Everything you need to know about Christmas Light Cruises 2024!
Forget about Christmas lights bus tours – that’s so last year! What is really floating my boat this festive season are these oar-inspiring Christmas lights canal cruises, and let me tell you, I am 100% on board with this brilliant idea! (On board… get it?)
Picture this: gliding along a serene canal, surrounded by festive twinkling lights reflecting on the water – it’s a game-changer for your holiday celebrations. Trust me, isn’t it a-boat time you added this experience to your ‘Christmas lights looking’ bucket list?
Get ready for a “deck-the-halls” kind of canal cruise – it’s the highlight of the ho-ho-holiday season! Make sure you seas the day and book your merry ferry now and you too can sleigh making the best festive memories for your family. Ok… I’ll stop now…. 😉
Here is what you need to know with a selection of the best Christmas lights canal cruises in Brisbane, Bribie, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast for your festive family celebrations!
Christmas light canal cruises in Brisbane
There is a selection of cruises that can take you to see the lights around Brisbane. Check out these two!
Bribie Island Christmas Lights Boat Parade 2024
Join in the holiday spirit and witness the enchanting Christmas lights of Bribie from the unique vantage point of the Ferryman in their 1 hour cruise.
Once on board, guests are transported into a world of festive wonder as the Ferryman gently navigates the canal waterways of Pacific Harbour, Bribie Island. Don’t forget to grab a drink from the fully licensed bar to add to the celebratory atmosphere.
Families tip: To ensure an unobstructed view, grab a spot on the rooftop deck early – it’s a prime location for capturing the magic!
- Dates: 21 December 2024
- Time: 7pm
- Website: Bribie Island Christmas Lights Boat Parade
Manly Harbour Christmas Lights Cruise
Whilst not exactly a canal cruise, the Manly Harbour Lights Cruise is another awesome experience to see the lights from a different perspective! On board you will see yachts, boat clubs, and local businesses that have illuminated the entire Manly Marina with their gorgeous Christmas lights. Your fare covers refreshments on board, the mesmerizing Christmas lights display, and the delightful cruise.
All $30 tickets will receive a $15 voucher to redeem/spend at any Manly Harbour Village participating outlets and Cat O Nine Tails Christmas Harbour Lights Cruise. What’s more, one child (12 years and under) is able to board for free with every adult ticket purchased!
Families tip: Bring along a cozy blanket – the breeze across the water can add a refreshing chill to the evening, even in summer!
- Dates:
- 30 November 2024
- 1, 6-8, 13-15 December 2024
- Price:
- Adult: $30 (includes $15 voucher)
- Child: $5
- Website: Harbour Lights Cruise
Christmas light canal cruises on the Gold Coast
Christmas lights on the Gold Coast canals are an annual tradition, celebrated by homeowners and boaties alike. Here is where you can book a trip to get amongst it.
Gold Coast Canal Cruises
Due to popular demand, there are two boats available for the Christmas lights canal cruises this year! The Summer Salt offers a 1.5 hour cruise around the canals of Runaway Bay shopping centre with a complimentary drink. The Fun Boat provides a 2 hour cruise experience and is equipped with a PA and onboard sound system. Spot all the different items in the displays as the captain calls them out and wave to the other boaties and homeowners as you cruise by. A great night out for the whole family!
Best for: Families, couples, and friends – can get a bit loud with all the festive singing!
- Dates: Multiple dates (check website for all dates)
- Times: 6.30pm – 8pm, 8.30pm – 9.45pm, 8.40pm – 10pm
- Price:
- Summer Salt/Fun Boat:
- Adult: $60
- Seniors: $45
- Children (2-16 years): $40
- Late Night Summer Salt/Fun Boat:
- Adult: $45
- Seniors: $40
- Children (12-16 years): $35
- Summer Salt/Fun Boat:
- Website: Gold Coast Canal Cruises
Cross Country Tours
This Christmas lights canal cruise is a great way to kick off your festive season. Enjoy an early dinner at a local tavern before boarding for your cruise from Runaway Bay. Take in the beautiful sunset on the Broadwater before heading back to explore the Runway Bay Canals and view the displays of Christmas lights. Fare includes dinner and Christmas lights cruise.
- Dates:
- 3 December 2024
- 10 December 2024
- Price: From $134
- Website: Cross Country Tours
Christmas light canal cruises on the Sunshine Coast
Most of the Sunshine Coast canal cruises leave from the Mooloolaba Wharf so check carefully as some do not. They also have super similar names but are different companies. You just need to choose your favourite. I have detailed your options with my tips to help you choose one that matches your needs here:
Mooloolaba Canal Cruise
You might like to choose the historic M.V. Mudjimba for a 1 hour cruise along the Mooloolah River and Canals. You can take in the sights of the gorgeous waterfront homes bejewelled in delightful Christmas Lights.
Enjoy the journey from the comfort of well-appointed seating, providing unobstructed views all around. These guys are fully licensed so you can enjoy some festive cheer of the bubbly kind too! This is the one we booked this year! They look to have more options with two time-slots available. Check out my video of our trip here.
Best for: Families with older kids with two time slots.
Families tip: Parking is harder to get during busy seasons, so allow extra time!
- Dates: 1 – 30 December 2024
- Times: 6.30pm and 7.45pm
- Price:
- Adult: $35
- Seniors: $30
- Child (3-14 years): $25
- Family (2 adults and 2 children): $110
- Infant (under 2 years): Free
- Website: Mooloolaba 1-Hour Christmas Lights Cruise
Mooloolaba Cruises
You can join Mooloolaba Cruises for a family night viewing the spectacular Christmas lights from the comfort of their fully licensed boat with indoor seating or have access to their outdoor viewing decks. Please note that there is no food available on this cruise. This is a 1 hour cruise.
Best for: Families with young children as they have one of the earliest cruise time slots.
- Dates: 1 – 30 December 2024
- Times: 6.40pm and 7.50pm
- Price:
- Adult: from $35
- Child: from $25
- Infant (3 years and under): Free
- Website: Mooloolaba Cruises Christmas Lights Cruise
Cruise Mooloolaba
A very similar cruise offering to the two above, with a 1 hour Christmas lights canal cruise along the Mooloolah River. They have a fully enclosed vessel so will operate in most weather conditions.
Embark on a picturesque journey along the stunning Mooloolah River, where the waterways come alive with a spectacular display of festive lights and decorations. As twilight sets in, you’ll be greeted by a twinkling wonderland of illuminated boats, waterfront homes, and jetties adorned with enchanting holiday-themed displays.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Best for: Those not wanting to reschedule because of weather
- Dates: 3 – 30 December 2024
- Times: from 7pm or 7.30pm depending on the day
- Price:
- Adult: $35
- Child (4-14 years): $25
- Infant: Free
- Website: Cruise Mooloolaba
Sunreef Mooloolaba
This Christmas lights cruise with Sunreef Mooloolaba will show you some of the best Christmas light displays on the coast from onboard the iconic and luxurious vessel Whale One. It also departs from The Wharf and is the earliest option on our list, but does take 1.5 hours so you will end at the same time as the others.
Sunreef boasts that Whale One is the largest and most comfortable cruising vessel on the Sunshine Coast with a fully licensed bar inside the lounge area so you can enjoy a glass of wine, beer, spirits or soft drink as you soak up the holiday spirit.
Families tip: Arrive a bit earlier to explore the local area – we show you 10 free things to do at Moolooba with kids here.
Best for: Families with little kids as this is the earliest canal cruise option on the Sunshine Coast.
- Dates: 8 – 27 December 2024
- Times: 6pm – 7.30pm
- Price:
- Adult: $35
- Child (4-14 years): $25
- Infant: Free
- Website: Sunreef Mooloolaba Christmas Lights Cruise
Sunshine Coast Afloat
This Mooloolaba Cruise departs from the Tank Boathouse and is an enjoyable experience for all. It allows you to savor a drink from the onboard bar of their boat Crusader 1, and perhaps indulge in a snack while witnessing the sunset and the main event – the Christmas lights!
With the ability to move around the boat freely, everyone can find the best vantage points to appreciate the festive lights. This Christmas Lights cruise ensures a memorable and delightful evening for families, offering a unique way to celebrate the holiday season.
Best for: Those who don’t mind paying a bit more for a 1.5 hour cruise on a fancier boat.
- Dates: 2 – 30 December 2024
- Times: 6.30pm – 8pm
- Price:
- Adult: $59
- Children (0-14 years): $49
- Website: Sunshine Coast Afloat Christmas Lights Cruises
Closing thoughts: set sail for festive family fun!
Embark on a magical journey this holiday season with Christmas Lights Canal Cruises that promise to illuminate your family’s festive spirit. Whether you choose the enchanting Bribie Island Christmas Lights Cruise, the glittering Gold Coast Canal Cruises, or the picturesque Mooloolaba options, these canal cruises offer a unique and joyous way to celebrate the season. Create lasting memories and let the holiday magic set sail!
