🇺🇸 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin · USA
Your New Family Holiday Tradition
From $32 per adult ·
All Ages
· 1 hour
Start off the festivities at our Christmas Tree Festival, where kids can send their wishlists to Santa and parents can grab a festive drink from Santa’s Bar. Then, board our heated, beautifully decorated vintage boat for a dazzling cruise along the shoreline. Enjoy sparkling holiday lights, festive carols, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself at his lakeside hideaway—complete with your child’s name read from his “Nice List”! As an added holiday bonus, you can win great prizes in our Christmas Festival raffle, benefiting 531 Fund supporting local charities!
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4.6/5
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Tour Highlights
Santa’s Waiting At His Lakeside Retreat!
- Meet Santa at His Lakeside Hideaway:
Watch your child’s face light up as Santa reads their name from his "Nice List."
- Festive Drinks for All:
Grab a seasonal beverage or warm treat from Santa’s Bar to enjoy during the cruise.
- Dazzling Holiday Lights:
Cruise along the shoreline and take in sparkling displays from our heated, decorated vintage boat.
- Christmas Tree Festival Fun:
Start the night with holiday cheer, family photos, and a chance to send letters to Santa.
- Win Big for a Great Cause:
Enter the Christmas Festival raffle to win amazing prizes, with proceeds benefiting the 531 Fund supporting local charities.
- Free Parking & Shuttle:
Our Santa Cruise is located at our Winter Harbor in Williams Bay. On select days, take our free shuttle from the Williams Bay High School. See FAQs for more details.
From
$32
Spot Santa on the Lakeshore!
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
The Santa Cruise boards and departs from our Winter Harbor at 1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay, WI 53191. This is the home of Gage Marine and PIER 290 restaurant! Park on-site or take the free shuttle on select days from the Williams Bay High School.
Head into the Christmas Festival to get your boarding pass and make sure to stay for dinner at PIER 290 after your Santa Cruise!
Why are there different ticket prices?
Santa Cruise is a popular holiday experience, and weekends tend to be the busiest! To help balance demand and ensure the best possible guest experience, we offer a more relaxed atmosphere (and a lower price!) on weekday cruises.
Friday & Saturday Rates:
| ADULTS $32 |
| SENIORS $30 |
| YOUTH (13-17) $23 |
| CHILD (4-12) $20 |
Weekday Rates:
| ADULTS $26 |
| SENIORS $24 |
| YOUTH (13-17) $16 |
| CHILD (4-12) $14 |
What do you see during the cruise?
During your 40-minute lake tour, view festive lighted displays. From the boat, sneak a peek at the shoreline to see Santa’s Hideaway and Santa himself as he reads aloud the names of the children on board who are on his “Nice List.” (Children’s first names for Santa are entered at the time of reservation.)
Where do we park or take the shuttle?
Where do we check in?
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time to allow time to check in at the Christmas Festival ticket booth to receive your boarding passes. DO NOT go directly to the boat – passengers will line up and be walked to the boat for boarding by a crew member.
Is the boat enclosed and heated?
Yes, the boats are enclosed and heated for everyone’s comfort. But you are on a boat in winter in Wisconsin, so conditions may still be somewhat cool on board. Dress appropriately for the weather for walking to and from your car, in the Tree Festival and on the boat. The Christmas Tree Festival Building is enclosed and heated.
Are there dining options?
Yes! PIER 290 restaurant is on-site at Santa Cruise, serving hearty American fare the whole family will love! Plus, kids receive a free treat with their meal when they show their “Nice” boarding pass!
Is the boat handicapped accessible?
The boats that we use for Santa Cruises—Lady of the Lake and Grand Belle—are accessible for boarding the boat, but the restrooms on board cannot accommodate a wheelchair. There are accessible restrooms at Pier 290 restaurant. We appreciate knowing ahead if you have special needs so that we can make accommodations.
Do the boats run in bad weather?
If we must cancel a tour due to weather, we will notify you as soon as possible and provide a full refund or change your reservation to a different date. If the weather is questionable, please be mindful to check your email for notifications from our office.
Can I bring a stroller?
You can bring your stroller to the Christmas Tree Festival Building when checking in to pick up tickets 30 minutes prior to your boat’s departure. We will put your stroller aside safely until your return if there isn’t room on the boat for it.
Can I bring food and drinks on board?
Yes, just not alcohol or coolers. Although there isn’t a bar available on board, you can enjoy drinks at the Santa Bar in the Tree Festival Building before or after your cruise.
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From $32 · 1 hour
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