From Sound to Shore: Where to Watch the Christmas Ship Festival

by Allison SutcliffeOctober 25, 2022

The holidays may be months away, but the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival will be here before you know it. Get tickets while you can

The Seattle Christmas Ship Festival is back in 2022! One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, if you can’t wait to experience this dose of holiday cheer, you’re in luck. Whether you want to catch a ride with St. Nick on the The Spirit of Seattle or want to listen to the choir, gathered ’round a bonfire at a local beach, there are tons of ways families can enjoy this Pacific Northwest tradition. Remember that this super popular event sells out quickly, as do reservations at local restaurants. So if you want to get in on the singing, Santa, lighted boat action, now is the time to do it.

Experience the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival

Ride the Christmas Ship Lead Boat

Every year Argosy Cruises pulls out all the stops with the spectacularly decorated Spirit of Seattle, the designated Christmas Ship that all the other boats follow. During the 90-minute cruise, a local choir sings at scheduled shore side locations (see schedule below) and Santa mingles with the kids and smiles for holiday pictures. While on board you can expect some holiday sing-alongs and a very special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Santa. The boat has two fully enclosed, heated decks, one outside deck, restrooms and a cash bar. While cruisin’ the waters, you and your little elves can enjoy snacks, chowder and beverages available for purchase. Reserve online.

Cost: $54/Adult; $40/Kid (4–12); $50/Senior; Free, kids 3 & under; $72/person for Opening Night (Nov. 25) & Grande Finale (Dec. 23)

Follow the Christmas Ship Boat

Being on the Christmas Ship is quite a treat, but so is riding the Follow Boat that (you guessed it) follows the lead ship. Not only will you get fantastic photos of the Spirit of Seattle, but you’ll get many of the Christmas Ship perks, too. Fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms and food and drink for purchase, the follow boat cruise is a bit longer and includes a broadcast of the choir aboard The Spirit of Seattle. So far the Follow Boat will run on two nights—

Good to Know: This year the Follow Boat is 21 and over. Maybe a great date night?

Cost: $57/Person

Dine at a Waterfront Restaurant

Because sitting down to dinner at a restaurant with a view is always in season, here’s a fun idea: check the sailing schedule below and pick a primo viewing location with nearby waterfront restaurants, like Lake Union, Alki, Redondo Beach or Leschi. Places like Duke’s, Anthony’s, Salty’s and Ivar’s Salmon House are all great options with covered outdoor seating and viewing decks, so you and the fam can feast your eyes on a panorama of glowing boats while also enjoying a fine meal.

Watch from the Shore at Local Beaches & Parks

Whether it’s your neighborhood beach park or a stunning downtown location like the Olympic Sculpture Park, when the Christmas Ships sail past it’s a truly spectacular sight. Many locations will have a bonfire going, which are noted below. Bundle up the kiddos, grab a thermos of hot cocoa and go! Times listed below detail when the parade will stop and broadcast choir performances over their state-of-the-art sound system. The full schedule includes sailing departure times, private events and bonfire details.

Christmas Ship Sailing Schedule

Friday, November 25: Pier 55 (Opening Night/First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Don Armeni Park

Friday, November. 25: Pier 55 (Opening Night/Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Elliott Bay Marina

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
2:35 p.m. Olympic Sculpture Park
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Salty's on Alki Beach

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (Third Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Alik Beach Park (bonfire)

Sunday, November 27: Shilshole Bay Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Carkeek Beach Park (bonfire)

Sunday, November 27: Shilshole Bay Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Golden Gardens Park (bonfire)

Friday, December 2: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
5:35 p.m. Ferdinand State Park (bonfire)

Friday, December 2: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:10 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
2:35 p.m. Pritchard Island Beach (bonfire)

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
5:35 p.m. Seward Park (bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Third Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
8:40 p.m. Stan Sayers Memorial Park (bonfire)

Sunday, December 4: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing)
Choir: Peninsula Community Chorus
5:35 p.m. Mercer Shore Club (private)

Sunday, December 4: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing)
Choir: Peninsula Community Chorus
8:35 p.m. Mt. Baker Beach (bonfire)

Friday, December 9: Lake Union Park (First Sailing)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
5:35 p.m. ASUW Shell House (bonfire)

Friday, December 9: Lake Union Park (Second Sailing/Parade of Boats)
Choir: PrimeTime Quartet
8:20 p.m. Fremont Cut (rolling show/bonfire)

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
2:10 p.m. Marina Park (1st performance/bonfire)
2:50 p.m. Magnuson Park (2nd performance/bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
5:35 p.m. Juanita Beach Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (Third Sailing)
Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders
5:35 p.m. Seattle Tennis Club (private)

Sunday, December 11: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Laurelhurst Beach Club (private)

Sunday, December 11: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Houghton Beach

Friday, December 16: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
5:35 p.m. Madrona Park (bonfire)

Friday, December 16: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:35 p.m. Denny Blaine Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
2:35 p.m. Waverly Beach Park
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
5:35 p.m. Madison Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (Third Sailing)
Choir: Vocal Vintage
8:40 p.m. Meydenbauer Bay Park

Sunday, December 18: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing)
Choir: Touchstone Quartet
5:35 p.m. Windermere Park (private)

Sunday, December 18: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing)
Choir: Touchstone Quartet
8:40 p.m. Luther Burbank Park

Monday, December 19: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Bellevue Youth Choir
5:35 p.m. OO Denny Park (bonfire)

Monday, December 19: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
8:40 p.m. Log Boom Park

Tuesday, December 20: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:40 p.m. Lake Forest Park Civic Club (private)

Wednesday, December 21: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: Holy Names Vocal Ensemble
5:35 p.m. Carillon Point (bonfire)

Wednesday, December 21: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:40 p.m. Sheridan Beach Club (private)

Thursday, December 22: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Medina Beach Park

Thursday, December 22: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:35 p.m. Yarrow Point (bonfire)

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (First Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
2:40 p.m. The Ballard Locks (bonfire)
Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (Second Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
5:35 p.m. Ivar's Salmon House

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (Third Sailing)
Choir: The Dickens Carolers
8:30 p.m. Seattle Yacht Club (1st performance/private)
9:10 p.m. Gas Works Park (2nd performance/bonfire)

Good to Know: Argosy Cruises donates a portion of all ticket sales to The Seattle Times’ Fund for Those in Need, an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.

Online: argosycruises.com

All photos courtesy Argosy Cruises

Sour, Sweet, Gone: Candy Fans Will Love This New Popcorn

by Sarah ShebekOctober 21, 2021

First it’s sour, then it’s…salty? If you’ve mixed SOUR PATCH KIDS into your popcorn before, or if the ingenious idea is new to you, pay attention to this news. You’ll be able to buy Candy Pop Popcorn with the sour and sweet candies starring starting this month!

If you gravitate toward sour candy at the movies, this pairing might be a dream come true. The new popcorn has a “Redberry” flavored coating on the kernels, topped with bits of SOUR PATCH KIDS and finished with a sour sugar sprinkle. Expect a sour, sweet and salty explosion in every bite.

The puckering new product will be available first at Walmart stores nationwide. After that, you’ll be able to buy it online and at other major retailers, like Hy-Vee grocery stores. If you gravitate toward sweeter snacks, then Candy Pop has a delicious array of other popcorns available, including Twix, Snickers and Butterfinger.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured photo courtesy of Candy Pop

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by Karly WoodSeptember 22, 2021

For the third year in a row, Cheez-It is here for moms and their much needed snack breaks. That’s right, the Cheez-It & Wine combo is back!

This year, the brand is taking it to a whole new level with the The Cheez-It x Usual Wines ‘So Extra’ Toasty Experience for it’s 100th birthday. The combination comes with the Extra Toasty Flavor Flight of four boxes (including Cheez-It Extra Toasty, Extra Toasty Extra Cheesy, Extra Toasty Extra Spicy and Extra Toasty Cheddar Jack) plus a one-of-a-kind Cheez-Itennial Cracker Coupe that we are straight up coveting.

The Cheez-It x Usual Wines ‘So Extra’ Toasty Experience will go on sale on Fri. Sept. 24 at 12 pm. EST at cheezithq.com, while supplies last. If you’re lucky enough to snag it, you’ll get a code for 20% off Brut or Mixed Packs at UsualWines.com.

Because what’s a salty cracker without a little vino?

––Karly Wood

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Usain Bolt & Kasi Bennett Welcome Twins With Epic Names

by Sarah ShebekJune 22, 2021

He has the perfect last name as the fastest man alive. And Usain Bolt and partner Kasi Bennett have definitely capitalized on that when naming their children. In a sweet post over Father’s Day weekend, the track and field great announced new additions to the family: twins Thunder and Saint Leo.

Thunder Bolt and Saint Leo Bolt join sister, aptly named Olympia Lightning Bolt, who was born last May. Bennett added her own post featuring the whole family, adding the caption: “Happy Father’s Day to my forever love! You are the rock of this family and the greatest daddy to our little ones. We love you world without end!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Usain St.Leo Bolt (@usainbolt)

The Bolt babies came just in time for the upcoming Summer Olympics. It will be their dad’s first time in the stands after he retired from racing in 2017. During his career Bolt racked up eight gold medals and 11 world championships. It looks like he’s excelling at fatherhood, too!

—Sarah Shebek

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In-N-Out Has a Fry Pool Float & That’s What Summer Is All About

by Karly WoodMay 28, 2021

If you’re not lucky enough to live in a state with an In-N-Out, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the goodness. The burger restaurant is floating into summer with a sweet new raft!

The Fry Boat Pool Float is the exact replica of the holder that carries those delicious, salty fries at In-N-Out. It even has the description printed on the inside!

photo: Courtesy of In-N-Out Company Store

The float measures six feet long by three feet wide, making it the perfect size for a solo float. You can grab you own fry boat only at the In-N-Out Company Store for $59.95. Order up!

––Karly Wood

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Lay’s Just Dropped Cheesy Garlic Bread Chips, But They’re Only Available in 1 Place

by Karly WoodMay 13, 2021

Craving something salty, but not sure if cheesy bread or crispy chips will do the trick? Now you don’t have to choose because Lay’s has solved your dilemma.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Flavored Chips have arrived! The limited time flavor packs the zesty, garlicky goodness you love but with the crispy, salty texture of the ultimate potato chip.

photo: Lays

There’s just one catch: you can only find them at Sam’s Club. Retailing for $3.49 for 15 oz., you’ll have to check your local warehouse to snag a bag. They’re currently sold out online and only available for a limited time.

––Karly Wood

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These Are the Top Easter Candy Picks for 2021

by Erica LoopApril 1, 2021

What is in your child’s Easter basket this year? If you’re wondering whether your kiddo’s faves are top choices in other fams, RetailMeNot has answers!

RetailMeNot recently released the 2021 data on America’s favorite Easter candy. While you might think the beloved day-glo, sugar crystal-coated marshmallow magic of Peeps is the top pick, this Easter icon doesn’t take the number one spot.

photo: Foodie Factor via Pexels

The most popular Easter treat, according to RetailMeNot’s survey, is Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Eggs—with a whopping 26 percent of respondents choosing this salty-sweet combo. Second place went to jelly beans (24 percent). This classic candy was followed by Cadbury Eggs (20 percent), chocolate bunnies (16 percent) and finally Peeps (14 percent).

Along with the top candy choices, RetailMeNot also released data on how much shoppers plan to spend on their Easter hauls. Seventy-seven percent of Easter candy shoppers are keeping the sweets at $50 and under, while 12 percent say they’ll spend between $50 and $100!

—Erica Loop

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Kiddo Hungry? These Are the Best Takeout Meals of the Year

by Erica LoopMarch 24, 2021

What’s your kiddo’s favorite meal? The foodie pros at Grubhub recently reviewed the delivery data and released their list for the Top 10 Most Popular Kids Meals in 2021.

While you might think burgers and fries are the top kid pick of the year, this staple combo wasn’t the most ordered take-out item. After the first few months of 2021, the top selection for fams with kids is the beloved BLT!

photo: Zachary Spears via Unsplash

According to Grubhub’s data, the salty bacon and refreshing lettuce and tomato classic is trending at a whopping rate of +393 percent. The full list of family faves includes:

BLT sandwich (+393%)
Cheeseburger sliders (+383%)
Mini corn dogs (+375%)
French toast (+325%)
Fish & chips (+268%)
Spaghetti & meatballs (+234%)
Macaroni & cheese (+225%)
Wings (+214%)
Cheese enchilada (+164%)
Chocolate chip pancakes (+138%)

Main meals aren’t the only tasty picks families are ordering for delivery. Along with the top 10 trending kids meal orders, Grubhub also released its dessert data. The current Most Popular Kids Desserts in 2021 are (in order) cake, pie, ice cream and cookies.

—Erica Loop

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Want Free Auntie Anne’s Pretzel-Themed Prizes? Here’s How to Get ‘Em

by Erica LoopMarch 22, 2021

You’re ready to watch the big basketball tournament—but you need some serious snacks! Auntie Anne’s is here to help. The pretzel-licious brand recently announced a sweepstakes that’s perfect for the salty snack/basketball-loving fan in your fam.

Up to 5,000 lucky winners will score a bucket of bite-sized pretzel snacks, a limited-edition basketball-themed pretzel bucket with backboard and more from Auntie Anne’s.

photo courtesy of PR Newswire/Auntie Anne’s

So how does the sweepstakes work? Auntie Anne’s will give away a bucket of Pretzel Nuggets or Mini Pretzel Dogs to a Pretzel Perks member for every tournament basket scored. If you’re not already a Pretzel Perks member, download the app and create a free account.

As if that’s not enough, Auntie Anne’s is partnering with Coca-Cola to bring basketball fans more prize-filled opportunities. Buy an Auntie Anne’s Basketball Bucket (in-store or online) and scan the code on the backboard to play Auntie Anne’s and Coca-Cola’s Basketball Buckets Challenge Mobile Game.

See how many virtual pretzel nuggets you can get into the basketball hoop in 15 seconds and lucky winners could score prizes such as a small Coca-Cola fountain soda (at Auntie Anne’s stores), an Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel or a $0 Auntie Anne’s Door Dash delivery fee.

—Erica Loop

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These New Snarky Conversation Hearts are Wisecrackin’ Us Up

by Karly WoodFebruary 4, 2021

By now, most everyone is familiar with conversation hearts. After all, they’re the go-to treat for Valentine’s Day.

This year, Brach’s is changing up the game with its new Wisecracks “End The Conversation” Hearts. Instead of loving sentiments like “BE MINE” and “XOXO,” this little bag of goodies is packed with snide comments like “DREAM ON,” “YEAH RIGHT” and “FRND ZONE.”

photo: Courtesy of Brach’s

The new treats may be salty, but their flavors aren’t. You can snack on flavors that include Wintergreen, Lemon-lime, Orange, Banana, Cherry and Grape.

Find your own bag on Instacart or at Amazon, Walmart and CVS.

––Karly Wood

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ML Interest Tag: salty

From Sound to Shore: Where to Watch the Christmas Ship Festival

The holidays may be months away, but the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival will be here before you know it. Get tickets while you can

Experience the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival

Ride the Christmas Ship Lead Boat

Follow the Christmas Ship Boat

Dine at a Waterfront Restaurant

Watch from the Shore at Local Beaches & Parks

Christmas Ship Sailing Schedule

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