The Thames Christmas Party Cruise sails every day from 27 November to 20 December 2026, as a lunch from Westminster Pier (boarding 12:45pm, 1:00pm to 4:00pm) or a dinner from Tower Millennium Pier (boarding 6:00pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm). Both include a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a three-course traditional festive meal followed by tea or coffee, and a licensed bar; lunch adds a singer with festive music and dancing, dinner adds a DJ, dancing and half a bottle of wine per person. Adults only, 18 and over. Lunch from £75, dinner from £95, depending on the date.
The office party that is actually on the river
This is the Christmas cruise for the weeks before Christmas: the one to book with colleagues, friends or family on any day between late November and 20 December, while the city is lit up and nobody has left yet. The boat leaves from the centre, passes Big Ben, the London Eye, the South Bank and Tower Bridge with the lights on, and the meal is served at your table while it does.
Tables are pre-allocated before boarding and fixed to the floor, close to other diners: small groups may share a table with other small groups or individuals. That is part of the format, and it is why it works as a party rather than a quiet dinner.
Lunch or dinner: the two versions
Lunch — Westminster Pier, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Boarding opens at 12:45pm at Westminster Pier, beneath Big Ben. Three hours on the water with a singer performing festive music, and dancing between courses. From £75.
Dinner — Tower Millennium Pier, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Boarding opens at 6:00pm at Tower Millennium Pier, next to the Tower of London. Four hours with a DJ and dance floor, and half a bottle of wine per person with the meal. From £95.
What is on the table
A glass of sparkling wine as you board, then a traditional three-course festive meal with tea or coffee to finish. Special dietary requests must be made at least 72 hours before sailing, by phone or email, otherwise the standard meal is served; the kitchen cannot guarantee that any dish is free from nuts or traces of nuts. Other drinks come from the licensed bar on board, and photo ID may be asked for when alcohol is served.
You can look at the lunch menu and the dinner menu (PDF): they are indicative and may change.
Good to know before you book
The cruise is for adults aged 18 and over. The dress code is festive: flip-flops, leisurewear and ripped jeans are not advised. Every vessel has an open upper deck and an indoor heated saloon, so you can step outside for the view and come back in for the warmth. Transport to and from the pier and gratuities are not included. The cancellation terms are shown during booking, before payment.
If you want the boat on Christmas Day itself, that is a different product: the Christmas Day Traditional Lunch Cruise sails on 25 December from Westminster Pier.
