City Cruises has revealed its programme of festive fun this winter season. Tours will navigate the waters of London and York with dedicated Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruises to celebrate the holidays in style.
Festive Cruises, York
York’s Santa Experience offers a magical opportunity for families to meet Santa on the River Ouse. Children are welcomed by Santa’s treasured elves and checked against a special VIP list from Lapland before the festivities begin. The experience includes photo opportunities, personalized presents, and the chance to write Christmas letters. Adults can enjoy mince pies and hot drinks, while children receive a goody bag and festive treats. The Santa Experience runs from 23 November to 23 December on selected dates, with prices starting at £15 per adult, £17 per child, and £8 for children under two.
The famous York Fish & Chips Cruise is running over the festive period for the first time this year. From the city to the surrounding countryside, the journey navigates the waters in and around the historic area while guests enjoy local Mr Chippy and a wide range of refreshments. The York Fish & Chips Cruise sails daily from 24 December to 5 January. Prices start at £27.50 per adult and £17.50 per child.
Similarly to the York Fish & Chips Cruise, the York Floodlit Evening Cruise will be transformed for the festive period. After a day exploring the city, guests can enjoy a cruise down the River Ouse accompanied by some festive tunes, enjoy a drink from the fully stocked bar and soak in the celebratory atmosphere of the city as it floats across from the floodlit banks. The festive York Floodlit Evening Cruise sails from 16 November to 23 December. Prices start at £16 per adult, £14 per senior, £14 per student (with valid ID), and £14 per child (under 5s go free).
York’s Festive Sightseeing Cruise on the River Ouse offers a peaceful way to experience the city’s historic landmarks during the holiday season. From 23 November to 23 December, the cruise includes a warm beverage (mulled wine, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate) and a mince pie, providing a seasonal treat as guests take in views of York’s sites. Ticket prices begin at £15 for adults, £14 for seniors (aged 60+), £9 for children aged five to 15, and children under 5s can join for free.
The Christmas Party Nights Afloat cruise offers seasonal dining and music evenings suitable for groups of any size. Guests are welcomed with sparkling wine and can enjoy a two-course meal and festive music that encourages dancing. A fully stocked bar is available throughout the evening, and the experience includes a complimentary drink and free entry to the Manahatta cocktail bar, located 10 minutes from Kings Staith Landing. The Christmas Party Nights Afloat cruise runs on Fridays and Saturdays, except 20 December, with tickets starting at £44.50 per person.
Festive Cruises, London
The London Thames Christmas Lunch Party is a great way to celebrate with friends and colleagues. During a three-hour journey past London’s most iconic riverside landmarks, guests are welcomed with a glass of bubbly – a fully stocked bar and unlimited tea and coffee – before tucking into a traditional three-course festive feast. Complete with live music, the party will be full of cheer as it takes to the waters. The London Thames Christmas Lunch Party sails from 28 November to 20 December, and prices start at £70 per person.
The London Thames Christmas Dinner Party is a festive night out with a twist. Guests can participate in four action-packed hours of festivities as they cruise past the city’s illuminated sights. With complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival and a traditional festive dinner to start the evening, the party gets into full swing with an onboard DJ and plenty of dancing into the night. The London Thames Christmas Dinner Party sails from 28 November to 20 December, and prices start at £95 per person.
The London Christmas Day Lunch Cruise is the ideal place to tuck into Christmas dinner. A four-course traditional meal with festive trimmings is accompanied by a fully stocked bar and enchanting entertainment while guests float past London’s best landmarks. The cruise will run on 25 December from 12pm – 3pm, and prices start from £159 per person.
The Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise is a one-hour circular cruise down the River Thames in a comfortable, fully heated river boat with an open upper deck. Guests can tune in to informative and engaging commentary while enjoying a tipple and a snack from the fully stocked bar. This is the perfect family activity, with 5s travelling for free. The Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise departs on 25 December with five departures, and prices start from £30 per person.
New Year’s Eve Cruises, London
A brand new cruise for 2024 is The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner onboard City Cruises’ flagship vessel – the Diamond. The vessel epitomises luxury on the Thames with a sleek design, modern amenities, and panoramic windows. As guests glide past London’s most striking landmarks, they can enjoy a five-course meal, using local ingredients and being accompanied by expertly curated wines. The cruise lasts five and a half hours, with boarding from 19:00. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner cruise sails on 31 December, and prices start at £569 per person.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Plus features a three-course meal enjoyed in the indoor dining saloon. Guests can step out onto the open upper deck to soak in the celebratory atmosphere of the city as it gears up for midnight. Live music, entertainment and champagne make for an elegant way to welcome in the new year. The cruise lasts five hours, with boarding from 19:45. The New Year’s Eve Dinner Plus cruise sails on 31 December, and prices start at £499 per person.
The New Year’s Eve Dinner includes a three-course meal and plenty of drinks options; a glass of champagne upon arrival and at midnight, half a bottle of wine, hot drinks and a fully stocked bar are available. A vocalist and live music entertainment accompany the festivities in the run-up to midnight as guests cruise past London’s gleaming skyline. The cruise lasts five hours, with boarding from 20:30. The New Year’s Eve Dinner cruise sails on 31 December, and prices start at £449 per person.
The New Year’s Eve Galaxy Cruise is a memorable way to welcome in 2025. The New Year’s Eve Galaxy Cruise departs on 31 December, with a three-hour journey beginning at 21:15. This adults-only experience starts from £305 per person.
The New Year’s Eve Celestial Cruise features a luxury individual hamper with champagne, Prosecco and snacks. Relaxed seating on the modern glass boat makes for a comfortable evening where guests can find their perfect spot to watch the fireworks celebrations unfold. Live music and a fully stocked bar complete the experience. The cruise lasts three hours, with boarding beginning at 21:15. The New Year’s Eve Celestial Cruise sails on 31 December, and prices start at £339 per person.
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