Christmas Eve feels different when you’re on a ship. I like the way the Spirit of Philadelphia turns a waterfront cruise into a holiday party, with reserved private tables and big views through the windows. It’s a simple plan that still feels special.

Second, you get a real meal setup, not just snacks. The 3-course buffet includes seasonal favorites, and if you choose brunch you also get unlimited mimosas, served alongside coffee, tea, iced tea, and water.

One thing to consider: buffet food can be hit-or-miss at big holiday service. One diner specifically flagged meats as overcooked and noted that ingredient signage wasn’t great, so go in with flexible expectations and a plan for dietary needs.

Key things to know before you go

• Reserved table + climate-controlled dining room: stay comfortable while you eat and watch the waterfront.
• Brunch vs. dinner timing: brunch runs about 2 hours; dinner can run about 2.5 hours depending on option.
• 3-course festive buffet: expect a full seasonal spread with coffee and non-alcoholic drinks included.
• Outside time is built in: you can step onto the open-air rooftop lounge for skyline views.
• Live DJ plus onboard games: the vibe is more party than quiet dinner cruise.
• Alcohol is mostly pay-as-you-go: drinks can be purchased, with unlimited mimosas only on the brunch option.

Why this Philadelphia Christmas Eve cruise works for dinner plans

If you want Christmas Eve without the hassle of finding parking, reserving the “right” restaurant, and timing everyone’s meal, this cruise is a clean alternative. You meet at Penn’s Landing, get seated, eat, and watch Philadelphia slide by from the picture windows and the rooftop lounge.

I also like that this isn’t just about food. The live DJ and onboard games help keep energy up, especially if you’re traveling with a mixed-age group or just want the evening to feel festive rather than formal.

The ship is also decorated for the season. City Cruises runs this as a Winter Wonderland-style experience across the holiday period, with themed touches like twinkling lights and themed cocktails, plus seasonal menus and live entertainment. Even if you’ve done a Philadelphia harbor cruise before, the holiday styling makes it feel like a different event.

Boarding at Penn’s Landing and getting your reserved table

You board at Penn’s Landing, which is handy because it’s a well-known waterfront area and puts you close to the action right away. Once you’re onboard, you’re seated at a reserved private table for your party size in the climate-controlled dining room.

That “reserved table” detail matters more than it sounds. On big holiday events, the stress is often not the cruise itself—it’s getting your group settled without a chaotic shuffle. Here, you’re meant to be seated together, and the ship is set up so you can stay in a comfortable dining zone while still enjoying views.

Plan on casual holiday attire. The guidance is nice pants, button up, blouse, or khakis—dressy enough to feel festive, but not so formal you’ll regret it when you move around for pictures.

One practical tip from the rules: for seating together, you should make one reservation for your entire party. Separate reservations may not be seated together, so coordinate before you book.

The 3-course buffet: what you’ll actually eat and how to plan your plate

This is a 3-course brunch or dinner buffet, served as a full spread with seasonal favorites. The inclusion list also matters: you’ll have access to coffee, tea, iced tea, and water, and that keeps the meal from feeling like you must buy something extra just to get comfortable.

For brunch, you get unlimited mimosas. That can be a real value boost if your group normally does brunch drinks. It also tends to set the tone onboard—people arrive ready for a party, not a strict sit-down dinner.

A key consideration is buffet consistency. One diner mentioned that the meats were overcooked, even while noting there was a good selection of salads and that the staff was very nice. In plain terms: if you’re picky about meat texture or doneness, it’s smart to build your plate around variety—start with salads and sides, and only take seconds if you like what you try first.

Also, buffet signage can be an issue at holiday scale. The same diner flagged poor signage for food ingredients, so if you have dietary restrictions, don’t assume everything will be clearly labeled. Ask staff where you can, and consider sticking to items that look simpler if you need to stay cautious.

Windows, the rooftop lounge, and the Ben Franklin Bridge view

One of the biggest reasons to pick a cruise like this is that you get a moving “viewing platform.” You’ll pass along Philadelphia’s historic waterfront and cruise under/near the Ben Franklin Bridge, with scenery best enjoyed from the large windows and the deck spaces.

Inside, you’ll be comfortable because the main dining area is climate-controlled. If December weather is cold or windy, that’s a big deal. You can stay seated for the buffet and still enjoy panoramic views without layering up for every minute.

Then you can step outside. The ship has a spacious open-air rooftop lounge, so you can get the classic skyline photos and that “on the water” feeling. It’s a great place to rotate—eat inside, then spend a few minutes outside when the lights and landmarks line up best, then return to warm up.

If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t love crowds or loud music, the rooftop is also the easiest spot to break away for a calmer minute. And if your group loves the energy, it’s just as easy to come back in when the DJ is spinning and games are starting.

Onboard fun: DJ music, games, and the holiday party vibe

This cruise is not quiet background dining. A live DJ provides entertainment, and the program includes onboard games. That combination tends to work well for Christmas Eve because it turns dinner into an event.

For families or mixed groups, the DJ + games can solve the “what do we do now?” problem. Instead of trying to entertain everyone after the buffet, the ship already has a rhythm built in. For adults, it also helps the evening feel social, especially if you’re not doing a full night out in Center City.

The vibe also pairs nicely with the décor and seasonal atmosphere. City Cruises styles these yachts with holiday touches and themed elements, so you get a holiday “set” as you move through the ship—great for photos, and fun even if you’re not a big picture-taker.

Drinks, photos, and what’s pay-as-you-go

Here’s what’s included and what isn’t, because this affects your budget fast. Alcoholic drinks are not included and can be purchased onboard. The good news is that the non-alcoholic basics—coffee, tea, iced tea, and water—are part of the package.

If you choose the brunch option, unlimited mimosas are included, which can offset the cost of alcohol for your group. If you choose dinner, you should plan on purchasing drinks if you want wine, cocktails, or beer.

There’s also usually an onboard commemorative picture available for purchase. If you like souvenirs, it’s an easy add-on. If you don’t care about photos, you can ignore it and still have plenty of free picture moments with the skyline and bridge views.

Finally, gratuity is not included, so you’ll want to have that in mind when you set your final budget for the night.

Price check: is $109 worth it for a 2-hour holiday cruise?

At $109 per person, this is priced like an event, not like a standard harbor cruise. The value comes from stacking multiple things you’d otherwise pay separately for: a reserved table, a full festive buffet, DJ entertainment, and the cruise itself.

If your group would otherwise spend close to that on a holiday meal plus drinks in a restaurant, the math can work. You’re also getting a change of scenery during the meal, which restaurants can’t replicate unless you’re paying for something very specific.

The strongest value angle is brunch. Unlimited mimosas can make a big difference if you’re the type of group that orders bubbly or cocktails at brunch. For dinner, the value is still there because the buffet is the center of the experience and drinks are optional, but you’ll probably spend extra if you add alcohol.

Also remember: this is non-refundable, so it’s best to book only if you’re comfortable locking the plan for Christmas Eve.

Who should book this (and who might want a different plan)

This cruise fits best if you want a structured holiday experience with minimal planning. I’d point you toward it if:

• You want a festive meal with entertainment rather than a quiet, candlelit dinner.
• Your group includes people who appreciate music and a social vibe.
• You’d rather watch the historic waterfront move by than deal with navigating holiday crowds on land.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re very sensitive to food quality variations at buffet events. The note about overcooked meats is a reminder to stay practical.
• You have dietary needs and rely heavily on ingredient labels. With poor signage called out, you’ll want to ask staff or choose simpler items.
• You hate anything loud or game-filled. The DJ and activities are part of the deal here.

If you’re mainly after skyline photos and don’t care about the buffet, you might prefer another style of cruise. But if you want a full holiday meal plus views, this one is a sensible match.

Should you book this Philadelphia Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a holiday plan that’s easy, scenic, and fun without overthinking the details. The combination of reserved seating, a festive buffet, DJ entertainment, and access to both indoor windows and an open-air rooftop lounge makes it feel like an all-in-one celebration.

I’d hesitate only if food expectations are very strict or if dietary needs depend on clear labeling. In that case, go in prepared: ask questions onboard, build your plate carefully, and accept that a buffet on a major holiday can mean uneven doneness.

FAQ

How long is the Christmas Eve cruise?

The brunch option runs about 2 hours, and the dinner option runs about 2.5 hours depending on which option you choose.

Where do you board the ship?

You board at Penn’s Landing.

What food is included?

You get a 3-course brunch or dinner buffet (depending on the option), plus coffee, tea, iced tea, and water.

Is unlimited alcohol included?

Alcoholic drinks are not included and are available for purchase. If you choose the brunch option, unlimited mimosas are included.

Is there entertainment on board?

Yes. There’s a live DJ, and onboard games are part of the experience.

Can you go outside for photos and views?

Yes. There’s access to a spacious open-air rooftop lounge, in addition to the indoor climate-controlled dining room.

What do I need to bring?

You should bring a passport or an ID card.

Will my group be seated together?

To ensure your entire group can be seated together, make just one reservation for your whole party. Separate reservations cannot be seated together.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.