Did you know that Seattle hosts the largest floating parade in the world? For 62 years, a flotilla of brightly decorated Christmas ships, share holiday cheer at waterfront locations all around Seattle during the month of December. During each stop, revelers are treated to a twenty minute serenade of holiday music by one of several local choirs, while they warm their hands by the bonfire and sip hot cocoa.

Standing by the water surrounded by fellow community members, watching the boats bob in all their lighted glory, is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season in Seattle. My favorite part of the evening is at the end when the main “Spirit of Christmas” ship sounds its horn and then, in chorus, the surrounding boats do the same. Horns honk loudly and all the boats flash their lights on and off, before heading to the next site on their itinerary.

During this time of the year, when all signals are “GO-GO-GO” there is nothing like take a few minutes to simply: Stop. Look. Listen. Therein lies the true beauty of the season.