New York City
Arts & Music / Eat & Drink / History & Architecture / New York / New York City / Things To Do / Tours & Attractions / United States

The Ultimate New York City Bucket List

When it comes to fun and exciting things to do, few places offer more than New York City. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, a seasoned traveler, or a native New Yorker, this vibrant melting pot of culture, history, art, food, and excitement has a never-ending list of adventures just waiting to be explored. This is why having a New York City bucket list is a great idea!

Crafting the perfect bucket list can be challenging in most places. Luckily, the Big Apple makes it even more challenging, as there is so much to choose from. We’ve compiled the ultimate NYC bucket list—a blend of classic attractions, hidden gems, and options from City Experiences that capture the spirit of the city.

City Experiences is the Perfect Partner for Building a Bucket List

City Experiences offers unique ways to discover New York City, from luxurious dining cruises to immersive walking tours. We combine the city’s best features—its history, culture, and iconic skyline—into curated experiences that cater to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, exploring for the first time, or rediscovering your love for the Big Apple, these experiences ensure that the adventures on your bucket list are anything but ordinary.

Santa with a little girl sitting on his lap and a Christmas tree in background.
Boston / Christmas / City Cruises / Europe / Massachusetts / New York / New York City / Pennsylvania / Philadelphia / Special Events & Holidays / United Kingdom / United States / York

Set Sail with Christmas Spirit for a Magical Dining Experience with Santa

The holiday season is a time for family, fun, and creating lasting memories. One of the most magical ways to celebrate this joyful time of year is by embarking on a City Cruises experience and dining with Santa Claus himself! The man in red symbolizes the spirit of the season, providing excitement, love, and the ultimate festive setting. Combining the wonder of Christmas with a luxurious dining experience on the water, this adventure is perfect for families seeking to make their holiday season truly special.

From winter wonderland decor and delicious meals to stunning views and Santa’s jolly presence, here’s why dining with Santa is a must-do holiday experience for the whole family. This one-of-a-kind spectacle is only available in select locations, which are listed below.

Step Into a Winter Wonderland Aboard City Cruises

From the moment you step aboard our yacht, you’ll be transported into a winter wonderland. Each vessel is decked out in festive decor, featuring twinkling lights, garlands, and a holiday ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience with Saint Nick. For children, the excitement begins as soon as they step aboard and are greeted by holiday cheer at every turn. Adults, imagine sipping hot cocoa or a festive cocktail while taking in panoramic views of the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks, all while Christmas carols play softly in the background.

City Cruises Winter Wonderland Theme
Christmas / City Cruises / New Jersey / New Year / New York / New York City / Pennsylvania / Philadelphia / Special Events & Holidays / United States

Step into a Winter Wonderland This Holiday Season with City Cruises

No matter where you are and what you celebrate, the holiday season is a magical time. Cities light up with festive decor, holiday markets, ice skating rinks, and a palpable sense of joy in the air. While there are endless winter activities, nothing quite compares to the experience of seeing an iconic sight, such as the New York City skyline illuminated by Christmas lights from the water. Elevate your seasonal celebration this year by booking a themed dining cruise with City Cruises in select locations.

From December 3, 2024, to January 1, 2025, step aboard a stunningly decorated yacht and immerse yourself in a Winter Wonderland. This one-of-a-kind cruise combines gourmet dining, entertainment, and breathtaking views, making it the ultimate holiday activity for visitors and locals alike. Here’s everything you can expect from City Cruises’ Winter Wonderland dining cruises and why the experience is the perfect addition to your holiday plans!

Climb Aboard and Set Sail on a Festive Winter Wonderland

City Cruises has gone all out to create a festive and immersive setting that’s perfect for groups, couples, families, or anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit. From the moment you set foot on our yacht, you’ll be transported into a magical world of holiday cheer. Each yacht is transformed into a floating winter wonderland, complete with holiday lights, seasonal decorations, and cozy interiors that make you feel like you’re sailing through a Christmas movie. Whether you’re taking a holiday dinner cruise with friends, family, or that special someone, the cheerful atmosphere and attention to detail make stepping aboard feel like walking into a holiday storybook.

Celebrating with City Cruises in New York City
City Cruises / Group Events / New York / New York City / Special Events & Holidays / United States

The Best Retirement Party Awaits you in New York City

There’s only one way to retire: with a big bash! If you’re looking to go out with a big bang after years of hard work, then New York City is the place to host a memorable retirement party. Take it one step further and have it on the water on a City Cruises’ floating venue. There’s no shortage of great places to throw a party in the Big Apple, but when you host a party on the water with City Cruises, it becomes a next-level event featuring spectacular views that will have you and your guests in awe.

New York City is a cultural mecca. The city that never sleeps is a 24/7 town that is home to some of the best restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, neighborhoods, and parks in the world. You can party all night or take it easy. New York has something for everyone, and it will leave you with wonderful memories no matter what you do here. Having a retirement party with City Cruises on the water, you and your guests will talk about it for a long time to come.

City Cruises knows how to put together a great party. Our unique and exciting events make us the perfect option for hosting your celebration in New York City. Your milestone occasion is the time to pull out all the stops as you leave one part of your life and head into the next great chapter. We will help you do it in style!

Reasons to Choose City Cruises for Your NYC Retirement Party

Just as New York is unique, hosting a retirement party on a City Cruises yacht has its own unique ambiance. The stunning cityscape and waterfront views will surround you with a sense of amazement and awe. There is no skyline like New York’s iconic skyline, and the breathtaking sight and the twinkling lights at night will only add to the excitement of your retirement party.

Start with our New York Private Social Events. City Cruises offers flexible options and customizable packages. Whether you are looking for an intimate get-together or a larger retirement bash, expect a tailored experience when you celebrate with us. We work with you to bring your vision to life and ensure it is unforgettable for you and your guests.

New Jersey wedding event on City Cruises vessel in NYC area
City Cruises / Group Events / New Jersey / New York / New York City / Special Events & Holidays / United States / Wedding

Wonderful Wedding-Related Events in New Jersey

You probably know New Jersey from shows like The Sopranos and Jersey Shore, but it has so much more to offer. It makes an excellent destination for hosting weddings and wedding-related events, including bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, post-wedding brunches, and engagement parties. However, picking the right venue for your party is crucial so you have an event to remember. Still trying to figure out where to start? We’ve got you covered. City Cruises has unbeatable floating venues for all of your wedding-related events that take advantage of the state’s unique natural beauty and proximity to the inimitable New York City skyline. A combination that makes for some of the best wedding photo backdrops of all time if you ask us! With gorgeous views, top-tier service, and a breezy planning process, you can’t go wrong. Read on to learn more about why City Cruises New Jersey is right for you.

Choose City Cruises for Your Wedding-Related Event in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a great place to host a wedding or wedding-related event, but taking in the NYC views from the water will take things up a notch. City Cruises’ unique floating venues and an incredibly scenic backdrop make things more incredible. Just imagine the picturesque waterfront views and how they’ll enhance your wedding experience. The New Jersey fleet has nine vessels, all with state-of-the-art features and capacities ranging from 120 to 1,000 people. Plus, any City Cruises event will surely become a unique and unforgettable memory for you and your guests.

Couple on a City Cruises yacht in NYC for their engagement party
City Cruises / Group Events / New York / New York City / Special Events & Holidays / United States / Wedding

How to Host a Unique Engagement Party in New York City

Once a couple is engaged, hosting a party to celebrate the occasion is something couples are excited to plan. Finding the perfect location is paramount since it marks the beginning of a new stage in their lives and relationship. An engagement party brings couples’ friends and families together and signifies an exciting time for everyone involved. The destination and venue must be unique, and memorable. That’s where New York City and City Cruises come in. NYC is known worldwide as one of the greatest cities to visit and live in. It’s celebrated for its arts, culture, dining, entertainment, and landmarks. While it can be challenging to see all of the famous sights, there’s one way to ensure that you will: by hosting your engagement party on a City Cruises vessel. Our innovative amenities and packages—combined with the best views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline and attractions—guarantee your engagement party will be unforgettable for all.

About City Cruises in New York City
Perfect venues aren’t easy to find. Whether on land or the water, getting everything you want for amenities, packages, and the ideal location can be challenging—especially when striving to maintain your designated budget, party size, and unique style. City Cruises works with couples to customize their event. Our team remains committed to making the engagement party planning experience exciting. Couples can opt for daytime or evening celebrations, brunch or dinner, and cater the food and drinks to their preferred tastes. There are plenty of possibilities, and that’s why City Cruises in NYC is so popular. In fact, judging by past client reviews, such as the staff being “outstanding” and the food “impeccable,” we’re thrilled to have made numerous couples’ events “special and unforgettable.”