Christmas Day Cruise: Is The River Boat Open?

Spending Christmas on a river boat is a magical experience, with many boats offering Christmas Day cruises and festivities. The San Antonio River Walk in Texas is famous for its Christmas lights, with over 100,000 twinkling lights draped over the trees that line the river, creating a festive wonderland. The River Thames in London also offers Christmas cruises, with the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers service providing a festive journey to iconic Christmas markets in the city. For those seeking a more private celebration, the Edmonton Queen Riverboat in Canada hosts multi-office Christmas parties and full private rentals, complete with a Christmas dinner buffet and a dance floor. Whether it's a public cruise or a private event, celebrating Christmas on a river boat is sure to create unforgettable holiday memories.

Christmas Day sightseeing cruises on the River Thames, London

London's River Thames offers a delightful experience for those seeking a unique way to celebrate Christmas Day. With a variety of cruises available, you can enjoy the festive cheer while taking in the iconic sights of the city from a different perspective. Here is some essential information to help you plan your Christmas Day sightseeing cruise on the Thames.

Thames Clippers

Thames Clippers offers a magical Christmas experience with their Uber Boat service. While their specific Christmas Day offerings are unclear, they provide a range of festive experiences throughout the season. You can enjoy scenic boat trips, visit Christmas markets, and even meet Santa Claus on select sailings. Their boats stop at various piers, including Westminster, Embankment, and London Eye (Waterloo), making it convenient to access popular attractions and markets. Thames Clippers also offers Illuminated River Boat Tours, allowing you to see London's iconic bridges lit up with environmentally-friendly LED lights.

City Cruises

City Cruises offers a London Christmas Day Sightseeing River Cruise, providing a unique way to celebrate the holiday. Their cruise takes you on a journey along the Thames, offering unparalleled views of the city's iconic landmarks. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of their boats as you take in the festive atmosphere of London on this special day.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your Christmas Day cruise, it is essential to book in advance to secure your spot. You can contact the cruise providers directly or book through their websites. Consider dressing appropriately for the weather and the festive occasion. Both operators offer various experiences, so be sure to check their schedules and select the cruise that best suits your interests and preferences.

Festive Cheer on the Thames

London's River Thames truly comes alive during the Christmas season, with festive lights reflecting off the water and the city's landmarks providing a stunning backdrop. Whether you choose to cruise with Thames Clippers or City Cruises, you are sure to create unforgettable memories as you celebrate Christmas Day on the river. Enjoy the sights, indulge in festive treats, and make the most of this magical experience with your loved ones.

For a unique and memorable Christmas Day experience, a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames is an excellent choice. With two reputable operators offering festive experiences, you are sure to find the perfect cruise to suit your holiday celebration needs.

Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia River

The Christmas Ships Parade has been a Portland tradition since 1954 when it started as a single sailboat adorned with a wreath. Now, the fleet of nearly 60 boats cruises along the Columbia and Willamette rivers, attracting eager visitors to Vancouver, WA's waterfront restaurants and shoreline trails. The ships are festively decorated with extravagant light displays and inflatable decor, and range from 14 to 65 feet long. The parade takes place nearly every night throughout December, with each night featuring a different route along the river.

The Columbia Fleet, which includes the Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets, assembles at various locations along the river, including the M. James Gleason Boat Ramp, North Portland Harbor, and Camas/Washougal. The fleet parades in these areas for about an hour, with boats arriving prior to making their way down the river. On December 5th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 17th, and 20th, the ships sail by the Vancouver Waterfront development on their way to The Cove Restaurant. On December 7th, they can be seen from Washougal Waterfront Park, and on December 11th and 18th, they make their way to Wintler Park.

There are plenty of outdoor and indoor options for viewing the parade. For outdoor viewing, spectators can bundle up and bring hot chocolate to South Waterfront Park, Milwaukie Bay Park, Cottonwood Bay Park, or Elk Rock Island. For those who prefer to stay warm indoors, river-view restaurants and hotels, such as Salty's on the Columbia, Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, and King Tide Fish & Shell, offer great viewing options. Reservations are recommended for indoor viewing, as spots fill up quickly.

In addition to the standard parade, there are special events during the Christmas Ship Parade. For a front-row view, spectators can sign up for a cruise on the Portland Spirit, a modern yacht with three viewing decks, two of which are enclosed and climate-controlled. The cruise includes a Christmas Ship Dinner, freshly baked bread, dessert, and live piano entertainment. Another option is the Christmas Ships Trolley Excursion, which offers a comfortable and warm viewing experience from a replica vintage trolley along a historic rail line. Tickets for this event sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.

The Christmas Ships Parade is a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together and spreads cheer along the Columbia River. With its beautiful light displays, festive decorations, and variety of viewing options, it's no wonder that the parade has become an anticipated part of the holiday season in Portland and Vancouver.

Holiday Boat Caroling on the San Antonio River

The San Antonio River Walk is a must-visit destination during the holiday season. This urban oasis boasts beautiful bridges, enticing Tex-Mex cuisine, river cruises, and a myriad of free events for travellers to enjoy. One of the most iconic areas within the River Walk is The Pearl, a mixed-use space situated in the historic Pearl Brewery. This vibrant spot offers shopping, dining, and a regular farmers' market, making it a great place to mingle with locals and visitors alike.

From November 25th through the holidays, the downtown San Antonio River glistens with over 100,000 Christmas lights that drape the trees lining its banks, transforming the area into a magical winter wonderland. The lighting ceremony typically takes place the day after Thanksgiving, kicking off a dazzling display that lasts through January. The sparkling lights form a canopy over the River Walk, creating a unique and unparalleled atmosphere.

One of the key attractions that the River Walk offers during this time is the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling. Families and friends can gather to enjoy traditional carols sung by local choirs and groups as the beautifully decorated boats glide along the river. This event brings holiday cheer to the heart of San Antonio and has become a beloved tradition for many.

Throughout the holiday season, different groups and performers ride on decorated boats, singing carols as they cruise along the river. Visitors can either join in the singing or sit back and enjoy the festive performances as they pass by. The boat caroling takes place nightly from December 5-23, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

In addition to boat caroling, the River Walk offers a variety of other holiday events and attractions. The Fiesta de las Luminarias, a centuries-old Mexican tradition, involves lining the riverbanks with over 2,000 paper lanterns or small sand-filled bags with candles, casting a warm glow over the water. The River Walk also features live music performances, special holiday decorations, seasonal festivals, and a holiday artisan market with over 40 vendors offering unique gifts.

With captivating light displays, festive events, comfortable accommodations, and guided boat tours, the San Antonio River Walk offers an unforgettable holiday experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Christmas on the Edmonton Queen Riverboat

The riverboat boasts stunning views of the frozen river valley in downtown Edmonton, creating a charming backdrop for your Christmas party. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a grand celebration, the Edmonton Queen has you covered. We offer two main options for hosting your event: Multi-Office Christmas Parties and Full Private Rentals.

For the Multi-Office Christmas Parties, we cater to groups of 10 or more, providing the perfect opportunity to join other festive groups and enjoy the holidays together. This option includes a dance floor, house background and dance music, a Christmas dinner buffet, and access to our onboard bar with staff provided. You can choose to have a host or opt for a cash bar. The event runs from 6 pm to midnight, with last call at 11 pm and music ending at 11:30 pm. The cost is $100 per guest, plus fees and gratuity.

If you're looking for a more exclusive experience, our Full Private Rentals option gives you the entire boat for your party! This option is perfect for larger groups, with a minimum of 100 guests and a maximum seated capacity of 180. In addition to the amenities included in the Multi-Office Christmas Parties, you'll also have access to our onboard AV equipment, including a house podium, microphone, projector, and speakers. You can bring your own entertainment or we can help you connect with entertainers. The event timings and pricing are the same as the Multi-Office Christmas Parties option.

Our Christmas dinner buffet will surely satisfy your holiday cravings! Indulge in delicious dishes such as oven-roasted turkey and ham, mashed potatoes with chives, seasonal mixed vegetables, traditional stuffing, cranberry sauce, a variety of salads, and for dessert, sticky toffee pudding with whipped cream. Please note that while this is our planned menu, it may be subject to change based on ingredient availability. We kindly request that customers with severe food allergies or dietary restrictions proceed with caution, as we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.

Join us this Christmas and create unforgettable memories aboard the Edmonton Queen Riverboat. To learn more or to book your holiday celebration, visit our website or contact us at [email protected]. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas on the river!

Illuminated River Boat Tour on the Thames

London's River Thames is a magical place to be during the festive season. One of the most enchanting ways to experience the city's Christmas cheer is by taking an Illuminated River Boat Tour. This tour promises breathtaking views of the capital's iconic landmarks, all under the glow of festive lights. Here's everything you need to know about this unique holiday experience.

The Illuminated River Project

The Illuminated River Boat Tour takes place within the context of the Illuminated River project, which has transformed London's nightscape. This project involves lighting up to nine of the Thames' bridges with environmentally-friendly LED lights, creating a dazzling display that bathes the capital in a whole new light. The project has given London's architectural, social, and historical landmarks a new lease of life, providing a unique perspective for visitors and locals alike.

The Boat Tour Experience

The Illuminated River Boat Tour offers a festive journey like no other. Departing from the Tower Pier, the tour glides under the illuminated bridges of the Illuminated River project. As you sail along the Thames, you'll be treated to stunning views of London's iconic skyline, with its famous bridges glowing in the night. The tour is available on Thursdays and Saturdays, allowing you to fit it into your busy holiday schedule.

Expert Guidance

What sets this tour apart is the presence of knowledgeable guides from the City of London and Westminster. As you cruise along the Thames, these experts will provide insightful commentary, shedding light on the rich history and cultural significance of the landmarks you pass. Their engaging narratives will deepen your understanding of London's past and present, making your experience both entertaining and educational.

Festive Cheer

The Illuminated River Boat Tour is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. As you sail along the Thames, you'll be surrounded by the warm glow of Christmas lights, with the city's historic bridges creating a magical backdrop. The tour offers a unique perspective on London's holiday celebrations, allowing you to see the city's festive decorations and illuminated landmarks from the comfort of your boat. It's an ideal activity for families, couples, or anyone looking for a memorable holiday experience.

Practical Information

To make the most of your Illuminated River Boat Tour experience, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the tour operates during the winter months, so be sure to dress appropriately to stay warm and cosy. Also, consider booking your tickets in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially during the busy holiday season. Lastly, feel free to bring your camera to capture the stunning visuals and create lasting memories of your festive Thames journey.

Frequently asked questions