November 2026

Santa Cruise’s North Pole Experience

This year, we’re adding a little more North Pole magic to the traditional Santa Cruise experience. With the North Pole Experience, guests begin the evening in our private, heated North Pole Lounge, with complimentary hot cocoa, holiday treats, and a special gift for the kids. When it’s time to board the Santa Cruise, you’ll board 5 minutes early, so you can select the perfect seats for your family.

What’s included:

• Early access to our private, heated North Pole Lounge
• Complimentary hot cocoa station for the kids
• A holiday activity for kids
• A special holiday gift for every child
• Cash bar for grown-ups
• Personal escort to the boat and priority boarding
• Everything that makes the Santa Cruise a family tradition

THE NORTH POLE LOUNGE

The Upper Deck, a private event space lofted above PIER 290, has been transformed into a North Pole Lounge, filled with festive decorations, treats, and a private bar for adults. Kids will be amazed as they enter a magical atmosphere containing a complimentary hot cocoa station, treat table, and activities area, where they will also receive their own special gift! Adults will love the comfortable, heated lounge with a fireplace, private bar, and exclusive seating area to enjoy quality holiday time with their family.

EARLY BOARDING

From the North Pole Lounge, families will be led to their designated boat, dressed up in dazzling holiday lights. Those who purchase the North Pole Experience, will receive early boarding to the Santa Cruise, so they can select the perfect seats for their family.

From there, they just sit back and relax as they cruise the lake, viewing the lakeside light displays and hearing a fun narration on the way to Santa’s Secret Hideaway. Once there, Santa will read the names of the children on his Nice List.

After the Santa Cruise, we encourage families to visit the Christmas Festival for additional photo opportunities and to participate in the 531 Fund’s Charities of Christmas Raffle. Then head to PIER 290 to enjoy a hearty dinner where Kids Eat Free!

* Accessibility Information
Our North Pole Experience includes access to the North Pole Lounge, a special holiday-themed pre-boarding area located up one flight of stairs. For guests who require step-free access, we offer an alternative North Pole Experience in our accessible Christmas Festival, with the same upgraded amenities, including early boarding, holiday treats, children’s gifts, and beverage service. Our Santa Cruise boats are also accessible. Please contact our reservations team in advance so we can coordinate the best experience for your party.

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