For three years now, my family and I have started a beautiful tradition to kick off the holiday season: Classic Harbor Line cruises in New York. We do it together: my three children, my husband and our closest friends. Every year, we look forward to these walks because they are the most welcoming and spectacular way to celebrate the holidays with the family.
Among all the cruises I have tried, the Classic Harbor Line Cocoa and Carols has become my favorite. It captures the Christmas essence of New York and envelops us in a warm atmosphere, full of live music performed by artists who have shone on Broadway, Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center. The daytime option is perfect for kids, while sunsets and nights out create a magical setting for friends or even a romantic moment.
The experience begins when you board a classic 1920s-style yacht, decorated with wooden details and large windows that allow you to enjoy panoramic views of illuminated Manhattan. As we sail, we enjoy homemade hot chocolate—and for adults, boozy versions and festive cocktails—and drift away to Christmas carols and jazz tunes. Every moment combines the excitement of the city with the warmth of the season and the joy of being together.
In addition to Cocoa and Carols, Classic Harbor Line offers other family-friendly holiday experiences: brunches around Manhattan featuring gourmet dishes and delicious desserts, wine, cheese and bites cruises, and even winter eco-tours to spot seals, migratory birds and the wildlife surrounding the city. All this is enjoyed from warm and comfortable interiors or from the deck for those who love adventure.
For me, these cruises have transformed the way my family celebrates Christmas. Every year we return home with laughter, memorable photos, and the feeling of having started the season in the most special way possible. It combines fun, culture, music and the magic of New York in its most Christmassy version.
If you’re looking for a family tradition to mark the beginning of Christmas, I can’t recommend anything better. Cocoa and Carols cruises and all Classic Harbor Line experiences allow you to enjoy together, create memories and immerse yourself in the city’s Christmas spirit.
I invite you to experience it this year: come aboard, enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas carols and spectacular views, and discover why this family tradition has become so special to us. Get your Christmas in New York started with magic, music and lots of joy!
More information at https://sail-nyc.com/christmas-in-nyc/.
