In Southern California, we may never get to see Santa riding his sleigh over snow, but there is a way to catch him in a regionally unique way: on a City Cruises yacht gliding over the Pacific.
A Holiday Dinner Cruise on the Water
For a preview of City Cruises’ holiday dinner cruise, my husband and I drove just 20 minutes from our home to Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey and boarded the Entertainer yacht, which was decked out for the holidays — Santa included. The Entertainer is the largest charter yacht in the marina with 6,600 square feet of event space on three decks. We posed for a photographer before boarding, and I thought about how lovely it would be to return with the whole family to spice up our usual Christmas plans.
Once onboard, we tucked into our window seat and ate a few hors d’oeuvres and cocktails that got us in the winter holiday mood. I especially loved how the crostini, featuring a blanket of ricotta topped with glistening pomegranate seeds over sprigs of rosemary, evoked holly berries in the snow. I paired this yumminess with the Mistle Toe Mule, where cranberry juice joined the ginger beer and vodka. Just reading the names of the other signature drinks — Winter Wonderland, Fireside Nightcap, December Sunset and The Holly Jolly — had us planted solidly in December, heat wave be darned.
On the top deck, we took pictures, caught a little bit of breeze and ate oysters while watching the sky turn as crimson as our cranberry-splashed sparkling rosé. The “Captain’s Table” dinner — a strawberry arugula salad, roasted red-pepper bisque, pan-seared chicken breast, flat iron steak and vegan gnocchi — was not served until after sunset. A smart choice, since it brought most people outside, including the DJ, who eventually got several of us out of our seats and onto the dance floor.
Holiday Cruises in Marina del Rey and Long Beach
Long Beach: Thanksgiving Day Premier Brunch and Thanksgiving Day Premier Dinner cruises overlook the Long Beach waterfront and harbor. Brunch includes unlimited mimosas and live entertainment, while the 2.5-hour dinner features a traditional Thanksgiving buffet and live DJ entertainment. In December, offerings include Christmas Eve Premier Brunch, Christmas Eve Premier Dinner, Christmas Day Premier Brunch and Christmas Day Premier Dinner cruises with Santa. New Year celebrations: New Year’s Eve Premier Brunch and New Year’s Day Premier Brunch.Planning a local holiday getaway?
Marina del Rey: Thanksgiving Day Premier Brunch and Thanksgiving Day Premier Dinner cruises, which will offer a chef-prepared holiday buffet dining aboard a yacht cruising Marina del Rey. And on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, Marina del Rey holiday cruises include seasonal dining experiences and private holiday events overlooking the marina. To ring in 2027, check out New Year’s Eve Premier Brunch, New Year’s Eve Premier Dinner, New Year’s Day Premier Brunch and New Year’s Day Premier Dinner.
Explore our guide to a Marina del Rey staycation for more ideas on making the most of this waterfront destination.
Cassandra Lane is Editor-in-Chief of L.A. Parent.
