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Thames River Christmas Cruise

Last minute availability.
Last minute availability.
Best deals & discounts
Best deals & discounts
24/7 support across the globe
24/7 support across the globe
Guests dining on a Thames riverboat with city lights visible through large windows.
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Celebrate Christmas on the Thames, where festive dining, party cruises and scenic river views come together for a unique Christmas lunch cruise or a dinner cruise. Find all the current details for 2025, including event options, ticketing, and how to plan your visit.

What to expect on a Thames Christmas cruise

  • Festive dining cruises: Your cruises include a traditional Christmas lunch or dinner as you drift along the river, with commentary and views.
  • Party and disco cruises: Your Thames Christmas cruise features DJs, festive lighting, a hot buffet and bar, geared for groups and adults looking for a fun Christmas outing. 
  • Christmas-day sightseeing: On Dec 25, you can take a 60-min leisure cruise (to be booked separately) past landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye from the comfort of a heated boat. 
  • Iconic sightseeing and views: Whether lunch or dinner, the Thames River cruise Christmas party ensures you pass major London riverside landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge, while enjoying the festivities.
  • Heated cabins & open decks: Boats are winter-ready with a fully heated lower deck and an open upper deck to take in fresh air and views, even in December’s chill. 

Thames River Christmas cruises

Thames Christmas lunch party cruise

Dates: Nov 28–Dec 20, 2025 & Dec 25, 2025
Timings: 1pm–4pm (3 hours); 12pm–3:15pm (3.15 hours) on Christmas Day
Location: Departs from Westminster Pier
Included with admission: No (separate ticket)
Age restrictions: 18+

A festive lunch cruise offering a welcome glass of sparkling wine, 3-course traditional menu, and live music (carols on Christmas Day), perfect for a festive afternoon party on the Thames.

Thames Christmas dinner party cruise

Dates: Nov 28–Dec 20, 2025
Timings: 6:30pm–10:30pm (4 hours)
Location: Departs from Tower Millennium Pier
Included with admission: No (separate ticket)
Age restrictions: 18+

Evening cruise with welcome drink, traditional 3-course festive dinner menu (with vegan/vegetarian options), half bottle of wine per person, DJ entertainment and dancing.

Thames Christmas Day cruises

Dates: Dec 25, 2025
Timings: 9:45am, 11am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm, 2:45pm
Location: Departs from Westminster Pier
Included with admission: No (separate ticket)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

A one-hour circular cruise on the Thames in a heated boat, featuring live commentary and festive favourites like mulled wine and mince pies (not included) available at the onboard bar.

Plan your Thames Christmas cruise journey

  • Lunch vs dinner: Daytime lunch slots are usually more relaxed, ideal for groups wanting a festive outing before more hectic evening hours. Evening dinner party cruises are more energetic.
  • If you’re after a lively Christmas boat party London experience, complete with music, dancing and a festive crowd, book between November 28 and December 20. If you prefer something peaceful and traditional, opt for the Christmas Day cruise instead.

Departure point: Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH

  • By Tube: Westminster station (Circle, District, Jubilee lines).
  • By bus: Victoria Embankment/Westminster Bridge Road routes.

Departure point: Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames Street, EC3N 4DT

  • By Tube: Tower Hill Underground Station (District or Circle lines).
  • By bus: Tower of London/Tower Gateway/Tower Hill routes.
  • Restrooms: Fully equipped toilets on board the vessel. 
  • Dining: Included in the lunch and dinner party cruises (3-course lunch or 3-course dinner menus) with onboard bar service available.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible vessels are available; you must specify requirements when booking. 

Both the Christmas lunch party cruise and the Christmas dinner party cruise serve the same indulgent 3-course menu, prepared fresh on board. A separate vegetarian/vegan menu ensures everyone enjoys the flavours of the holidays.

  • Traditional festive menu: Savour a three-course meal featuring a classic roast turkey dinner with sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, followed by a rich Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, and coffee or tea to finish. See the traditional menu
  • Vegetarian & vegan menu: Enjoy a vegan rainbow-layered pie, finished with a vegan Christmas pudding. See the vegetarian/vegan menu
  • Boarding time: Arrive early (20 mins before departure) to be seated and briefed.
  • Dress code: Festive smart-casual encouraged. No flip-flops, shorts, leisurewear, or ripped jeans. 
  • Children: Dining cruises are adult-oriented (18+). Only the Christmas Day sightseeing cruise is open to all ages.
  • Outside food/drink: Not permitted; you can purchase additional food and drink at the bar onboard.

Frequently asked questions about the Thames River cruise Christmas events

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas cruises without a general sightseeing ticket?

Yes. The Christmas Thames River cruise events (lunch party and dinner party) are standalone experiences and do not require a general sightseeing ticket.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes. Each vessel has limited capacity and seating (tables of 10 for dining, shared tables). Booking early is strongly advised because they fill up fast.

Are the Christmas events suitable for children?

The lunch and dinner cruises are both adult-only (18+). Only the sightseeing cruise on Christmas Day is suitable for children.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Yes, the boats are enclosed and heated, and they sail rain or shine, though river conditions may affect timing or route.

What should I wear for the cruise?

Festive smart-casual attire is recommended: dress up a bit, avoid flip-flops, leisurewear or ripped jeans.

Can I bring outside food or drink onto the boat?

Generally no. Drinks and meals are provided as part of or purchased on board for the Christmas boat party in London.

How early should I arrive for my cruise?

Arrive at least 20 mins before the departure time to allow for check-in, boarding and safety briefing. For evening cruises, earlier arrival may help secure seating or meet pre-cruise dining.

Is it worth choosing a lunch vs a dinner cruise?

It depends on your mood: the Christmas lunch cruise offers a daytime river party with views and a 3-course meal; the Christmas dinner cruise is later, more energetic with a DJ, dancing and the night-time London skyline.