portland is a holiday tradition for many Oregonians, but have you ever wished that you could be out on the water yourself? Take this sleigh ride on water to get even closer to the action this year:

There’s nothing like an evening cruise on the Portland Spirit. You’ll see the city’s lights sparkling, and enjoy being out on the water, year-round. But on several special nights in December, the cruise gets even more enchanting.

Portland Spirit Cruises/Facebook

The Christmas Ships Parade is a long-standing Portland tradition, where private vessels from all over the state are decked out in colorful holiday lights to parade down the river.

Portland Spirit Cruises/Facebook

While it’s certainly fun to view the parade from the shore, you can get up close to the parade on the Portland Spirit Christmas cruises.

Portland Spirit Cruises

Take the 2.5 hour dinner cruise on the Portland Spirit. You’ll enjoy a three-course meal with plenty of live entertainment, and stay toasty and warm in the climate-controlled vessel.

Portland Spirit Cruises/Facebook This cruise is available on December 5th-7th, 12th-14th, and 18th-20th, and sails from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.. Ticket prices start at $74 for adults; $69 for kids.

The Explorer Sleigh Ride Cruise includes hot chocolate and snuggly blankets to keep you toasty warm. This much smaller vessel isn’t climate-controlled, so make sure to bundle up!

Portland Spirit Cruises/Facebook The 1.5-hour-long cruise sails on December 5th-7th, 12th-16th, and 18th-20th from 7 p.m. to 8:30, and special sailings on December 15th from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and December 16th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. Tickets start at $40 per person.

No matter which cruise you choose, you’ll want to bring your camera to capture the Christmas Ships as you pass them by.

Christmas Ships Parade/Facebook

Are you ready to views the Christmas Ships Parade from the water? Book your tickets now before they sell out!

Portland Spirit Cruises/Facebook

For more information or to book tickets online, visit the Portland Spirit River Cruises website. Check out our article on the Christmas Ship Parade, and tag the friends and family you want to join you on a Christmas cruise this year.

Portland Spirit Cruises/Facebook

Portland Spirit Cruises

This cruise is available on December 5th-7th, 12th-14th, and 18th-20th, and sails from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.. Ticket prices start at $74 for adults; $69 for kids.

The 1.5-hour-long cruise sails on December 5th-7th, 12th-16th, and 18th-20th from 7 p.m. to 8:30, and special sailings on December 15th from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and December 16th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. Tickets start at $40 per person.

Christmas Ships Parade/Facebook

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.