About
Christmas On The Water!
Make the most of the festive season with a magical voyage through the heart of the city.
Keep the kids entertained this Christmas with a view of York you cannot find anywhere else. As the city’s only boat tour, we offer the perfect blend of relaxation for adults and discovery for children. Our all-weather fleet features heated saloons and open top decks, ensuring your family plans remain uninterrupted regardless of the crisp British winter weather.
Choose Your Holiday Experience
Whether you want a relaxing sightseeing trip, a classic British hot meal, or to meet the big man himself, we have a festive experience for every family.
Festive Sightseeing Cruise
Take a break from the Christmas shopping madness! Join a relaxing and festive sightseeing cruise along the River Ouse. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you explore York's fascinating history.
- Choice of mulled wine, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and a mince pie included.
- Background Christmas music and live captain's commentary.
- Heated cabins and open decks for all-weather viewing.
Fish & Chips Cruise
Combine your sightseeing with a world-famous York meal. Enjoy award-winning fish and chips from the renowned Mr. Chippy, delivered hot to the boat as you sail. It is the ultimate wintertime treat that saves you from searching for a table in a busy city centre.
- Kid-sized portions and drink included.
- Relaxed dining with beautiful riverside views.
- The perfect high-value family upgrade.
York's Santa Experience
The ultimate Santa cruise experience in York! Join Santa, his cheerful elves, and a boat full of sparkling decorations on our most magical Christmas river cruise. Pre-booking is essential for this incredibly popular event.
- Meet & greet with Santa, a personalised present, and a gift bag packed with Christmas goodies for kids.
- Free tea/coffee and a mince pie for the grown-ups.
- Full bar available and background music entertainment.
Why Families Choose Us
Our heated enclosed saloons ensure the family stays dry and comfortable, making us the perfect escape from the winter chill.
Bring the whole family. Well-behaved dogs sail at no extra charge on all our sightseeing cruises.
Warm up with hot chocolates for the kids or local York beers, mulled wines, and gins for the adults at our fully stocked bar.
From little ones writing letters to Santa to adults enjoying a hot drink with a mince pie, there is something to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Departure Points & Timings
| Landing Location | Guaranteed Daily Times | Find Us |
|---|---|---|
| King's Staith LandingYork, YO1 9SN | 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00 | View on Google Mapswhat3words: ///fight.mile.packet |
| Lendal Bridge LandingYork, YO1 7DP | 10:40, 12:10, 13:40, 15:10 | View on Google Mapswhat3words: ///oval.either.design |
Don't just take our word for it
"We had a few hours in York and wanted a nice relaxing way to see a few sights. The captain, Andy, was incredibly entertaining and charming from start to finish, providing plenty of facts and humorous historical anecdotes. We got a drink from the bar and relaxed for the trip. I'd thoroughly recommend it if you're visiting York for a day or two!"
— Richard S, TripAdvisor
Holiday Planning Tips
- Pre-booking: Half term is our busiest period. We highly recommend booking online to secure your preferred sailing time.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access is at King's Staith Landing only. Please call 01904 628324 to confirm accessible vessel times.
- York Pass: Present your pass at the landing to board (subject to availability).
- Opening Hours: We sail daily from 1 January to 20 November. Festive programmes begin 21 November.
York Sightseeing Cruise: City Cruises Opening Hours
Sailing daily: 1st January to 20th November.
Festive Sightseeing: 21st November to 31st December.
Departure times vary by season and operational requirements. For live daily schedules, real-time updates, and guaranteed sailing times, please check our website.
