Long Beach Holiday Parties on the Water

Long Beach offers plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays on the water; festive cocktail cruises, sparkling brunches, cozy canal rides and DIY electric boat adventures. Whether you’re wishing for lively music and fireworks or laid-back outings with friends, get on board with these outfits for unforgettable celebrations sure to float your holiday boat.

QUEEN MARY

Celebrate the season in grand style during Holly Days Aboard the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) from Dec. 4 until Christmas Eve. Enjoy festive favorites like Santa at Sunday Brunch, the brand new Peppermint Lounge, family crafts and screenings of holiday movie classics How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Story, and much more. Then, return to ring in 2026 at the Queen Mary’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Soirée, where every deck comes alive with music, casino games, roaming entertainers and a breathtaking fireworks finale.

SPIRIT CRUISES

Spirit Cruises (435 Shoreline Village Dr, Dock #9) creates classic holiday ambiance on the water with seasonal dinner cruises and private charter options throughout December. Their New Year’s Eve Party Cruise is a perennial favorite, offering an Italian dinner, two drinks and a champagne toast. You’ll have a midnight, front-row vantage point of Long Beach’s fireworks from the open-air deck. The atmosphere is cheerful without being overwhelming, making it ideal for groups or couples who want a celebratory but comfortable way to ring in the New Year.

GONDOLA GETAWAY

Gondola Getaway (5437 E Ocean Blvd) offers an intimate, magical way to experience Long Beach’s holiday season, especially when the romantic canals of Naples glow with holiday lights. While perfect for couples, the company also hosts groups on its larger Caorlina-type gondolas, which can accommodate up to 14 guests as well as food and drinks. Their popular Pizza Cruise, featuring fare from Domenico’s Restaurant, adds a delicious and easy touch.

CITY CRUISES

Celebrate on the water with City Cruises’ (100 Aquarium Way, Dock #6) Premier Long Beach holiday brunch sailings. The festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch Cruises feature a chef-prepared buffet of holiday favorites, unlimited mimosas and live entertainment alongside stunning harbor views. You can sail into 2026 with City’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Brunch Cruise, offering the same delicious buffet, bottomless mimosas, and lively onboard ambiance. Each two-hour experience delivers exceptional service and a picture-perfect way to savor the season on the waterfront.

HARBOR BREEZE CRUISES

Harbor Breeze Cruises (100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2) adds to its whale watching expertise with exceptional holiday cruises each December. Enjoy their Holiday Cocktail Cruises on select December Fridays–Dec. 5, 12, 19, 7–9:30 PM–complete with a welcome champagne or cider, a holiday bento box, a merry DJ and cash bar. Then, ring in the New Year with the 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM New Year’s Eve Cruise. This 21+ event features champagne, hors d’oeuvres, lively music, a cash bar and unbeatable views of midnight fireworks.

LONDON BOAT RENTALS

London Boat Rentals (186 N Marina Dr) lets you take holiday celebrations into your own hands by captaining an electric boat through Alamitos Bay at your own pace. The boats are fully food-, drink- and pet-friendly, making them perfect for casual Christmas outings, viewing the Naples Island holiday lights, or hosting a relaxed New Year’s gathering on the water. With convenient access to snacks, ice, and even charcuterie from their office or partner vendors, it’s an easy and customizable option for a lot of holiday fun.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.