There's no Christmas party quite like one on the water. A shared Christmas boat party puts your team on the Thames as London lights up for the festive season — dinner, a DJ, a dancefloor and the whole illuminated skyline gliding past the windows. And because these are ticketed events, you simply buy the number of places you need: no venue hire, no minimum spend, no fuss.
This guide covers everything you need to book shared Christmas boat party tickets in London for 2026 — what's included, typical prices, where you board, and who they suit best. When you're ready, browse live availability on our Christmas boat parties in London page.
What is a shared Christmas boat party?
A shared (or "joiner") Christmas boat party is a professionally produced festive event held on a Thames boat, where your team joins other companies and groups for the night. You buy individual tickets rather than hiring the whole boat — so it works brilliantly for teams of almost any size, from a handful of colleagues to a few dozen.
It's the same easy, low-admin idea as a land-based shared Christmas party, but with a moving venue and unbeatable views. Prefer the whole boat to yourselves? Private charters exist too (more on that below), but the ticketed route is the quickest and most affordable way to get your team on the river.
What's included in a Christmas boat party ticket?
Packages vary by operator and boat, but a typical shared ticket includes:
- Entry to the festive cruise for the evening (usually 3–4 hours)
- A welcome drink on arrival
- Dinner — often a festive bowl-food or buffet menu, sometimes a seated three-course meal
- A DJ and dancefloor
- Festive décor and a party atmosphere
- A bar on board (drinks usually paid for on the night unless a package is added)
Always check whether your ticket includes food, how many drinks (if any) come with it, and the exact boarding and return times before you book.
How much are Christmas boat party tickets in London?
Shared tickets are one of the best-value festive nights out in the capital. As an indicative guide for 2026:
| Ticket type | Indicative price per head | Typically includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard shared cruise | £35 – £75 | Welcome drink, bowl food or buffet, DJ, dancefloor |
| Premium / dining cruise | £75 – £110 | Seated three-course meal, welcome drink, entertainment |
| Drinks package (add-on) | £25 – £45 | Set number of drinks or a time-limited bar |
Prices are indicative only and vary by operator, boat, date and menu — peak Thursdays and Fridays in mid-December cost more. Always confirm current ticket prices before budgeting.
For how boat tickets compare with other formats, see our guide to how much a Christmas party costs in London.
Where do Christmas boat parties board?
Most festive cruises depart from central Thames piers, so they're easy to reach from anywhere in the city. Common boarding points and their nearest stations include:
- Embankment — a short walk from Embankment (WC2)
- Tower Pier — near Tower Hill (EC3)
- London Bridge City Pier — near London Bridge (SE1)
- Canary Wharf Pier — near Canary Wharf (E14)
Cruises typically head along the river past landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and the Canary Wharf skyline — a genuine wow factor you can't get on land. If it's the views your team is after, our venues with a view are worth a look too.
Who are shared boat party tickets best for?
- Smaller teams who want big-event energy without hiring a whole venue.
- Groups spread across London — central piers are easy for everyone to reach.
- Companies on a budget who still want something memorable and different.
- Teams who booked late — tickets can often be found when private venues are full.
Larger teams, or those wanting full control of the guest list and branding, may prefer a private charter or an exclusive land venue — our guide to shared vs private Christmas parties weighs up the options.
Shared tickets vs private boat charter
If you love the idea of the river but want the boat to yourselves, a private charter gives you exclusive use, a bespoke menu and your own guest list — at a higher, whole-boat cost with a minimum spend. Shared tickets, by contrast, are pay-per-head, flexible and far cheaper for smaller groups. For most teams under about 40, shared tickets are the sweet spot; above that, it's worth pricing up a charter too. Either way, we can help — start on our Christmas boat parties page.
How to book Christmas boat party tickets
Popular dates sell out fast — peak Thursdays and Fridays in mid-December go first, often by early autumn. To secure your spots: decide your numbers and preferred date, check what's included in the ticket, confirm the boarding pier and times, and book early. Not sure which cruise fits? Tell us your headcount, date and budget and we'll match you to boats with real availability — our service is free to use.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Christmas boat party tickets in London?
Shared Christmas boat party tickets typically cost around £55–£75 +VAT per head for a standard cruise, or £75–£110 +VAT for a premium dining cruise. Drinks packages are usually £25–£45 extra. Confirm current prices before booking.
Can I buy tickets for a small group?
Yes — that's the main advantage of a shared boat party. You buy the exact number of tickets you need, so it works for teams of just a few people up to a few dozen, with no venue hire or minimum spend.
What's included in a shared boat party ticket?
Most tickets include entry to the festive cruise, a welcome drink, dinner (bowl food, buffet or a seated meal), a DJ and dancefloor, and festive décor. A bar is on board, with drinks usually paid for on the night unless a package is added.
Where do the boats leave from?
Central Thames piers such as Embankment, Tower Pier, London Bridge City Pier and Canary Wharf Pier are the most common, all close to major stations. Always check your specific boarding point and time on your ticket.
When should I book Christmas boat party tickets?
As early as possible. Peak mid-December Thursdays and Fridays sell out first, often by early autumn. Booking early gives you the best choice of dates, boats and prices.
Book your Christmas boat party — free to use
Give your team a Christmas night out they'll actually remember. Tell us your numbers, date and budget and we'll find shared boat party tickets with live availability on the Thames — at no cost to you. Browse Christmas boat parties in London, explore all Christmas venues in London, or submit a quick brief and we'll do the legwork for you.
