The Argosy Cruises Christmas ships paid their first visit to West Seattle waters on Friday Dec. 7 as hundreds of people lined the waters edge at the Don Armeni Boat launch to hear the Dickens Carolers, enjoy a bonfire and sing along as the colorful boats celebrated the Christmas spirit.

On Saturday, December 8, the Christmas Ship will be earlier, coming at 4:35 till 4:44 at Lowman Beach Park and from 5:25-5:45 Alki Beach Park, near the Alki Bathhouse.

From the Argosy Cruises website:

The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. From our flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the holiday season.
From November 24th through December 23rd, 2012 the Argosy Christmas Ship™ sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, over 45 in total. Choirs onboard sing 20-minute performances to these communities, all broadcast via state-of-the-art speaker system.

On shore, thousands of people gather around roaring bonfires anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Ship™. You can either join us on board the Christmas Ship™ or one of the Parade ships that follow, or join with friends and neighbors to gather together for your own caroling tradition. If you own your own boat, feel welcome to add lights to your vessel and join in the festival and help form the largest holiday floating parade in the world! (We also have an option aboard our dinner boat the Royal Argosy, for those looking for a full meal and a private dining table.)
In addition to good cheer, family, and friends, a portion of all ticket sales benefits The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.