Christmas and New Year’s on the River: City Cruises’ Not To Be Missed Events

Looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate this year? Whether you’re getting into the Christmas spirit or planning an epic New Year’s Eve, City Cruises has got you covered.

From the River Thames in London to the rivers of York, City Cruises are running a range of holiday themed river tours to get you in the mood. Think festive dinners, Santa visits and even fish and chips with a festive twist. This year their cruises are packed with food, music and loads of festive fun for families, friends and everyone in between.

So, if you’re looking for something special to celebrate the season, read on to find out more about these river bound festive treats.

Festive cruises in York: From Santa to fish & chips

York’s River Ouse is the setting for some wonderful holiday cruises this year, perfect for families or anyone looking for a more traditional, cosy Christmas.

Meet Santa on York’s Santa experience

For kids (and adults too!) one of the best events is York’s Santa Experience. This cruise offers a special chance to meet Santa himself, he’ll be sailing the Ouse with his merry elves. Once on board kids can write to Santa, receive a personal gift and have photo opportunities with the big man himself. Parents can relax with mince pies and a hot drink while the kids dive into goody bags filled with treats.

• Date: 23rd November to 23rd December
• Price: £17 per child, £15 per adult, £8 per child under 2

Festive fish & chips cruise

For the first time ever the York Fish & Chips Cruise is going festive! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a plate of fish and chips while cruising the beautiful waters in and around York? Add some festive tunes and commentary from the captain and you’ve got yourself a lovely afternoon. The festive cruise will run daily, except Saturdays and 24th December to 5th January.

• Date: Daily (except Saturdays) over the festive period

York’s evening cruise

After a day of sightseeing and shopping why not unwind with a more leisurely evening? The York Evening Cruise is festive fun with twinkling lights on the river and a drink from the bar with festive music. A lovely way to enjoy the York Christmas atmosphere.

• 16th November to 23rd December
• £16 adult, £14 senior, student, child

Need a break from the Christmas shopping rush? Get on the Festive Sightseeing Cruise and enjoy a hot drink and mince pie as you cruise past York’s landmarks. A lovely way to take in the views without the Christmas chaos.

• 23rd November to 23rd December
• £15 adult, £9 child (5-15), free for children under 5

Christmas party nights afloat

Planning a Christmas party with friends or work colleagues? Look no further than Christmas Party Nights Afloat. A two-course meal, festive music and a dance floor to keep the night going. Guests can start the evening with a glass of bubbly and the fun doesn’t stop after the cruise – you’ll get free entry to Manahatta, a cocktail bar just 10 minutes from the dock.

• When: Every Friday and Saturday except 20th December
• £44.50 per person

London festive cruises: Christmas on the Thames

Going to London for Christmas? City Cruises has a great selection of cruises on the River Thames, with festive lunches, dinners and even a Christmas Day lunch while taking in the sights of London’s skyline.

London Thames Christmas lunch party

A great way to spend time with friends or colleagues. This three hour cruise takes you past London’s most famous landmarks while you enjoy a glass of bubbly, three course festive meal and live music. The cruise is full of festive fun and there’s a fully stocked bar for those who want to sip something festive while taking in the views.

• 28th November to 20th December
• £70 per person

London Thames Christmas dinner party

Looking for a night of dancing and celebration? The London Thames Christmas Dinner Party is the place to be. This four hour festive extravaganza includes a glass of bubbly, traditional dinner and a DJ playing your favourite holiday tunes. A great mix of food, fun and festivity as you cruise past London’s sparkling skyline.

• 28th November to 20th December
• £95 per person
• Smart-casual dress

London Christmas Day lunch

Want to do something different for Christmas Day? The London Christmas Day Lunch is the perfect way to enjoy a 4 course traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings while taking in the sights of London from the river. There’s entertainment on board and a fully stocked bar to keep everyone in the festive spirit.

• 25th December, 12pm to 3pm.
• £159 per person.
• Semi-formal dress.

For a shorter Christmas Day trip, the Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise offers a 1 hour tour of London’s river landmarks. With festive commentary and a warm, heated boat, this is the perfect outing for families to make the most of the day.

• 25th December.
• £30 per person, free for children under 5.

New Year’s Eve on the Thames: London’s top New Year’s Eve cruises

There’s no better place to be on New Year’s Eve than the River Thames, especially when the sky is filled with London’s famous fireworks. City Cruises has several great options for 2025.

New Year’s Eve gala dinner on the Diamond

For the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience, the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on the luxurious Diamond is the way to go. The evening includes a 5 course meal with top local ingredients and expertly paired wines. Live jazz music and stunning views of the London fireworks at midnight.

• 31st December.
• £569 per person.
• Semi-formal dress.

New Year’s Eve dinner plus

If music, entertainment and good food are more your thing, the New Year’s Eve Dinner Plus is another great option. Guests will enjoy a 3 course meal and have the chance to step out onto the upper deck for the best views of the city as it counts down to midnight.

• 31st December.
• £499 per person.

New Year’s Eve galaxy cruise

For a shorter, more exclusive experience the New Year’s Eve Galaxy Cruise offers canapés, dancing and champagne all to live music. 3 hours and great views of the fireworks without the crowds.

• 31st December.
• £305 per person.

Whatever you’re in York or London, we have a City Cruise to make your holidays even more special. From family friendly Santa experiences to glamorous New Year’s Eve galas, City Cruises has it all.

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