Bringing holiday cheer to island children aboard the ‘Christmas Ship’
Tradition originated about 75 years ago, still sails annually to the San Juans | For Cascadia Daily News, December 2025
It’s 7 a.m. two Saturdays before Christmas, and I’m scanning the cruise terminal for the most festive ship on Bellingham Bay. In 30 minutes I’m due to embark on an assignment — albeit not strictly as a reporter.
Today, I am a reindeer named Prancer. I’m helping the Lions Club bring holiday cheer to children on the San Juan Islands, as they’ve done every year since the late ‘90s.
Aboard the so-called “Christmas Ship,” I’m joined by more than 25 other passengers in various states of merry: elves, carolers, pirates and Santa himself. A former music teacher practices “Jingle Bell Rock” as day breaks over the Salish Sea. Mrs. Claus tucks into a plate of bacon and eggs.
Over the loudspeaker, project lead Sandra Ball sets expectations: “Thank you for being part of the greatest adventure of all time,” she announces, a twinkle of childlike glee in her voice.
While the Christmas Ship is among the Lions’ most popular projects, the tradition predates their involvement. It began about 75 years ago — a time before Washington state ferries, and when island youth were unlikely to ever encounter Santa at department stores. Generations thus grew up believing the jolly old man travels by boat, not sleigh.
“Grandparents [tell] us that they used to come out when they were kids,” said Ball, who is a member of the Mount Vernon Lions Club. “Inevitably, most people that you talk to will tell you that this event kicks off their Christmas season.”
