Santa’s sleigh will soon take flight, but first a holiday light show is setting sail.

The annual Argosy Holiday Ship and Boat Parade returns to Mercer Island’s Luther Burbank Park on Dec. 22 and the city’s Parks and Recreation department is hosting a viewing party.

The free, all ages event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the swimming beach at the south end of the park with hot chocolate and s’mores around the bonfire.

Then at 8:05 p.m. the Argosy Christmas Ship, the Spirit of Seattle, followed by several privately owned watercraft, will stop and put on a show at Luther Burbank Park for viewers to enjoy. Onboard, a choir will perform holiday favorites.

“It’s very festive and very beautiful,” said Diane Mortenson, city Parks and Recreation community engagement and program manager.

That same night, the illuminated boats also will make a stop at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland. The same procession of vessels puts on several performances each night spanning multiple nights in December each holiday season.

It is all part of Argosy Cruises’ 70th annual Christmas Ship Festival that has been a holiday tradition since 1949. The main Christmas Ship is covered with hundreds of lights and visits the shores of about 65 communities each year.

There are a couple of ways people can participate through Argosy Cruises, including as passengers, and part of those proceeds go to The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy.

Mortenson said in past years there’s been as many as 20 to 30 boats following the big ship when it stops at the Island. It really depends on the weather and the lake that evening, she said.

“It’s so festive and so beautiful watching it from the shore. The boats are just right there in front of you,” Mortenson said.

Parks and Recreation is providing the s’mores and hot beverages and the event is run by staff. More information about the event can be found on the city’s website (https://bit.ly/2LVpeP2) and more information about the ship parade itself can be found on the Argosy Cruises website. (https://bit.ly/2RXoLPR)