Looking for an easy holiday getaway without the hassle of a long drive? A new seasonal ferry experience is making it simple to swap Seattle for a little Scandinavian charm this winter. FRS Clipper just introduced the Poulsbo Express, a festive day trip aboard the Emerald Clipper that takes you straight from downtown Seattle to Washington’s beloved “Little Norway.”
Running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 27 through December 20, 2026, the experience takes you along for a scenic ferry ride before dropping you off to enjoy holiday shopping, cozy cafés, and waterfront celebrations. Then it returns you to Seattle that same evening.
A scenic ferry ride with holiday cheer
Departing from FRS Clipper’s Pier 69 terminal at 10 a.m., the Emerald Clipper makes the approximately 70-minute journey to Poulsbo via Agate Pass. The vessel, FRS’s new Seattle whale-watching boat, gets a seasonal makeover with holiday lights, decorations, and music.
There’s plenty of room to settle in, too, with a heated cabin, indoor seating, floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor viewing areas. Keep an eye out for views of Bainbridge Island, Agate Pass and Liberty Bay along the way. Coffee, hot chocolate, and other holiday drinks help set the mood, while breakfast is available to purchase on the outbound trip.
Exploring Poulsbo: Where to eat, drink, and shop
Once you arrive, you’ll have approximately 4½ hours to explore downtown Poulsbo, which is an easy walk from the dock.
Browse Scandinavian gifts at Nordiska, find festive home décor at Red Plantation and Details Home and Garden, or hunt for vintage finds at Rust & Relic. For a sweet treat, stop at the famous Sluys Poulsbo Bakery before exploring the waterfront.
There are plenty of places to pause for coffee, lunch, or a seasonal drink, including The Sip, State 42 Wines and Details Wine Bar. Don’t miss a stroll along Liberty Bay, where galleries, charming walkways and picturesque photo spots make it easy to soak up the holiday atmosphere.
Poulsbo’s holiday celebrations and traditions
You can book the special December 5 sailing for Julefest, Poulsbo’s annual celebration of Nordic heritage. Festivities include a Nordic Market, Taste of Norway, the arrival of the Lucia Bride with Vikings on Liberty Bay, a torchlight procession, and a waterfront bonfire.
Other holiday highlights include Santa’s Front Street house, downtown carolers, festive Viking appearances and seasonal performances. Holiday markets will also take place November 27–29 and December 18–20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the Heritage Museum Lawn.
Plan your trip
The regular Poulsbo Express schedule runs November 27–December 20, 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- Departure: 10 a.m. from Pier 69, Seattle
- Special Julefest sailing: 12 p.m. on December 5
- Crossing time: Approximately 70 minutes each way
- Time in Poulsbo: Approximately 4½ hours
- Return departure: 4:30 p.m.
- Arrival in Seattle: Approximately 6 p.m.
With a scenic ferry ride, charming shops, waterfront views and plenty of holiday cheer, Poulsbo Express offers a fun way to experience one of Washington’s most festive small towns—all without getting behind the wheel.
