Journey to the North Pole Cruises
Guests embark on a 40-minute cruise across Lake Coeur d’Alene through a display of 1.5 million holiday lights, whimsical scenes, and a 60-foot floating LED Christmas tree. Along the way, passengers can spot Mrs. Claus, elves, and the Grinch before reaching Santa's North Pole Village, where Santa reads children's names from his Nice List. The experience concludes with a holiday fireworks show over the water.
What to Expect
Cruise past 1.5 million lights to Santa's floating North Pole.
Event Details
Duration
40 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Coeur d'Alene
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, seasonal snacks, and holiday-inspired cocktails and other beverages are available for purchase on board; outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Santa's Sneak Peek Week: Adult $23.50; Senior (ages 55+) $22.75; Youth (ages 6–12) $12.00; children ages 5 and under free. Prices include taxes, fees, and the 25% Sneak Peek Week savings; discounts may not be combined with other offers. Regular Journey to the North Pole: Adult $30.50; Senior (ages 55+) $29.50; Youth (ages 6–12) $15.00. – Get tickets
- Hours: 4:30pm (boarding at 4 PM); 5:30pm (boarding at 5 PM); 6:30pm (boarding at 6 PM); 7:30pm (boarding at 7 PM).
- Parking: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled cruise to allow time for parking, check-in, and boarding.
- Accessibility: Boats are ADA accessible with widened entrance and bathroom doors, wheelchair-accessible tables, and lighted boarding ramps.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your cruise to leave time for parking, check-in and boarding, and to get a better pick of seats.
- Book early, because holiday cruises sell out fast, reservations are required and tickets are non-refundable, though exchanges are sometimes possible.
- Go during Santa's Sneak Peek Week, Nov 13–25, for 25% off and a sailing before the holiday rush.
- Head straight to the Resort Plaza Shops to check in rather than the Boardwalk Marina, since the crew walks everyone down to the boat together.
- Wear sturdy shoes plus a coat, hat and gloves, because the walkway to the boats can be snowy even though it gets salted and sanded.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa's Sneak Peek Week cruises, Nov 13–25: 25% off before the holiday rush (discounts can't be combined)
- Lighting Ceremony Cruises on Fri Nov 27: a 90-minute cruise to the North Pole with front-row seats to the Lighting Ceremony fireworks (separate ticket)
- New Year's Eve Dessert Cruise on Dec 31, with desserts and views of the city fireworks (separate ticket)
- America's Family New Year's Eve Cruise, an earlier family-friendly way to ring in 2027 (separate ticket)
- Private one-hour North Pole charters for up to 50 guests, with a Hot Chocolate Bar add-on (reserve by phone)
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we check in and board?
Check in inside the Resort Plaza Shops, not at the Boardwalk Marina. You can stay warm in the shops until boarding, and then the crew walks everyone down to the marina together.
What should we wear?
The boats are heated and enclosed. Still, bring a warm coat, hat and gloves for the walk to and from the boat and for taking in the lakefront lights. Wear shoes that can handle snow.
Can we get food and drinks on board?
Yes. The onboard bar has holiday cocktails and other drinks, and Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and seasonal snacks are for sale. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed.
Are seats assigned?
No, seating is general admission. Sit anywhere you like once aboard, so arrive early for the best choice.
Do kids need their own ticket?
Yes, every passenger needs a ticket. Children 5 and under ride free on select cruises, including Santa's Sneak Peek Week.
More Christmas Events Near Coeur d’Alene
More Christmas Events near Coeur d'Alene
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.