Experience Boston’s holiday magic from the Charles River! Join our one-hour Cookies & Carols cruise, or come on board for a brand new Cookies with Santa cruise! Enjoy holiday music, complimentary cookies, stunning skyline views, and a warm, festive atmosphere.
Why Boston is a Holiday Must-Visit
Boston transforms into a winter wonderland each December. With twinkling lights along the Charles River, historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay covered in holiday décor, and plenty of festive events throughout the city, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the season.
But what if you could experience the holiday spirit on the water, gliding past illuminated cityscapes, sipping a warm drink, and listening to carols? That’s where a holiday cruise comes in.
A Unique Holiday Cruise Experience
This year, join the Charles River Boat Company for one of our holiday cruise offerings! We have our popular returning Cookies & Carols Cruise, a one-hour voyage that blends cozy holiday tradition with scenic views of Boston and Cambridge.
New this year, step aboard for a magical holiday adventure on our Cookies with Santa Cruise! Take in all of our classic scenic views and festive holiday vibes as you cruise along the Charles River. Families will love meeting Santa himself, who’ll be handing out candy canes and posing for memorable photos. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with the whole family!
Enjoy:
- Holiday music
- Complimentary holiday cookies
- Warm, enclosed boat ready for winter weather
- Stunning views of Boston’s skyline and the Charles River waterfront
- Full bar onboard with festive drinks
What to Expect on our Holiday Cruises
Boarding & departure:
The tours depart from the Lechmere Canal behind the CambridgeSide Mall (100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA 02141). Validated parking is available for $4 in the CambridgeSide Mall Garage.
Onboard ambiance:
Our boat is fully enclosed and heated, so you and your loved ones stay comfortable even on chilly December afternoons. Festive décor, warm lights, maybe a hot chocolate in your hand, a cookie in the other.
Views & scenery:
As you cruise the Charles River, you’ll pass the historic riverbanks of Cambridge and Boston. Look out for landmark sights like the Esplanade, the MIT campus, and the downtown skyline, all dressed for the holidays.
For families & friends:
This cruise is especially family-friendly: kids get to enjoy complimentary cookies, the soothing rhythm of the boat ride, and the novelty of Christmas on the water. Adults can relax knowing there are warm spaces and full bar options.
Booking details:
Call and book your tickets now! 617-621-3001
Why It’s the Perfect Holiday Outing
- Break from the usual: Instead of typical holiday shopping or crowded malls, you’re on the water, with fresh air, a unique perspective, relaxing atmosphere.
- Memorable views: Boston looks magical in winter, and from the river you’ll get a vantage point few take.
- Easy scheduling: One hour is just enough to feel festive without exhausting little ones or making a long commitment.
- Great for group outings: Whether it’s your family, a group of friends, coworker’s holiday outing, this cruise offers a memorable alternative to the usual.
- Ties into broader holiday visits: Pair the cruise with other seasonal Boston favorites, ice skating on the Frog Pond, the Tree Lighting at Boston Common, holiday lights tours, and you’ll have a full holiday experience.
- Get the quintessential picture with Santa: With our new “Cookies with Santa” cruise, you can bring the whole family, enjoy the same great festive vibes, and cookies. The kids can also get time with Santa, and you can snap some pictures for the Christmas card! It’s a great option to avoid the crazy public lines, and you get to enjoy a river cruise on top of that!
Tips for Making the Most of It
- Dress in layers. Even in a heated boat, the river can be chilly.
- Plan arrival time accordingly. Give yourself extra time for parking and boarding, especially around busy holiday weekends.
- Bring a camera (or phone). The light at dusk, reflections on the water, it all makes for great photos.
- Combine with other holiday events. Make a full day of it: cruise in the afternoon, dinner in Cambridge or Boston, finish with a holiday show.
Consider private charters. Want a more exclusive experience? We have private charter possibilities for your family or group.
This holiday season, don’t just see Boston, feel the magic of the city in motion on the water. Our Cookies & Carols Cruise offers a festive, cozy, and memorable way to celebrate winter in New England, or come with the whole family and meet Santa onboard out Cookies with Santa Cruise.
Book your spot, bring the family or friends, wear your favorite holiday sweater, and let the music, cookies, and river views carry you into the season.
Ready to set sail on a holiday adventure? Reserve your tickets today with the Charles River Boat Company and make this December one to remember.