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But once a year, the Christmas Ship and its flotilla of twinkle grace Tacoma with a floating parade of holiday glee. Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. is the date and time. Go to the Museum of Glass. Wait for the ship. Ride the ship. The choice is yours.

This Christmas convoy consists not of just one ship, but of many. Argosy Cruises heads up the display with the official Christmas Ship, which is bedecked in lights and carries upon it a choir, followed by an official "Parade Boat" carrying Santa, a cruise director, activities for the kids and food. Community members who are fortunate enough to own watercraft can also light up their boats and join in the fun. Those who wish to ride one of the boats may buy tickets at ArgosyCruises.com on the Christmas Ship ($35 or $19 for youth) or the parade boat ($25 or $12 for youth).

But what if you don't want to pay the cost of admission? What if you don't own your own yacht? Never fear. This festival has many points of entry.

Hundreds to thousands of people gather around warm bonfires on shores to welcome the Christmas Ship without paying a dime. Each night, the flotilla visits different communities around the Puget Sound. But Thursday is Tacoma's night to shine. Expect the Federal Way Harmony Kings to perform a 20-minute set to those on the boats as well as the shivering Tacomans waiting on shore.