Christmas Party Boats for Hire in London

Christmas Party Boats Hire Guide

With boats docking from Canary Wharf to Westminster, there are plenty of options available for a unique Christmas experience. Upon boarding, you’ll travel past some of London’s most beautiful landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Tower of London. Not only that, many of the boats are flexible to your Christmas needs, offering different dinner packages, drinks, live music and DJs. With plenty of scope for your planning, why not make things that little bit easier? Narrow down your options with our venue finder and find the perfect transport for your Christmas cruise!

By Westminster Pier, you have the choice of a number of different boats. This includes large carriers with stylish interiors, smaller boats with elegantly decorated dining rooms, or even a speedboat for an adrenaline-filled experience. Across the river, by the Southbank Centre, you can find more speedboats, as well as ferries with large dance floors and decks. Travelling further down the Thames will direct you towards Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, where you can hire an old-fashioned barge or a large luxury cruiser. No matter where you start your journey, remember that most Christmas party boats will drift along the river. In many ways, it’s like hiring several venues in one. This mobile Christmas party solution allows you to enjoy different city views throughout the night!

With so much on offer, there’s no need to be put off by the size of your crowd or the type of event. Almost all venues are ideally suited for large and small companies, corporations, and startups. One thing’s for sure: if you’re looking to add an interesting twist to your office Christmas party, a trip across the Thames is the perfect solution. Check out all we have on offer and find your ideal Christmas boat party venue with Tagvenue. All aboard!

Live Entertainment for Christmas Parties on the Boat

Now that you have chosen your dream party boat for your Christmas party, it's time to think about entertainment and music that will keep your guests in high spirits throughout the night. From live bands and DJs to magicians and dancers, you have endless options to choose from. Let's take a look at some ideas:

Setting the Scene:

Before we dive into the entertainment options, let's set the stage! Imagine your party boat adorned with festive décor – twinkling fairy lights, Christmas baubles, icicles and snowflake decor. The aroma of mulled wine and delicious canapés fills the air as guests mingle in anticipation. Now, picture the perfect soundtrack to this scene.

Live Music Options:

1. Classic Christmas Carols: Nothing says Christmas like carols. Hire a talented choir or a cappella group to serenade your guests with traditional favourites like 'Jingle Bells', 'Silent Night', and 'The First Noel'. This creates a warm, nostalgic atmosphere and makes everyone sing along!
2. Jazzy Christmas Vibes: For a sophisticated touch, opt for a live jazz band. Imagine smooth saxophone melodies and soft vocals weaving through classic Christmas carols and jazzy renditions of popular festive tunes. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, perfect for corporate parties or cocktail receptions.
3. Festive Pop & Party Hits: Get the party started with a high-energy band or DJ playing a mix of festive pop hits, classic Christmas anthems, and party bangers. This option is suitable for a wider audience, ensuring everyone finds their groove and lets loose on the dance floor. Imagine dancing to "All I Want for Christmas is You", followed by a classic "Dancing Queen," creating an unforgettable party atmosphere.
4. Themed Music: Take the party to another level with themed entertainment! Hire a Victorian carolers group in period costumes, or imagine a roving brass band playing lively Christmas tunes throughout the boat. You could even create a Christmas movie sing-along experience, providing lyrics for iconic scenes from classics like "Love Actually" or "Elf."

Interactive Entertainment: Amuse your guests with engaging entertainment. Hire a magician with a Christmas twist, or organise a holiday-themed karaoke session. Additionally, you could bring in a professional dance instructor to teach guests some festive dance moves, adding an interactive and fun element to the party

What to Know Before Hiring Entertainment:

• Budget: Live music and entertainment can vary in cost depending on the type, experience, and duration. Determine your budget and research different options to find the perfect fit.
• Boat Size and Capacity: Make sure your chosen activities are suitable for the size and capacity of your party boat. Consider acoustics and space limitations when making your decision.
• Guest Preferences: Think about the demographics of your guests. For a corporate party, a classic Christmas carols choir might be appropriate, while a group of friends might prefer a high-energy band.

Live music and entertainment add an extra layer of magic and merriment to your holiday boat party. Think about the atmosphere you want to create and choose entertainment that aligns with that vision. With careful planning, your Christmas bash on the water will be a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

FAQs about Christmas Party Boats in London

How do I plan a Christmas boat party in London?

Boat parties are some of the best ways to welcome and celebrate the holiday season. Planning these parties may seem like a lot of work, but with the help of venue managers and your own organisational skills, it is seldom too much to handle. As far as organisation goes, be sure to create a budget, make a guestlist, send out invitations, and plan the entertainment and menu. After that, the venue manager should be able to help you cross your t’s and dot your i’s in preparation for your big Christmas party.

Which are the best Christmas boat party venues in London?

Here are a few of our favourite Christmas party boats:

MV Erasmus – Here is the perfect boat for any larger events and company Christmas parties. When hiring this boat you will have access to both below and above decks for an unforgettable party. 

Absolute Pleasure Yacht – This is a small party space that is great for Christmas parties with friends and family. The deck of the boat has everything you need for either a great sitdown dinner or some festive cocktails.

Tamesis Dock – If getting seasick is something you are worried about, then having a party on this vintage 1930s boat is the spot for you. On this permanently docked barge, you can enjoy the company of your guests in a cosy and quirky environment and enjoy the Christmas season.

How do I hire a cheap Christmas party boat in London?

If you are worried about the costs of renting a boat adding up, don’t worry. Many boats have multiple decks that can be rented for your party, so you won’t have to buy out the whole boat for the night. This is especially beneficial for smaller parties and/or parties with a limited budget. When you are searching for the space, the first place you should go is Tagvenue.com. There you will find some of London’s best and most budget-friendly Christmas party boats.

How far in advance should I book Christmas party boats in London?

For throwing a Christmas party on the water in London, aim to book at least 6 months in advance, ideally by June or July. The most popular dates (weekends in December) fill up fast, especially for larger groups. Here's why:

• High Demand: Christmas parties are popular, and boat cruises offer a unique experience, leading to competition for limited slots.
• Flexibility: Booking early gives you more options regarding date, time, and specific boat, ensuring your ideal setup.
• Peace of Mind: Avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling and guarantee your desired celebration with ample preparation time.

Remember, even if you miss the "ideal" window, check for cancellations and last-minute deals closer to the date. However, booking early maximises your chances of securing the perfect festive float for your London Christmas bash!