Philadelphia Christmas Day Buffet Cruises Brunch or Dinner

If you’re dreaming of a holiday outing that combines the magic of Christmas with the beauty of Philadelphia’s skyline, the Philadelphia Christmas Day Cruises could be just what you need. Offered by City Cruises, this experience promises a lively, holiday-themed cruise with beautiful views, good food, and a cheerful atmosphere. While we haven’t sailed it ourselves, the details suggest it’s a delightful way to enjoy the holiday with friends or family—especially if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual home gatherings.

What we love about this experience is the chance to take in breathtaking views of iconic Philadelphia landmarks like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from the comfort of a decorated yacht, plus the lively holiday ambiance created by a live DJ and themed decorations. On the flip side, some might find the price of around $85 a person a bit steep for a couple of hours on the water, especially if they prefer a more relaxed or intimate setting. But if lively holiday cheer, scenic sights, and good food are what you’re after, this cruise is worth considering.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy festive atmospheres, scenic views, and social gatherings. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting to celebrate the holiday season with a splash of style and fun. Just keep in mind that this is a group event, so expect up to 200 fellow travelers aboard.

Key Points

• Scenic views of Philadelphia landmarks like the Ben Franklin Bridge are a highlight.
• The holiday decor and winter-themed ambiance add a magical touch.
• Live DJ entertainment and dancing create a lively, party-like atmosphere.
• Food options include a buffet dinner or brunch, with drinks available for purchase.
• The cruise offers an immersive Winter Wonderland experience with lights, themed cocktails, and seasonal menus.
• The activity is flexible, with free cancellation if booked in advance.

Why You’ll Love the Philadelphia Christmas Day Cruises

Imagine sailing along the Delaware River, with Philadelphia’s skyline twinkling around you, decked out with holiday lights and snow-covered trees. The scenic views of the city’s landmarks, like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the USS Olympia museum ship, make the cruise visually appealing. These sights are particularly striking at sunset or under a starry winter sky, and you can choose to enjoy them from inside the boat or outside on the open-air decks—whichever suits your mood.

The festive decor transforms the vessel into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and themed elements that create a cheerful holiday vibe. The fully stocked cash bar offers creative cocktails, wine, beer, and soda, giving you a chance to toast the season in style. For those who love music, the live DJ provides a lively soundtrack for dancing and games, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise; it’s a celebration.

The food options are thoughtfully planned. The brunch cruise features bottomless mimosas for guests over 21, and both brunch and dinner options include seasonal menus with salads, entrees, and desserts. The buffet dinner, in particular, offers a hearty feast that can be enjoyed while soaking up the views and holiday cheer.

One of the notable aspects mentioned in reviews is the stunning scenery—travellers find that the views of Philadelphia’s skyline are truly impressive, especially when illuminated at night. The combination of beautiful vistas with the festive atmosphere makes this cruise a memorable holiday activity.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

The cruise departs from 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd at 1:00 pm, with the journey lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours. This timing allows for daylight views and a relaxed pace, making it suitable for families or those wanting a daytime holiday outing. The cruise ends back at the starting point, so no need to worry about transportation logistics.

During the cruise, you’ll get to see notable landmarks such as Penns Landing, a lively stretch along the Delaware River known for parks and outdoor summer concerts, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, a suspension bridge that’s an icon of Philadelphia. The vessel’s decor and lighting enhance the holiday spirit, and the open decks provide excellent vantage points for photos.

The USS Olympia, a historic navy cruiser turned museum, is also visible from the river, adding a touch of maritime history to the scenery. Some reviews mention that the views of these landmarks are “breathtaking” and that the twinkling lights combined with the festive decor create a magical atmosphere.

The cruise’s immersive Winter Wonderland experience includes themed cocktails and seasonal menus, making your meal part of the celebration. The live DJ and the opportunity to dance or play games add to the lively, fun-filled environment.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The casual dress code indicates you can comfortably dress for winter weather, especially if you want to enjoy the open decks. Remember to bring layers, as temperatures on the water can fluctuate. The cruise is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and the group size maxes out at 200, providing a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Included in the ticket price is coffee and/or tea, which is perfect for warming up during the cruise. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, giving you the option to indulge without the added expense of an all-inclusive package.

Since the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan with some peace of mind, especially considering weather can impact the experience. If bad weather cancels the cruise, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Analyzing the Value

At $84.90 per person, the cruise presents a solid value when you consider the scenic views, festive atmosphere, food, and entertainment. Compared with other holiday outings, it’s a unique way to combine sightseeing with celebration—especially if you’re tired of traditional dinners or crowded events.

The bottomless mimosas on the brunch cruise add extra value for those celebrating or simply enjoying a leisurely holiday morning. Meanwhile, the dinner option provides a hearty, festive meal with a scenic backdrop. The entertainment and decor elevate the overall experience, making it more than just a meal on a boat.

For travelers seeking an authentic Philadelphia holiday experience with a touch of elegance and fun, this cruise hits the mark. It’s a chance to enjoy the city’s sights from a different perspective, coupled with holiday cheer, good food, and lively music.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience?

This cruise is perfect for families wanting a holiday adventure, groups of friends looking for a lively celebration, or couples seeking a romantic yet festive outing. It’s also well-suited for visitors eager to see Philadelphia’s skyline illuminated at night while enjoying seasonal treats.

If you value scenic views, good entertainment, and a cheerful holiday atmosphere, you’ll likely find this cruise a memorable addition to your Christmas festivities. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate dinner or are wary of group tours, it might be less ideal.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

The Philadelphia Christmas Day Buffet Cruises offer a unique, festive experience that combines spectacular views, lively entertainment, and seasonal decor. It’s an immersive way to celebrate the holiday season, especially if you enjoy outdoor scenery, good food, and a vibrant atmosphere. The scenic landmarks and twinkling holiday lights are likely to leave a lasting impression, making it a worthwhile splurge for many travelers.

For anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with holiday cheer, this cruise provides a fun, memorable option—particularly for those looking to do something different during the festive season. Be sure to book in advance, check the weather forecast, and dress warmly for an enjoyable journey that’s as much about the atmosphere as the sights.

FAQ

What is the price of the cruise?
It costs $84.90 per person, which includes the meal and entertainment, with drinks available for purchase.

What’s included in the cruise?
The cruise includes a buffet dinner or brunch, coffee and/or tea, an immersive Winter Wonderland experience, scenic views of the Delaware River, and live DJ entertainment.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, but a fully stocked cash bar offers creative cocktails, wine, beer, and soda for purchase.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia at 1:00 pm.

How long does the cruise last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the cruise for a full refund.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The casual dress code makes it comfortable for winter weather.

What are the main sights I’ll see?
You’ll see Penns Landing, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, USS Olympia, and Philadelphia’s skyline—all beautifully lit up during the holiday season.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, though the lively atmosphere and group size mean it’s more festive than intimate.

By blending scenic views, holiday decor, and lively entertainment, the Philadelphia Christmas Day Cruises offer a cheerful, scenic way to celebrate the season on the water. Whether you’re a local or visiting Philadelphia during the holidays, it’s a cheerful, memorable event that pairs well with the city’s festive spirit.