Christmas & New Year's Eve on a Private Boat in Amsterdam: Celebrate the Festive Season in Style

The festive season is the perfect time to get together, create unforgettable memories and enjoy special moments with family, friends and colleagues. But why not celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve a little differently this year? Instead of a traditional restaurant or dinner at home, imagine spending the occasion aboard an exclusive private boat, cruising through Amsterdam's beautifully illuminated canals.

During the winter months, Amsterdam takes on a magical atmosphere. Historic canal houses, charming bridges and festive lights create a wonderful backdrop for the holiday season. Experiencing the city from the water offers a completely different perspective: relaxed, comfortable and exclusively shared with your own private group.

At Private Boat Tours, we love making the festive season truly special. Whether you are looking for an elegant Christmas dinner on board, a festive Christmas drinks reception, a romantic winter cruise or an exclusive New Year's Eve celebration with champagne, there are plenty of possibilities.

Discover how you can celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in Amsterdam in a truly unforgettable way.

Celebrate Christmas on a Private Boat in Amsterdam

Christmas is all about spending quality time together, enjoying good food and creating lasting memories. A private boat cruise through Amsterdam adds something truly special to the occasion. Settle into the cosy, heated saloon of a beautiful historic boat while the city's picturesque canals slowly pass by.

The combination of Amsterdam's winter atmosphere, historic surroundings and personal hospitality makes a Christmas cruise an exceptional experience.

An Exclusive Christmas Dinner on the Water

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Enjoy an elegant Christmas dinner aboard a luxury private saloon boat.

Depending on your preferences and group size, several dining options can be arranged:

• An elegant seated dinner with beautifully presented courses.

• Shared dining, allowing everyone to enjoy a selection of delicious dishes together.

• A festive buffet with a variety of hot and cold dishes.

• An elaborate multi-course dinner for a truly special occasion.

Your dinner can be complemented with carefully selected wines, champagne and other beverages. Everything can be tailored to your wishes, allowing you to relax and enjoy a memorable Christmas celebration on the Amsterdam canals.

A Festive Christmas Drinks Reception with Family, Friends or Colleagues

Not everyone is looking for a formal Christmas dinner. Sometimes, a relaxed drinks reception is exactly what makes the occasion special.

A private Christmas drinks cruise is a wonderful way to celebrate with family, friends or colleagues. Imagine enjoying delicious appetisers, a glass of wine or champagne and a leisurely cruise through Amsterdam's historic canals.

For businesses, a private boat also provides a memorable setting to thank employees, clients and business partners at the end of the year.

Celebrate New Year's Eve on a Private Boat in Amsterdam

New Year's Eve is a special moment to reflect on the year gone by and welcome the year ahead.

Why not celebrate this occasion from the water?

A private boat on New Year's Eve in Amsterdam offers a unique setting for your own group. Rather than sharing a public sightseeing cruise with other passengers, you can enjoy an exclusive experience with your own company and create an evening entirely around your preferences.

Welcome the New Year with Champagne

Picture this: stepping aboard an elegant private saloon boat, enjoying a festive welcome and cruising through the historic heart of Amsterdam.

On board, you can enjoy champagne, delicious bites or a full dinner. The atmosphere can be tailored to your wishes, whether you prefer an intimate and elegant evening or a more festive end-of-year celebration.

A private New Year's Eve cruise is ideal for:

• An intimate celebration with family.

• A festive evening with friends.

• An exclusive year-end event with business associates.

• A special celebration for a smaller group.

• A luxurious alternative to a traditional New Year's Eve party.

Together, we can explore the possibilities and create an evening that perfectly suits your plans.

Amsterdam Light Festival: An Extra Special Winter Experience

One of the highlights of winter in Amsterdam is the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. During this event, the city's canals become an impressive open-air gallery featuring spectacular light installations by international artists.

Discover these remarkable artworks from the comfort of your own private saloon boat.

The combination of historic canals, impressive light installations and the warm atmosphere on board makes a private cruise during Amsterdam Light Festival an unforgettable winter experience.

For the 2026–2027 season, Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 26 November 2026 until 17 January 2027.

A private cruise during the festival can be combined with festive drinks, a dinner or a special gathering with your guests.

Please note: The light artworks are switched off on New Year's Eve, 31 December. If you would like to experience the festival, we recommend planning your cruise on another date.

Which Private Saloon Boat Is Right for Your Group?

Private Boat Tours offers a distinctive fleet of luxury historic saloon boats. Each boat has its own character and atmosphere. Depending on the size of your group and the type of celebration you have in mind, we will help you select the most suitable boat.

For smaller groups, several intimate saloon boats are available. For larger gatherings, the Belle Époque is an excellent option.

This beautiful saloon boat accommodates up to 28 guests for drinks receptions, 24 guests for a buffet and 20 guests for a seated dinner.

Our saloon boats are equipped with heating, ensuring that you can enjoy a comfortable cruise even during the colder winter months.

The historic character of the boats, combined with modern comforts and personal service, creates an exceptional setting for your festive celebration.

Comfort and Personal Service Throughout the Winter

A winter cruise should not only be memorable but comfortable too.

Our luxury saloon boats are equipped with heating, allowing you to relax in the cosy interior while enjoying the beautiful views of Amsterdam's canals.

Depending on the boat, there may also be opportunities to enjoy the outdoors or make use of an open cockpit.

Our service on board can be tailored to your preferences. You can arrange a cruise with a professional skipper and, if desired, a hostess to provide additional personal attention.

From the welcome on board to the final toast, we aim to make your experience as enjoyable and effortless as possible.

Which Dates Can You Cruise During the Festive Season?

Private Boat Tours welcomes enquiries for private cruises throughout the festive season.

For Christmas and New Year's celebrations in 2026–2027, the following dates are available for enquiries:

• 24 December 2026 – Christmas Eve: An atmospheric evening cruise, perhaps combined with a festive dinner.

• 25 December 2026 – Christmas Day: Enjoy a special Christmas celebration with family or friends.

• 26 December 2026 – Boxing Day: A relaxed Christmas drinks reception or dinner on the water.

• 31 December 2026 – New Year's Eve: Celebrate the end of the year with your own private group.

• 1 January 2027 – New Year's Day: Start the new year with a memorable cruise through Amsterdam.

A special seasonal surcharge applies to cruises on Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, in addition to the regular boat rental rate. The surcharge depends on the date, departure time and requested crew.

Please contact us for a personalised quotation and details of the possibilities.

A Special Christmas or New Year's Celebration for Businesses

A private boat also offers wonderful opportunities for corporate celebrations during the festive season.

A traditional Christmas drinks reception at the office or dinner in a restaurant is always enjoyable, but an exclusive saloon boat adds something truly memorable.

Organise a stylish Christmas reception for your employees, an end-of-year dinner with business associates or a New Year's gathering in a unique setting.

With the entire boat reserved exclusively for your group, there is plenty of room for personal conversations and a relaxed atmosphere.

The catering, beverages, cruise route and duration can all be tailored to your preferences.

A wonderful way to thank your employees, clients and business partners for another successful year.

Why Choose Private Boat Tours for the Festive Season?

A festive cruise with Private Boat Tours is much more than an ordinary boat trip through Amsterdam. It is a complete experience combining comfort, personal attention and the unique atmosphere of the city.

What you can expect:

• Exclusivity: Enjoy the cruise with your own private group, without other passengers.

• Historic saloon boats: Discover Amsterdam aboard our distinctive fleet of beautifully maintained boats.

• Winter comfort: Our saloon boats are heated and offer a comfortable, sheltered environment.

• Culinary possibilities: From festive appetisers to an elaborate multi-course dinner.

• Personal service: Choose a professional skipper and, if desired, a hostess on board.

• Tailor-made experiences: The route, catering, drinks and atmosphere can be adapted to your wishes.

With more than 30 years of experience in luxury private boat tours in Amsterdam, we understand how important the details are when creating a truly memorable experience.

Book Your Private Boat for Christmas or New Year's Eve in Amsterdam

The festive season is a popular time to organise something special. If you would like to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve aboard an exclusive private boat in Amsterdam, we recommend enquiring well in advance.

Simply let us know how many guests you would like to bring, your preferred date and what kind of experience you have in mind. We will be delighted to advise you on the most suitable saloon boat, dining arrangements and possibilities on board.

Whether you are planning a romantic winter cruise, an elaborate Christmas dinner, a festive drinks reception or an exclusive New Year's Eve celebration, Private Boat Tours would love to make it an unforgettable experience.

Celebrate the festive season this year against Amsterdam's most beautiful backdrop: the water.

Request your personal quotation today via Private Boat Tours and discover the possibilities for Christmas and New Year's Eve 2026–2027.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas and New Year's Eve Private Boat Cruises

Can I rent a private boat in Amsterdam for Christmas?

Yes. You can enquire about a private boat on 24, 25 and 26 December. Options include a relaxing canal cruise, a festive drinks reception or an elaborate Christmas dinner on board.

Can I celebrate New Year's Eve on a private boat in Amsterdam?

Yes. You can enquire about an exclusive private cruise on 31 December. Enjoy a special evening on Amsterdam's canals with your own group, complemented by champagne, appetisers or dinner.

Are the boats heated during the winter months?

Yes. Our luxury saloon boats are equipped with heating, ensuring a comfortable experience even during the colder winter months.

Can we have dinner on board during Christmas?

Absolutely. Depending on the boat and group size, dining options include a seated dinner, shared dining, a buffet or an elaborate multi-course dinner.

Is a private boat suitable for a corporate Christmas reception?

Definitely. A private boat provides a unique setting for a corporate Christmas drinks reception or end-of-year gathering. The boat, catering and overall experience can be tailored to your group.

Can we combine a private cruise with Amsterdam Light Festival?

Yes. You can enquire about a private cruise during Amsterdam Light Festival. Please note that the light installations are switched off on 31 December.

How much does a private boat cost during Christmas or New Year's Eve?

The price depends on the saloon boat, cruise duration, crew and catering arrangements. A special seasonal surcharge also applies during the festive period. Contact Private Boat Tours for a personalised quotation.

How can I book a Christmas or New Year's Eve cruise?

You can contact Private Boat Tours directly through the website. Simply provide your preferred date, group size and wishes for the cruise. We will then be happy to prepare a personalised quotation.

Private Boat Tours – Stylish sailing has a name.