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From Winter Harbor in Williams Bay, families can combine a Christmas Tree Festival visit with a shoreline cruise. Saturday’s late sailing offers a different outing for adults.
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
A child’s first name is part of the Pier 90 Santa Cruise reservation: it’s used when Santa reads his Nice List from a hideaway along the Lake Geneva shoreline. The trip begins on land at the Christmas Tree Festival before passengers board for the light displays.
At the festival, children can send wishlists to Santa and receive a treat with their boarding pass. The boat is a heated, decorated vintage vessel; the operator describes a roughly 40-minute lake tour with carols and more than 15 illuminated shoreline displays.
Santa appears at his lakeside hideaway and reads the names of children aboard. Enter each child’s first name when making the reservation. Back at the festival, a raffle benefits the 531 Fund, which supports local charities.
Further reading: Pier 90 Santa Cruise | WalCo ↗ · Santa Cruise on Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva Cruise Line ↗
The Saturday 8:20 p.m. karaoke cruise is a separate, one-hour sailing for guests 21 and older. Passengers can take part in holiday-themed karaoke or watch, alongside the lights and carols.
Santa’s Bar is at the festival rather than on the boat. The operator’s karaoke description says drinks purchased there can be enjoyed on the cruise, but its general Santa Cruise FAQ gives different guidance about bringing alcohol aboard. Confirm the rule with the operator before sailing.
Further reading: Pier 90 Santa Cruise | WalCo ↗ · Santa Cruise on Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva Cruise Line ↗
These listed sailings are for adults 21 and older; family departure times should be checked separately when booking.
The listed Saturday departures are for karaoke, not the family-cruise schedule. Check the booking page for family sailing dates, departure times and the fare for your choice.
The operator offers a full refund for cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance.
Pier 90 Santa Cruise | WalCo ↗ · Santa Cruise on Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva Cruise Line ↗
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to collect boarding passes at the Christmas Festival ticket booth. Passengers line up there and a crew member leads them to the boat.
The operator says its Santa Cruise boats are accessible for boarding, but onboard restrooms cannot accommodate a wheelchair. Accessible restrooms are available at PIER 290; let the operator know about accommodation needs in advance.
The festival building and boats are enclosed and heated, but it can still be cool aboard. Dress for winter conditions between the parking area, festival and boat.
Santa Cruise departs from Winter Harbor, 1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay, not the Riviera Docks in Lake Geneva. On weekdays, free parking is in the upper-level lot at Gage Marine/PIER 290.
On weekends, the operator says guests must use the free parking and shuttle at Williams Bay High School, 500 West Geneva Street. Arrive at the school at least 45 minutes before departure. Shuttle arrangements can change; final details are emailed the morning of the tour.
Santa Cruise on Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva Cruise Line ↗ · Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Lake Geneva Cruise Line ↗
Yes, to the festival building. If there is no room aboard, the operator will set it aside until you return.
The operator says it will notify guests and offer a full refund or a change to another date. Check your email when weather is questionable.
PIER 290 restaurant is on-site. The operator advertises a kids-eat-free offer during Santa Cruise when children show their Nice boarding pass.
1 Liechty Dr, Williams Bay, WI 53191, USA
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-28 against the linked sources.