Christmas Ships Parade and Santa Claus

Columbia County Courthouse at night with holiday lights projected onto front of building

When: Saturday, December 12
             Santa Claus at 5:30 p.m.
             Christmas Ships at 6 p.m.
Where: St. Helens Riverfront
              Santa Claus on the Courthouse Steps in the Plaza Square
              Christmas Ships at the St Helens City Docks

 

The annual Christmas Ships Parade will light up the St. Helens riverfront on Saturday, December 12 at 6 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings and physical distancing requirements, the docks will be closed to the public this year for the parade. The community is encouraged to drive their vehicles onto the St. Helens waterfront property to safely enjoy the parade from the comfort of their vehicles. The riverfront property can be accessed at the end of South 1st Street past the Dockside Restaurant.

Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff or officers. A full schedule for the Columbia and Willamette fleets, as well as a link for donations can be found at www.christmasships.org. 

On the same evening, the City of St. Helens will welcome Santa in the Plaza Square on the Courthouse steps at 5:30 p.m. While the Plaza will be decorated as it is every year, there will not be an official tree lighting ceremony this year in order to meet physical distancing guidelines. To keep everyone safe and comply with the new COVID-19 state requirements, this year cars will be directed into the Plaza area to briefly stop by to see Santa on the Courthouse steps. Children will receive a treat package, including a candy cane, directly from Santa’s Candy Cane Slide delivered straight to their vehicle. Those wishing to participate in the Santa Claus activity will be directed down South 1st Street to the Plaza and exit onto South 1st Street after looping through the Plaza Square. There will be no parking allowed in the Plaza on this evening to aid with congestion and safety.

The Plaza Square will be decorated for you to enjoy while you drive through to visit Santa, including a lighted tree. Decorations will stay up for the remainder of the holiday season. Bring your family to the Plaza Square at your leisure this season to see the decorations up close and take photos. This will help us keep everyone safe.