Santa Special Cruise on the River Dee
Families board the decorated Lady Diana to enjoy a festive cruise along the River Dee with seasonal music. Children can meet Santa Claus, present their letters, take photos, and receive an age-appropriate book alongside activity sheets and stickers from the elves. Adult guests are treated to tea or coffee and a mince pie, while children receive a gingerbread man and a drink.
What to Expect
Sail the River Dee with Santa, festive music, and elf activities.
Event Details
Duration
The cruise lasts one hour. If sailing is not possible for any reason, the ticket includes a voucher for a half-hour cruise in the summer; weather or river conditions may instead result in a stationary-boat event and a voucher for a later half-hour cruise.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
The Groves
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
ChesterBoat
Food & Drink
Adults receive tea or coffee and a mince pie; children receive a gingerbread man and a drink, while free infant tickets include no refreshments.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and gentle
Energy Level
Low
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults £17.00; child with gift from Santa £19.00; infants sail free, but a free infant ticket does not include gifts, colouring or refreshments. Tickets are cheaper when booked online; no online price is given. – Get tickets
- Hours: 12PM and 2.30PM on each sailing date.
- Accessibility: Pushchairs must be fully collapsed and stowed onboard, though detachable carrycots or bassinets may be placed on seats.
Tips & Advice
- Book online rather than by phone, because tickets are cheaper online and Santa only joins a limited number of cruises.
- Help your child write a letter before the day, because there is time on board to show it to Santa and have photos taken.
- Change babies at the Bandstand public toilets before boarding, because the boat has toilets but no baby change facilities.
- Bring a pushchair that folds fully, and ideally one with a carrycot that detaches, since space on board is limited and it can go on a seat.
- Tickets are non-refundable. If you can't make it, Santa posts the gift to you by Royal Mail with a voucher for a later half-hour cruise.
Special Events & Promotions
- Tickets are cheaper when you book online.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What do children get on the cruise?
Each child gets an age-appropriate book from Santa, a gingerbread man and a drink. They also get colouring, activity sheets and stickers, plus time to meet Santa, have photos taken and show him their letters.
How does Santa choose each child's book?
When you book, you give your child's approximate reading age, and the elves use it to pick a book. Nobody on board on the day can see the age you entered.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather or river conditions stop the boat from sailing, the event goes ahead on a stationary boat. You also get a voucher for a half-hour cruise at a later date.
Can I bring a pushchair?
Space on board is limited, so pushchairs must be fully collapsed and stowed. If the carrycot or bassinet detaches from the pushchair, you can take it to your table and put it on a seat.
Are there toilets and baby change facilities?
There are two toilets on board but no baby change. The nearest baby change is in the public toilets by the Bandstand, 100m from the moorings.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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