Winter Solstice & Christmas Ships Viewing

Milwaukie's Winter Solstice event, an annual celebration at Milwaukie Bay Park to view the Christmas Ships, warm by a bonfire, and purchase some tasty treats, will be held on Sat., Dec. 21, 2024 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Here is a short video that was filmed at the 2019 event by ClackCo TV that illustrates what the event is all about. 

We have you covered! - While everyone is crossing their fingers for good weather, we also know that it rains in Oregon sometimes. We will have a few large tents to keep us all dry as we enjoy the view, purchase some food for a good cause, or have an adult beverage. 

Food, hot chocolate, and coffee for purchase for a great cause (Cash or Credit/Debit Cards Accepted) Check out the menu with prices! - The Lewelling Neighborhood District Association (NDA) will hold its annual fundraiser during the event. All proceeds go to Lewelling's community events, programs and activities, including their concerts each August at Ball-Michel Park. This year the Ardenwald-Johnson Creek NDA will also be joining in with handwarmers and glowing toys for sale to benefit their summer concerts. Stop by and say hello to these wonderful groups of volunteers working hard to provide you with winter fun!

Beer Store Milwaukie beer garden - After purchasing a tasty treat stop by and say hello to the folks from Beer Store Milwaukie for a local craft adult beverage!

Warm by the bonfire or cozy up to one of the small barrel fires - The bonfire will burn bright and warm again this year along with six other smaller, more intimate fires, for you and your family to enjoy! 

Christmas Ships Parade - A Tradition Since 1954 - At 4:30 p.m. the combined fleet of Christmas Ships will leave RiverPlace Marina in Portland headed to Lake Oswego, arriving in Lake Oswego at 6 p.m., subject to weather and river conditions. The ships will go as far as George Rogers Park, remaining in the area for a while before turning and heading back to Portland, which will provide a second opportunity to see them pass by Milwaukie Bay Park.

Below are the tentative times for the parade, but the schedule is subject to change based on weather, currents, boating safety or other reasons beyond control of the Christmas Ships: 

• 4:30 p.m. - Fleet leaves RiverPlace Marina in Portland, headed towards Milwaukie
• 5:30 p.m. - First time the fleet passes through Milwaukie Bay
• 6 p.m. - Fleet arrives at George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, takes a short break & turns around 
• 7 p.m. - Second time the fleet passes through Milwaukie Bay
• 7:45 p.m. - Fleet arrives back at RiverPlace Marina in Portland
• 8 p.m. - Dock at RiverPlace Marina opens to the public to see the Christmas Ships up close. 

Getting to the event:

• Parking - Milwaukie Bay Park will be closed to all vehicles for this event, including the parking lot adjacent to the Kellogg Creek Water Treatment Facility. Park in downtown Milwaukie and cross McLoughlin Blvd. at a signalized crossing. Spaces for vehicles with ADA plates/placards are reserved at the city-controlled lot at 10700 SE McLoughlin Blvd. 
  • ​Another option, to avoid potential parking constraints downtown, is to park in a nearby TriMet Park and Ride in or near Milwaukie (Includes Tacoma/Johnson Creek Park & Ride and Park Ave. Parking Garage) and take the MAX Orange Line service to downtown. The MAX Orange Line runs every 15 minutes. 
  • If you do drive into downtown please utilize the public parking lot located across SE Main Street from Historic City Hall, which is between SE Jackson and SE Harrison St. Access into the lot is available on SE Main St. or SE Jackson St. Free public parking on the street is also available throughout downtown. Access Milwaukie Bay Park by crossing McLoughlin Blvd. (99E) at the signalized pedestrian crossing at SE Harrison St. and then walk down the pedestrian path in the park to the event. Just keep an eye out for a large, bright glowing sphere, which will guide you to the path that accesses the park.   

• Plan your trip on TriMet (Downtown Milwaukie has great bus service and the Orange Line to serve you!)

• Bike or Walk - Find resources on the web to help!

Other questions? Contact Dan Harris, Events Coordinator, at events@milwaukieoregon.gov or at 503-786-7519.