The Best NYC Christmas Cruises in 2025

If you want to celebrate a truly beautiful New Year’s Eve in New York on a boat cruise with dinner, there’s no way around our beloved NYC New Year’s Eve Luxury Bateaux Dinner Cruise. 

There are two things at once that make this New Year’s Eve boat cruise special: first and foremost, of course, the ship itself. Its large windows give you a sensational view of the New York skyline. And in addition to that, the atmosphere on board is very nice: elegant, classy and yet relaxed. 

You can expect a first-class dinner menu, the bar is very well equipped and the bartenders are very attentive and helpful. On time for the countdown, best with a glass of champagne in hand, you start into the New Year 2024 in New York. It doesn’t get any better than this!

We have done many of the Bateaux boat tours ourselves and have never been disappointed. Therefore, the NYC New Year’s Eve Luxury Bateaux Dinner Cruise is my absolute recommendation for you!

Why not spending time on a Christmas Holiday Cruise during Christmas in New York? Both locals and NYC visitors love the amazing Christmas Cruises New York City has to offer.

My favorite holiday cruise is the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise. The Jazz Band on board is fun and so talented which makes the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise even more entertaining. Relax in the heated main observation cabin, join in the caroling, and admire the city through the glassed-in observatory on the 1920s style yacht.

On Christmas Day (December 25) there are several cruises with the Bateaux available: you can choose between the Christmas Eve Gourmet Lunch Cruise and the Christmas Eve Dinner Harbor Cruise. 

The Lunch Cruise lasts 2 hours, the Dinner Cruise 3 hours. You can expect a 3-course Christmas menu, impressive views of the New York skyline and a festive ambience.

Come aboard the Spirit of New York for a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise in the harbor of New York. Depending on the option you choose, you’ll cruise past landmarks for 2 or 2.5 hours. Soft drinks, coffee and tea are included, and with the brunch option you’ll also get unlimited mimosas. The food is served buffet style.

On board the Spirit of New York you can enjoy a wonderful Christmas boat tour with live DJ. You can choose between a Brunch Cruise (2 hours) or a Dinner Cruise (2.5 hours).  The tour takes you from Pier 61 to the Statue of Liberty, through the port of Hamburg to the Brooklyn Bridge – just great!

My tip: if you’re looking for a Christmas dinner cruise, check out this one and the Bateaux Christmas Cruise (my #1) – both are really worth it!

Make yourself comfortable on the old yacht from the 1920s and get into the Christmas mood during the Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise. This boat tour at Christmas time is one of my absolute favourites. It starts from Pier 62 (Chelsea Piers) on a beautifully decorated yacht. On the way through New York Harbor and the Hudson River, breathtaking views of the New York skyline, the One World Trade Center, Governors Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and of course the Statue of Liberty are guaranteed.

Experience a delightful NYC Holiday Brunch Cruise aboard the Northern Lights yacht, adorned with festive decorations, for a 2-hour scenic voyage. While enjoying a generous brunch buffet featuring local NYC delicacies, you’ll have sweeping views of Lower Manhattan’s iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Comfortable seating, large windows, and indoor or outdoor options enhance your experience. Each adult ticket includes a complimentary beverage, and you can upgrade with the Mimosa Bucket for added merriment. Revel in the holiday spirit with family and friends as you savor the sights and flavors of NYC during this special cruise.

Get into the holiday spirit on a daytime sightseeing cruise aboard a festively decorated 1920s-style yacht. Enjoy light narration by your captain as you cruise past New York’s iconic landmarks. For me, the tours from Classic Harbor Line are some of the best in NYC!

If you’re on a very special boat tour this holiday season, you’ll want to take a closer look at the Sunset & Holiday Cocoa Cruise. You will experience the sunset in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. For me, it is one of the absolute most beautiful tours you can do!

Celebrate the wonderful holiday season with the Santa Fun Cruise in New York City! Soak up the festive atmosphere as kids meet Santa and his hardworking elves and participate in fun activities and creative craft projects. From singing Christmas carols together to assembling your own gingerbread house, there’s plenty of fun for the little ones as the whole family enjoys a cruise through New York Harbor. Have spectacular views along the way and treat yourself and your loved ones to delicious treats as you celebrate the festive season together. Get your tickets for the Santa Fun Cruise with great kids’ activities in NYC!

This tour is my tip for a lovely brunch cruise in NYC during the holiday season. You will be on board one of the most beautiful yachts in the style of the 1920s in NYC. The boat tour takes you around the island of Manhattan, so you can see all the major attractions. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed and definitely worth the price!

This brunch cruise is one of the most beautiful boat tours in New York. You sit aboard a 1920s-style ship with lots of wood and even more glass. The provider has several wonderful boat tours in the program, of which we have already tried four (and all were great!).

Start at Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers – this is where you board. First you start towards the George Washington Bridge, then turn south to the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and the Brooklyn Bridge. You can enjoy the view of the New York skyline and have a delicious brunch with New York specialties. The first drink (even champagne!) is even included in the price.

This Holiday Jazz Cruise aboard a 1920’s style luxury yacht is one of my absolute favorite tours in New York. The ship has a wonderful charm and cannot be compared to the big sightseeing ships. Holiday Jazz Cruise starts at the Chelsea Piers and takes you along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and the harbor of New York. On the way you can enjoy a wonderful view of the New York skyline and smooth jazz at the same time.