Christmas Cruise NYC: Best Holiday Yacht Tours & Cocoa Cruises
A Christmas Cruise NYC is one of the most unforgettable ways to celebrate the holiday season. We have partnered with Classic Harbor Line, our trusted affiliated partner, to feature their very best holiday yacht experiences. After trying these cruises ourselves, we decided to share them on our website so you can enjoy the same magical moments.
From live holiday jazz to Cocoa and Carols sing-alongs, each sailing brings the festive spirit to life on the Hudson. The yachts, inspired by the 1920s, are beautifully decorated with Christmas garlands and lights, creating a cozy winter atmosphere. Every cruise departs from Chelsea Piers and passes landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the sparkling Manhattan skyline.
We’ve selected the top Christmas Cruise NYC for couples, families, and groups of friends. Whether you prefer a romantic night ride, a sunset toast, or a festive brunch circling Manhattan, you’ll find it here.
If you want to continue the Christmas magic on land, join one of our tours: the My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant, the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour with DUMBO and Free Hot Chocolate at Bryant Park Winter Village, the Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, or the New York Movie Tour – Iconic Filming Locations with a Christmas Twist.
To plan your full holiday trip, explore our guide to the Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC. For daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes views from the city, follow us on Instagram @MyChristmasInNewYorkCity.
Summary of Classic Harbor Line Christmas Cruise NYC
Compare the best Christmas Cruise NYC options below. Each offers a unique holiday experience on the water.
Click on the relevant cruise to read more and book directly.
| Cruise | Duration | Price | Live Music | What's included | Time of Cruise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.5 hours |
From $98 |
Yes |
Holiday jazz trio, cocoa, cookies, champagne/beer/wine |
Evening |
||
|
1.5 hours |
From $98 |
Yes |
Live carols, cocoa, cookies, champagne/beer/wine |
Afternoon
Evening |
||
|
1.5 hours |
From $98 |
Yes |
Festive sing-along, cocoa, cookies, champagne/beer/wine |
Afternoon
Evening |
||
|
1.5 hours |
From $64 |
No |
Narrated tour, cocoa, cookies, champagne/beer/wine |
Morning
Afternoon |
||
|
1.5 hours |
From $98 |
Yes |
Traditional hymns, cocoa, cookies, champagne/beer/wine |
Afternoon
Evening |
||
|
2.75 hours |
From $142 |
No |
Full brunch, circumnavigation of Manhattan, champagne/beer/wine |
Morning (brunch) |
||
|
1.5 hours |
From $84 |
No |
Sunset views, cocoa, cookies, champagne/beer/wine |
Afternoon (sunset) |
||
|
1.5 hours |
From $84 |
No |
Evening skyline views, cocoa, cookies, champagne/beer/wine |
Evening |
Holiday Jazz Cruise NYC
The Holiday Jazz Cruise is one of the most refined Christmas Cruise NYC experiences. This 1.5-hour evening sailing departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, aboard the 1920s-style Manhattan or Manhattan II, both beautifully decorated with festive garlands and holiday lights.
Once inside the heated glass salon, guests are welcomed with the smooth sounds of a live Holiday Jazz Trio. Each booking includes an assigned table, a complimentary drink such as champagne, wine, beer, or spiked hot cocoa, and homemade holiday cookies. The atmosphere is warm, elegant, and perfect for couples, friends, or co-workers searching for a seasonal night out.
As the yacht cruises through New York Harbor, you will pass Battery Park, the Financial District, Governors Island, and Ellis Island, before gliding close to the Statue of Liberty. The glittering skyline creates a stunning backdrop, while the festive music sets the tone for the evening. Unlike a sightseeing tour, this cruise focuses on live entertainment and holiday ambiance rather than narration.
Prices start at $98 per adult. Click below to book on our platform and review all the Christmas Cruise NYC details again.
Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise
The Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise is one of the most festive Christmas Cruise NYC experiences. This 1.5-hour sailing departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, aboard the Manhattan or Manhattan II, two 1920s-style yachts elegantly decorated for the season. The cozy heated salon sets the perfect stage for live holiday carols performed by talented musicians.
Every booking comes with an assigned table, holiday cookies, and one complimentary drink. Guests can choose from a house-made hot cocoa, wine, beer, champagne, or even spiked cocoa for adults. Additional beverages are available for purchase on board.
As you sip your drink and enjoy the music, you’ll cruise past the Financial District, Governors Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. The sparkling skyline and festive atmosphere make this one of the best holiday cruises in New York for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Afternoon and evening departures are available, giving you flexibility to fit the experience into your holiday plans. Prices start at $98 per adult. Click below to book on our platform and review all the Christmas Cruise NYC details again.
Cocoa and Carols Sing-Along Holiday Cruise
The Cocoa and Carols Sing-Along Holiday Cruise is a joyful Christmas Cruise NYC perfect for families, office parties, and groups of friends. This 1.5-hour sailing departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, on the Manhattan or Manhattan II, two 1920s-inspired yachts adorned with festive holiday décor. Inside the heated glass salon, the atmosphere is lively and filled with music.
Led by a cheerful vocalist and musicians, the cruise invites guests of all ages to sing along to holiday favorites such as Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bells. The energy is contagious, making this one of the most spirited holiday boat rides in New York.
Each booking includes an assigned table, homemade holiday cookies, and one complimentary beverage. Guests can choose from hot cocoa, wine, beer, champagne, or spiked cocoa for adults. Additional drinks are available for purchase.
As you sing and celebrate, the yacht glides past New York Harbor landmarks including One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. The twinkling skyline enhances the festive mood, creating an unforgettable holiday experience on the water.
Afternoon and evening departures are available, with tickets starting at $98 per adult. Click below to book on our platform and review all the Christmas Cruise NYC details again.
Statue & Skyline Holiday Cocoa Cruise
The Statue & Skyline Holiday Cocoa Cruise is a family-friendly Christmas Cruise NYC that blends sightseeing with seasonal charm. This 1.5-hour sailing departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, aboard the Manhattan or Manhattan II, yachts styled after the 1920s and decorated with festive holiday touches.
Inside the heated salon, guests enjoy holiday cookies and a complimentary drink, with options including house-made cocoa, champagne, wine, or beer. Spiked cocoa is available for adults, while additional drinks can be purchased on board. Assigned tables ensure a comfortable and relaxed experience throughout the trip.
Unlike other cruises, this one includes light narration by the captain, offering insight into the landmarks you pass. The route covers lower Manhattan’s highlights, including Battery Park, the Financial District, South Street Seaport, Governors Island, Ellis Island, and, of course, a close pass by the Statue of Liberty.
This cruise is perfect for families and groups wanting to combine the holiday spirit with classic New York sightseeing. Morning and afternoon departures make it an easy addition to any Christmas itinerary, while tickets start at just $64 per adult, making it one of the most affordable holiday boat tours in the city.
Click below to book on our platform and review all the Christmas Cruise NYC details again.
Holy Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise
The Holy Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise offers a unique Christmas Cruise NYC experience with traditional Christmas music and hymns. This 1.5-hour sailing departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, aboard the Manhattan or Manhattan II, two 1920s-style yachts beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
Inside the heated glass salon, the atmosphere is cozy and festive. Guests are treated to a live performance by professional musicians and singers performing beloved Christmas hymns and traditional carols. Each booking includes an assigned table, homemade cookies, and one complimentary drink such as hot cocoa, wine, beer, champagne, or spiked cocoa for adults. Additional drinks are available for purchase.
As the yacht glides through New York Harbor, you’ll see the Financial District, Governors Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty illuminated against the evening sky. The blend of music, décor, and skyline views creates an uplifting and memorable celebration on the water.
This cruise is perfect for families, couples, and friends who want to enjoy a more traditional musical experience while still taking in the holiday magic of New York. Afternoon and evening departures are available, with prices starting at $98 per adult.
Click below to book on our platform and review all the Christmas Cruise NYC details again.
Around Manhattan Holiday Brunch Cruise
The Around Manhattan Holiday Brunch Cruise is one of the most special Christmas Cruise NYC options for a festive weekend. This 2.75-hour sailing departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, aboard the Manhattan or Manhattan II, both 1920s-style yachts decorated with holiday garlands and lights.
Inside the heated glass observatory, guests enjoy a three-course prix fixe brunch served in a mix of family-style and buffet service. The menu features fresh fruit, bagels, pastries, lox, holiday latkes with apple marmalade, seasonal salad, frittata, roasted potatoes, beef pot roast with carrots, and a selection of treats and Christmas cookies. Gluten-free options and alternative proteins like turkey bacon, chicken sausage, and Beyond Sausage are available. Each guest also receives one complimentary drink, such as a mimosa, Bloody Mary, beer, wine, or champagne, with additional beverages available for purchase.
The route fully circumnavigates Manhattan, passing under all 18 bridges and offering views of every side of the island. Highlights include the George Washington Bridge, Battery Park, the Financial District, Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Roosevelt Island, the United Nations, and the East River bridges.
This holiday brunch cruise is ideal for couples, friends, or families wanting to combine sightseeing with a festive meal. Offered on weekends and holidays through early January, tickets start at $142 per adult.
Click below to book on our platform and review all the Christmas Cruise NYC details again.
Sunset & Holiday Cocoa Cruise
The Sunset & Holiday Cocoa Cruise is a beautiful way to experience a Christmas Cruise NYC during golden hour. This 1.5-hour sailing departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, on the Manhattan or Manhattan II, classic 1920s-style yachts decorated with poinsettias, garlands, and twinkling holiday lights.
Inside the heated grand salon, guests can relax at their assigned tables while enjoying holiday cookies and one complimentary drink such as hot cocoa, champagne, wine, or beer. Adults can opt for spiked cocoa, and additional beverages are available for purchase. Festive holiday music plays in the background as the sun sets over New York Harbor.
The route highlights the best of lower Manhattan at sunset, including One World Trade Center, the Financial District, Governors Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. As daylight fades, the skyline begins to glow, making this cruise a favorite for couples and small groups who want a romantic or memorable seasonal outing.
This cruise combines the magic of a New York sunset with the warmth of holiday cheer. Afternoon departures are offered throughout the season, with tickets starting at $84 per adult.
Click below to book on our platform and review all the Christmas Cruise NYC details again.
New York City Lights Holiday Cocoa Cruise
The New York City Lights Holiday Cocoa Cruise is one of the most romantic Christmas Cruise NYC options. This 1.5-hour evening sailing departs from Chelsea Piers, Pier 62, aboard the Manhattan or Manhattan II, classic 1920s-style yachts fully decorated for the holidays with candles, garlands, and festive lights.
Inside the cozy heated salon, guests can unwind at their assigned tables while enjoying holiday cookies and one complimentary drink. Choices include house-made cocoa, wine, champagne, or beer, with the option to spike your cocoa for an extra festive touch. Additional beverages are available for purchase.
The cruise is designed to be peaceful and atmospheric, with holiday tunes playing softly in the background. As you sip your drink, the yacht glides past New York Harbor’s most iconic sights, including Battery Park, the Financial District, Governors Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. With the skyline twinkling at night, it creates the perfect setting for couples seeking a seasonal date night or visitors looking for a quiet way to enjoy the city lights.
Evening departures are available throughout the holiday season, and tickets start at $84 per adult.
Click below to book on our platform and review all the Christmas Cruise NYC details again.
Why Join a Christmas Cruise NYC?
A Christmas Cruise NYC is more than just a boat ride. It is a chance to enjoy the holiday season from a unique perspective, surrounded by festive décor, holiday music, and the sparkling skyline of New York Harbor. Whether you choose live jazz, carols, a family sing-along, a sunset sailing, or a holiday brunch circling Manhattan, each cruise offers a blend of comfort, elegance, and unforgettable views.
These cruises are perfect for couples looking for romance, families wanting to celebrate together, or friends hoping to share a seasonal adventure. Sailing past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island while sipping hot cocoa or champagne creates memories that capture the magic of Christmas in New York.
To make your holiday experience even more complete, join one of our Christmas tours on land. Choose from the My Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Christmas Restaurant, the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour with DUMBO and Free Hot Chocolate at Bryant Park Winter Village, the Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour with 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, or the New York Movie Tour – Iconic Filming Locations with a Christmas Twist. Together with a Classic Harbor Line cruise, these tours give you the very best of Christmas in New York City.
