The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival returns Nov. 27, and Seattle Parks and Recreation plans free bonfires at select shoreline parks for people watching from land.

The annual tradition sends brightly lit boats across Puget Sound, Lake Union, and Lake Washington. At each scheduled stop, the lead vessel carries an onboard chorus singing Christmas carols for people gathered along the shore.

Seattle's bonfire schedule starts at Alki Beach on Nov. 27 and continues through Dec. 23 at parks including Pritchard Island Beach, Mt. Baker Beach, Ferdinand Street Boat Launch, Seward Park, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens Park, Stan Sayres Memorial Park, Madison Park, Magnuson Park, Matthews Beach, Madrona Beach Park, and Gas Works Park.

Two park concessions are also expected to be open during specific events. The Kite Cafe in the Golden Gardens Bathhouse is scheduled to be open during the Dec. 10 bonfire, and the Liberty Cafe Concession Stand at Madrona Beach Park is set to open Dec. 22 with hot drinks and snacks. Winter hours may vary with the weather.

Seattle Parks advises visitors to dress warmly and bring umbrellas in case of rain. The Christmas Ships also make stops beyond the park system, but the shoreline bonfires offer public gathering spots around the city for watching from shore.