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Experience a festive 50-minute cruise along Wilmington's Riverwalk with live Christmas carols, Santa and his elves, and twinkling holiday lights that bring the season to life on the water.
Experience a festive 50-minute cruise along Wilmington's Riverwalk with live Christmas carols, Santa and his elves, and twinkling holiday lights that bring the season to life on the water.
Book with Wilmington Water Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wilmington Water Tours · Wilmington, North Carolina
As winter drapes Wilmington, North Carolina, in a festive glow, Santa's Sleigh Ride offers a unique way to embrace the holiday spirit along the historic Cape Fear River. This 50-minute evening cruise invites families and friends to gather on the water and celebrate with caroling, seasonal cheer, and the twinkle of city lights reflected on the river’s surface. It’s not just a boat ride; it’s a lively, immersive holiday event designed to brighten your season and create lasting memories.
Wilmington is known for its charming Riverwalk, a stretch of waterfront rich with history and vibrant nightlife. The Sleigh Ride carves a gentle path along this scenic corridor, showcasing clusters of twinkling lights and decorated bridges that transform the riverbank into a winter wonderland. The route offers intimate views of the waterfront’s historic architecture, from cobblestone piers to old warehouses now home to shops and restaurants. This cruise captures Wilmington’s distinctive coastal vibe while celebrating its festive holiday traditions.
What sets Santa’s Sleigh Ride apart is its engaging atmosphere. Local musicians lead sing-alongs of beloved Christmas carols, turning the ferry into a floating holiday concert. Children—and the young at heart—can meet Santa and his elves, pose for photos, and receive a special holiday goodie bag, adding to the magic. This experience is designed to be family-friendly, inclusive, and full of joy, making it a standout seasonal offering in Wilmington’s outdoor recreation calendar.
The cruise requires no special gear or physical skills, making it accessible for nearly all ages. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a cozy, relaxed outing with festive entertainment, especially those visiting Wilmington during winter. The trip fosters a sense of community, bringing locals and visitors together on the water to celebrate the season in a way that’s unique to the area.
More than just a boat tour, Santa’s Sleigh Ride is a gathering point where the holiday spirit is shared through music, laughter, and scenic views. For travelers looking for a memorable seasonal adventure in coastal North Carolina, this cruise offers a refreshing alternative to traditional land-based holiday events—one that combines the magic of the river, the charm of Wilmington’s historic district, and the warmth of festive celebration.
The cruise lasts approximately 50 minutes, providing a complete tour along the Wilmington Riverwalk.
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly and includes special goodie bags for children, along with photos with Santa and elves.
Tickets include the cruise itself, live Christmas caroling, holiday entertainment, and a goodie bag for each child on board.
The exact departure point is located along Wilmington’s historic Riverwalk; please check your booking details for the meeting location.
Wear warm clothing appropriate for outdoor evening temperatures and dress in layers to stay comfortable on the river.
Reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours before the cruise for a full refund; cancellations after that are non-refundable.
Wilmington Water Tours offers guided river cruises on the scenic Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear Rivers, operating comfortable catamarans that showcase Wilmington’s history, wildlife and waterfront. The company runs a diverse calendar of themed experiences ranging from narrated history and film-history cruises to birding breakfasts, wine tastings, full-moon music drifts, holiday lights and family-friendly Santa excursions. Signature offerings include the Outlander in the Cape Fear tour, Eagles Island narrated sails, Black Water Adventure, sunset and sunset-with-live-music cruises, a 4th of July Firecracker Cruise, and a monthly lecture series with historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle. Tours depart aboard a 49-passenger catamaran called The Wilmington and a 46' catamaran that provides stable, comfortable viewing for photographers and families. Expert captains and friendly crew provide engaging commentary that blends local ecology, naval history and cinematic lore — highlighting Wilmington’s shipyards, battleship heritage and over 400 film and television productions shot in the region. Wildlife sightings often include osprey and other native species, and several cruises include light refreshments, cocktails and charcuterie options. Special events feature live local musicians, seasonal holiday programming and educational birding with authority Jill Peleuses. Private charters are available for customized itineraries. With consistent scheduling of public excursions and themed seasonal events, Wilmington Water Tours serves locals and visitors seeking scenic sightseeing, immersive local history, wildlife viewing and festive riverfront experiences that fit families, couples and small groups. Booking is available online or by phone, and flexible ticketing accommodates last-minute plans, groups, and seasonal event schedules throughout the year with attentive service.
Book with Wilmington Water Tours