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.

California / City Cruises / Eat & Drink / Greater Los Angeles Area / Things To Do / United States

Newport Beach is a Top Spot for Waterfront Dining Along the Coast

Beautiful Newport Beach is one of the many highlights of California. As part of the beautiful Southern California coastline, Newport Beach is at the center of Orange County. This city is known for its spectacular views along its popular waterfront, a perfect harbor, luxury yachts, and celebrity homes. It has everything from divine eats and shopping to surfing and whale watching.

There’s a host of things to do in this “coastal haven known for its world-class food, picturesque shoreline, and tranquil bay waters,” according to VisitNewportBeach.com. When it comes to nightlife and food, Newport Beach has a great dining atmosphere, great restaurants, chic lounges, and places to dance the night away. “Dining in Newport Beach is a culinary journey — a choose-your-own-adventure where artisanal concepts are elevated by masterful technique, locally sourced ingredients, and freshly caught seafood befitting a coastal destination,” the website said.

The Best Waterfront Dinner Experience in Newport Beach is with City Cruises

Dinner never tasted so good as on the Newport Beach Premier Dinner Cruise. If there is anything elegant in Newport Beach, it’s an evening on the harbor on a City Cruises yacht. This 2.5-hour cruise promises delicious fare prepared by our top chefs. A plated dinner awaits you, featuring Honeycrisp apple salad, California clam chowder for starters, and smoked chili-rubbed Atlantic salmon with seasonal potato gnocchi for your main course. Indulge in delicious cocktails while you and your guests enjoy the live DJ entertainment. The star of the evening features awe-inspiring sights such as beautiful beaches, towering yachts, and sprawling mansions. It’s an experience you will treasure for years to come. Don’t forget to bring a light sweater or jacket as it can get breezy onboard.

Couple enjoying dinner in Marina del Rey on a City Cruises vessel
California / City Cruises / Eat & Drink / Greater Los Angeles Area / Things To Do / United States

The Top Places for Waterfront Dining in Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey is known the world over for its exquisite beauty. Boasting views of Southern California’s beautiful marina, towering yachts, and gorgeous homes—coupled with a close proximity to Los Angeles—the city is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. With exceptional options for dining, the combination of Marina del Rey Harbor views and delicious food is a winner for foodies everywhere. Determining which venues offer the best of both worlds can take some research. City Cruises will be your guide to the top places for waterfront dining in Marina del Rey!

Choose City Cruises for Your Waterfront Venue in Marina del Rey

Let’s discuss how to make the most of Marina del Rey’s waterfront dining by discussing the obvious choice: book an experience with City Cruises. We offer several delectable products to choose from, as well as the option to use our vessels for private events. That means the sky’s the limit on what you can choose to do.

From social outings and weddings to holidays and corporate gatherings, City Cruises’ private events seamlessly combine a unique floating venue with all-inclusive packages, chef-prepared meals, entertainment options, and full-bar service that can be customized to fit your budget. One look at our Marina del Rey Group & Private Events page, and you’ll discover how to make the most of the city and its surroundings. Explore Our Marina del Rey Fleet, and you’ll find that our vessels are some of the largest and most luxurious in class, with beautifully designed climate-controlled interiors and open-air exterior decks that showcase the most exceptional views of the area.

Group enjoying eating on the Los Angeles waterfront on City Cruises vessel
California / City Cruises / Eat & Drink / Greater Los Angeles Area / Things To Do / United States

The Best Waterfront Dining in Beautiful Los Angeles

When it comes to good food, you’d be hard-pressed to find a state with a more diverse selection of options than sunny California. With so many great food cities in The Golden State, you can enjoy good eats no matter where you are. If you get the opportunity to visit Los Angeles, it is a spectacular choice for waterfront dining. LA’s unique and popular waterfront along the Southern California coast is second to none, and many of the city’s restaurants are routinely on the list of the best eateries in the entire country, including Budonoki, Loreto, and Antico Nuovo. For a truly immersive waterfront dining experience, you need to be on the water—and with City Cruises, you can make that happen. As one of the Los Angeles area’s top places to eat on the water, our City Cruises vessels are perfect for private waterfront events, fine dining cruises, and fun with the whole family. From plated meals to luxurious buffets and a variety of high-quality cocktails, we focus on using local and seasonal ingredients to elevate your dining experience.

City Cruises’ Floating Restaurants Perfect for Waterfront Dining

Our fleet of top-of-the-line yachts and charter vessels in Los Angeles includes:

• Entertainer: The flagship of City Cruises Marina del Rey fleet, and the largest charter yacht in the marina with 6,600 square feet of event space on three spacious decks.
• Marina Hornblower: With double bars and a dance floor perfect for parties.
• Just Dreamin: A popular choice for celebrations and corporate charters
• Cabaret: Known for its cozy open bow area.

Aside from the delicious food and drinks, you and your guests will love the luxurious state-of-the-art amenities on board. With gorgeous decks, elegant interiors, and modern facilities, you’ll feel pampered while enjoying all that the cruise has to offer. Let’s not forget about the stunning photography opportunities! With iconic city landmarks as your backdrop, your photos will be nothing short of breathtaking.

groups
California / City Cruises / Corporate Events / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / United States

Sunsets and Success: Networking on SoCal’s Stunning Waters with City Cruises

Networking is crucial to progressing professionally in any career. Making connections and building relationships can help you access new opportunities and form real and meaningful bonds with people with shared goals. Attending and participating in networking events allows you to help others by sharing knowledge and gaining insight. It’s about expanding your professional circle, strengthening existing relationships, and connecting with new people. If you’re hesitant about networking, research shows that people with stronger networks earn higher salaries and achieve more recognition. Networking in Southern California with City Cruises transforms any networking or corporate event into something extraordinary. Imagine mingling with like-minded professionals with stunning coastal views and the beautiful California sunshine setting the stage. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, or Long Beach, City Cruises offers a unique venue to connect, collaborate, and build relationships while enjoying the relaxed ambiance of a cruise. Let City Cruises Southern California provide you with more than just a networking event-it’s a memorable experience that combines business with the beauty of SoCal’s waterfront and temperate climate.

Men cheering bottles of beer with palm trees above
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / United States / Wedding

Anchors Up, Party On: LA Bachelor Party with City Cruises

Picture this. The groom and his closest friends on the water together to celebrate his last days as a bachelor before starting a new chapter in life. Add the beautiful California sunshine and the gorgeous backdrop of the coast to the mix, and you have the ultimate bachelor party setting for an epic pre-wedding celebration for the man of the hour. Let City Cruises Southern California curate the perfect send-off for the groom-to-be surrounded by his favorite crew and the luxury of a yacht to let loose before the big day.

Drone Show in Chicago at Navy Pier
Arts & Music / City Cruises / Special Events & Holidays / Things To Do / United States

From Fireworks to Drone Shows: A New Era of Entertainment

Over the past decade, drones have seemingly taken over neighborhoods, video production, construction sites, and Super Bowl halftime shows! Technology has evolved at a rapid pace, leading to the rise of a unique and mesmerizing form of entertainment: the drone show. These productions can use hundreds or even thousands of synchronized drones to create mesmerizing light displays and are becoming increasingly popular for events of all kinds. From grand openings and corporate events to festivals, racing leagues, firework shows, and holiday celebrations, these incredible devices are increasingly becoming a part of everyday life. The Los Angeles Dodgers even welcomed fans for MLB’s 2024 Opening Week with a 1,000 drone show featuring messages in different languages and recreating famous moments of star players from the previous season! But why are they so captivating, and what has led to their surge in popularity? Here’s a closer look at this stunning new art form and why this new era of entertainment is here to stay.

New Traditions Take Flight: What Are Drone Shows?

Drone shows have quickly become a popular alternative to fireworks, offering a fresh and sustainable way to celebrate major holidays such as New Year’s Eve and July 4th. These shows utilize fleets of synchronized devices, which can be equipped with LED lights. They can be programmed to move in precise formations and create complex, colorful displays in the sky. Operators use computer software to control the position and timing, allowing them to develop complex, coordinated patterns and animations that dazzle audiences from below. From spinning geometric shapes to animated characters and words, this technology offers a limitless canvas for creativity.

Couple celebrating Valentine's Day on City Cruises yacht
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Special Events & Holidays / United States / Valentines Day

Sun-Kissed Cupid: Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025 in Southern California

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and create unforgettable memories with that special someone. What better way to do that than with a unique celebration on the scenic Southern California coast? It just so happens that the Los Angeles area is one of the best places in the world to celebrate this romantic holiday. With its warm, sunny weather, stunning beaches, scenic mountains, and charming towns, SoCal offers endless ways to make the holiday of love unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan of fine dining, thrilling adventures, or low-key beach strolls, there’s something for every couple. Here’s a guide to some of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Southern California, including a romantic dining cruise with City Cruises.

The History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, celebrated every year on February 14th, has roots that trace back to ancient Rome. No wonder it’s so “Rome-antic!” It is thought to have originated from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration held in mid-February to welcome spring and encourage fertility. The day later became associated with Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who, according to legend, defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young men in order to keep them focused on military service, thus leading to his demise.

The romantic traditions of Valentine’s Day as we know it began to take shape in the 14th and 15th centuries, especially in England and France, where love poetry and exchanging tokens became popular. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world as a day to express love and affection, evolving from its historical and religious origins into a secular celebration of romance and friendship.

Group enjoying a holiday party on a City Cruises vessel
California / Christmas / City Cruises / Corporate Events / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / Special Events & Holidays / United States

Season’s Meetings: Host Your Corporate Holiday Party in Southern California

As the holiday season approaches, corporate holiday parties are the perfect way to celebrate team achievements, boost morale, and foster strong connections among colleagues. If you’re hosting in Southern California, you have a wealth of options to make your celebration truly memorable. There’s nothing quite like taking the festivities to the water. City Cruises operates across Southern California and offers unique and memorable venues for corporate holiday gatherings, whether you’re celebrating in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, or Long Beach. Here’s a guide on how to host an unforgettable corporate holiday party with City Cruises in SoCal.

Why Choose City Cruises for Your Los Angeles Corporate Holiday Party?

Southern California’s mild winter weather means you can take advantage of various venue styles, including indoor and outdoor settings. Hosting your corporate holiday event with City Cruises offers an experience unlike any land-based venue. Imagine setting sail with the beautiful California coastline as your backdrop, complete with panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, ocean breezes, and the marina’s holiday lights. Not to mention, a yacht party is inherently memorable. It’s a chance for your team to enjoy the holiday spirit with an added touch of adventure, elevating your event above the typical restaurant or banquet hall setting. Our floating venues offer a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop for your holiday celebration.

The best part? We provide everything you need for a successful event, from catering and entertainment to customized decor and full-service staff. This all-in-one approach makes planning easier and ensures a seamless experience for everyone. Thanks to the expertise and guidance of our event coordinators, our customizable all-inclusive packages make this often stressful event a breeze.

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.