Santa Cruise
Your new family holiday tradition on a festive vintage boat
Weekend Tours Sell Out Quickly
Choose Your Santa Cruise Experience
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!”
Santa Cruise
Limited Event tours tend to sell out
- Dazzling holiday lights
- Festive holiday experience
- Santa reads kids’ names off “Nice List”
From
$25
Adult
$15
Child
40-min boat ride, ~90-min experience
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.
| Length: 40 mins on heated boat |
| Availability: Weeknights & weekends |
| Christmas Festival: Included |
| Santa reads your kid’s name: Yes |
| Treat for kids: No |
| Parking + shuttle: Included |
| Priority boarding: No |
| North Pole Lounge: No |
| Karaoke: No |
| Best for: Families |
Santa Cruise + North Pole Experience
Friday-Sunday, limited quantities available
- Priority boarding & first choice of seats on the Santa Cruise
- Special holiday experience in the North Pole Lounge
- Free hot cocoa, gift, activities, and a treat table for the kids
From
$59
Adult
$39
Child
40-min boat ride, ~90-min experience
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.
| Length: 40 mins on heated boat |
| Availability: Weekends |
| Christmas Festival: Included |
| Santa reads your kid’s name: Yes |
| Treat for kids: Included |
| Parking + shuttle: Included |
| Priority boarding: Included |
| North Pole Lounge: Included |
| Karaoke: No |
| Best for: Families wanting extra holiday magic |
Karaoke Santa Cruise
Saturdays at 8:20 PM
- Festive adults-only karaoke cruise
- Dazzling lights & holiday-themed songs
- Bring drinks on board from Santa’s Bar in the Christmas Festival
From
$37
Adult
60-min boat ride, ~90-min experience
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.
| Length: 60 mins on heated boat |
| Availability: Saturdays at 8:20 PM |
| Christmas Festival: Included |
| Santa reads your kid’s name: No |
| Treat for kids: No |
| Parking + shuttle: Included |
| Priority boarding: No |
| North Pole Lounge: No |
| Karaoke: Yes |
| Best for: Adults 21+ |
* 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.
Highlights
The Most Magical Time at Lake Geneva
Start off the festivities at our Christmas Festival. Kids can send their wishlists to Santa, take part in a holiday scavenger hunt, and parents can grab a festive drink from Santa’s Bar to bring along to enjoy on the cruise. Then board our heated, beautifully decorated vintage boat for a dazzling cruise along the shoreline.
- See 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 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
$25
Great for Families!
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.
Looking for something kid-free?
Adult-only karaoke cruises board Saturday nights at 8:20 PM!
Make a Night of It
Turn your Santa cruise into an overnight holiday getaway together at Lake Geneva.
Dinner at PIER 290—Kids eat Free!
Before or after your Santa Cruise, gather the family for a cozy lakeside meal at PIER 290. Special heated igloos add some extra holiday magic to your dining experience. And this holiday season, kids eat free! All kids receive a free treat with dinner at PIER 290.
Partner Hotels
Skip the late night drive home. Unwind after your Santa Cruise at one of our nearby Lake Geneva lodging partners.
Vintage boats, scenic views & local lore.
Vintage boats, scenic views & local lore.
Reviews
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 on weekdays or take the free shuttle from the Williams Bay High School on the weekends.
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.
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 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, during Santa Cruise, kids eat free and receive a free treat with their meal when they show their “Nice” boarding pass! View the menu and learn more.
What is the adults-only cruise?
The 8:20 PM cruise, every Saturday from November 28 to December 26, will be an adults-only karaoke Santa Cruise! Adults 21+ will enjoy holiday-themed karaoke on the one-hour cruise. Experience the holiday lights, Christmas carols, and festive drinks (purchased in the Christmas Festival at Santa’s Bar), perfect for friends, family, or colleagues.
Is the boat handicapped accessible?
The boats that we use for Santa Cruises—Lady of the Lake, Grand Belle, and Majestic—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 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 Christmas Festival Building before or after your cruise.
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Starting at $25/adult | $15/child
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