FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OUR WINTER HARBOR

The Santa Cruise departs from the Winter Harbor in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Tours run the day after Thanksgiving through December 29!

1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay, WI 53191 | 262-248-6206

Where are you located?

We are in our Winter Harbor at Pier 290/Gage Marine at 1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay, WIĀ 53191Ā for our holiday-themed Santa Cruises starting the day after Thanksgiving through December 30th.

What are the age categories?

Adults 18-64 years, Seniors 65+. Youth 4-17 years, Infant 3 and under.
Infants are no charge, but they must be included in your count for ticketing and seating.

We offer group rates for groups of 20 or more. Contact our group sales office at 262-248-6206 to make reservations.

What do you do on the tours? What do you see?

Along your 40-minute lake tour you will be enchanted by lighted displays that tell the story of your journey. From the boat, sneak a peek at the shoreline to see Santaā€™s Hideaway and Santa himself as he reads the names of the children on board who are on his ā€œNice List.ā€ (Childrenā€™s first names for Santa are entered at the time of reservation.)

Are reservations required for your tours? Can I book online?

Reservations are highly recommended for Santa Cruises, especially on the weekends and near the holidays.Ā  Reservations can be booked on ourĀ websiteĀ or over the phone (262-248-6206). Full payment is required at the time of reservation

When should I arrived for my tour, where should I check in for my tickets?

Park on the upper level as you enter Pier 290/Gage Marine.*Ā  Enter the decorated, clearly marked door of the Christmas Tree FestivalĀ at least 45 minutes priorĀ to your tourā€™s departure.Ā  Check in at the ticket window with your nameĀ  to have your tickets printed.Ā  You can visit the cash bar, enjoy the decorations, and view the fund-raising raffle items in the building.Ā  Youā€™ll be gathered as a group and walked to your boat in time for departure.Ā  There is also a ground level entrance on the lower level side door of the Tree Festival if needed.h your family and friends.Ā 

Is the boat enclosed and heated or air conditioned?

The boats are enclosed and heated for everyoneā€™s comfort but keep in mind you are on a boat in Wisconsin. Conditions may still be somewhat cool on the boat. Dress appropriately for the weather for walking to and from your car, in the Tree Festival and on the boat. The Christmas Tree Festival Building is enclosed and heated.

Is the boat handicapped accessible?

The boats that we use for Santa CruisesĀ  ā€“ Lady of the Lake, Grand Belle ā€“ are accessible for boarding the boat but the restrooms on board can not accommodate a wheelchair. There are accessible restrooms at Pier 290 restaurant. We appreciate knowing ahead if you have special needs so that we can make accommodations.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation is required 48 hours prior to the tour date for a refund.Ā  Please contact our office at 262.248.6206, extension 302, or atĀ [email protected]Ā if you need to make a change or cancel your reservation. Youā€™re able to reschedule or cancel your own tickets online.

Do the boat runs in bad weather?

If we have to cancel a tour due to weather, we will notify you as soon as possible and then provide a full refund or change your reservation to a different date. If the weather is questionable, please be mindful to check your email for notifications from our office.

Can I bring a stroller?

You can bring your stroller to the Christmas Tree Festival Building when checking in to pick up tickets 30 minutes prior to your boatā€™s departure.Ā  We will put your stroller aside safely until your return if there isnā€™t room on the boat for it.

Can I carry on food and beverages?

There is a bar available in the Tree Festival Building, but not on the boat.Ā  You are welcome to carry your purchases from the Tree Festival on to the boat to enjoy during your Santa Cruise.Ā  You can also bring a small snack or beverage from home, but no alcohol or coolers. We accept cash or credit/debit cards at the Santa Bar!

What discount are available?

Due to the fundraising focus of Santa Causes, no discounts are available for the Santa Cruises.

Can I bring my support animal on the tour?

We allow ONLY ADA certified, trained, and properly identified SERVICE animals that are trained to assist with a specific disability on our tours due to our tours being in an enclosed space on a boat, away from shore with no way to leave the premises if needed. No other pets can be permitted. This includes emotional support animals and therapy animals.
WB-Map
On-site parking is limited, so please take advantage of FREE parking and shuttle service on the dates listed above located at Williams Bay High School on Highway 67, just minutes from the Santa Cruise. Please arriveĀ at leastĀ 45 minutes beforeĀ your departure time to allow for parking, checking in, and preparing to board your cruise. Shuttles will be run continuously throughout the evening, with the final leaving the Santa Cruise at 10:00pm.

SHUTTLE DATES:

Williams Bay High School

(500 W Geneva Street, Williams Bay, WI)

We will have a shuttle from the Williams Bay High School to Santa Cruise on the following dates:

Friday, 12/20
Saturday, 12/21
Sunday, 12/22
Monday, 12/23
Thursday, 12/26
Saturday, 12/28