West Seattle weekend scene: Christmas Ship visits

| Holidays | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Alki Beach Park stop – 1st two photos by Don Brubeck)

9:51 PM: The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship is wrapping up a night of stops in our area – Lowman Beach Park, Alki Beach Park, Duwamish Waterway Park on the river in South Park, and Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). At most park stops, bonfires keep the beachgoers warm:

The ship travels with musical groups on board, serenading passengers as well as those on shore, visiting an ever-longer list of stops around Puget Sound, Lake Union, and Lake Washington during the holiday season. Its sailings continue nightly until Christmas Eve-Eve (December 23rd) – here’s the schedule on the Argosy site.

ADDED SUNDAY MORNING: More from the Alki stop – the photos and video are by Jeff Larson, for WSB. The Calvary Chapel “live nativity” is a fixture every year:

Kayla Laskovon portrayed Mary:

Musicians from Seattle Lutheran High School performed at the Bathhouse:

While the Christmas Ship is provided by Argosy, much of what happens onshore is courtesy of Seattle Parks. Below, John Hasslinger surrounded by his teen volunteers from Hiawatha Community Center:

Their work was appreciated by eventgoers:

And that bonfire? Overseen by James Lohman and Becky Lofso from Parks:

Check our Holiday Guide for more of what is in store as the holiday season continues.

Out for a Walk December 11, 2016 (1:03 am)

I thought the visit/stop at Lowman Beach was not up to the usual standards of past years. Why did Argosy decide to stop before sunset? Did not make for a very pretty or entertaining event. City Parks and Recreation should make sure that next year the parade of boats arrive at or slightly after sunset so we can really enjoy the beautiful effects of lighted boats and carolers.

Bree December 11, 2016 (10:17 pm)

Totally agree

Bruce December 11, 2016 (5:27 am)

It was also disappointing because although the Ships started relatively close to the beach, they drifted further and further way during the performance. Plus, perhaps because it was still daylight, there were only two ships instead of the usual flotilla. Maybe the Salty’s performance will be more up to past efforts.

WSB December 11, 2016 (6:41 am)

The “usual flotilla” FWIW depends on whether private boaters come along. Argosy itself is only responsible for the main boat and a “follow boat.” It also is solely responsible for the schedule, so that’s who we’ll be following up with. – TR

Jissy December 11, 2016 (11:05 am)

Agree, Out for a Walk — very anticlimactic this year….. before it’s dark is just not so special. I do understand the lack of a flotilla though, the weather was very nasty. I think Lowman got pushed earlier to fit in the South Park/Duwamish stop later with the 2nd sailing.

AJP December 11, 2016 (1:59 pm)

Despite the earlier, not-dark start time, and the bitter cold wind, my kids and I had a great time! Thanks to all the volunteers and employees, musicians, etc, who make this community event happen!

Terese December 12, 2016 (2:54 pm)

Minor correction – while the Seattle Lutheran student band and Endolyn Children’s Choir each performed several songs, the band in the above video clip was made up of musicians from Hope Lutheran Church of West Seattle – something like the 18th year this group has accompanied community caroling at the Bath House. Thanks to all for a special event!

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