Santa at the helm

About this experience

This is a newer listing on GetYourGuide, and a warm one: Watermark decorates its launch for the season and sails from 555 Light Street, right by the Christmas Village in West Shore Park, where the listing places the cruise. Watermark lists the Christmas Express for December 2026; check the dates and times for your visit on the listing.

All 45 minutes are on the water. Captain Santa or Mrs. Claus takes the helm, holiday music plays and twinkling lights fill the trip. One of Santa's elves is on board to serve hot cocoa, spread some cheer and take photos for you, per the listing, and the listing promises views of the Inner Harbor and the Christmas Village from the water.

Included, per the listing: the 45-minute cruise with Santa or Mrs. Claus and the elf, and one free cup of hot cocoa per guest. Not included: alcoholic drinks and snacks, which are for sale, and parking. Guests who park at the Royal Sonesta/Harbor Court Garage at 30 East Lee Street, across the street from the dock, get a discount: ask the ticket agent for the QR code. The listing marks the cruise as not suitable for wheelchair users, and it does not allow pets, large bags or mobility scooters. A friendly tip: pair it with an evening at the Christmas Village, which runs from 21 November to 27 December 2026.

• Captain Santa or Mrs. Claus at the helm
• An elf on board serving hot cocoa and taking photos
• One free cup of hot cocoa for every guest
• 45 minutes on the harbor among the holiday lights
• The Christmas Village seen from the water
• Discounted parking across the street from the dock

How the day runs

1. Before boarding555 Light Street

   Head for the Finger Piers at 555 Light St, beside the Christmas Village. Check the times for your date.

2. BoardingAll aboard the launch

   Step onto the decorated boat and meet Captain Santa or Mrs. Claus.

3. On the waterLights and music

   A 45-minute cruise of the Inner Harbor with holiday music and twinkling lights.

4. With the elfHot cocoa and photos

   Your free cup of cocoa, and a photo with the elf to take home.

5. 45 minutesBack at the village

   The boat returns to Light Street, steps from the Christmas Village stalls.

What's included

Who it suits

Tips before you book

• December on the water is cold. Bring a warm layer, a hat and gloves for the open deck.
• Park at the Royal Sonesta/Harbor Court Garage at 30 East Lee Street and ask the ticket agent for the discount QR code, per the listing.
• The Christmas Village in West Shore Park runs from 21 November to 27 December 2026, Sunday to Thursday from noon to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 pm, per its organizers.
• Make a night of it: the Inner Harbor Ice Rink, between the Harborplace pavilions, is open daily from 12 November 2026 to 18 January 2027.
• More on the season? Our Inner Harbor holidays 2026 post covers the Parade of Lighted Boats, the ice rink and the village.

Read next:

• Baltimore harbor cruises
• Things to do in the Inner Harbor

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

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