Christmas drinks · December, wrapped up warm
Christmas drinks on a boat in Zwolle
The canal in December is dark, quiet and lit up. That is a completely different backdrop from the same route in July, and it is the reason to cruise precisely then.
- Group
- 10 to 30 people
- Duration
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Booking
- Ideally in September or October
- From
- € 32,50 p.p.
Christmas drinks on the water work for a reason that doesn't exist in summer: it is cold outside and warm on board. Mulled wine in your hands, a blanket over your knees and the city-centre lights reflected in the water. That contrast makes the cruise, not the route.
You do need to plan December realistically. It is dark from about half past four, it can blow hard, and in freezing weather with ice on the canal we don't sail. That last one rarely happens, but it can.
December is also our busiest month for business cruises. Companies often book their Christmas drinks as early as September or October. Start looking in November and you'll find little choice of dates left.
Staying warm on board
The sloop is an open boat. In December that means: coat on, hat on, and blankets and hot drinks on board. We provide the blankets, you provide the clothing.
Mulled wine and hot chocolate are the obvious choices. Both keep your hands warm and never taste as good as they do in December. Beer, wine and soft drinks can be arranged too, plus wintery snacks.
An hour and a half is more comfortable in December than two hours. At four degrees with wind, the difference between the two is bigger than you'd think. If you do want two hours, plan the cruise for a windless day and warn your guests about clothing in advance.
A practical point that often gets forgotten: state explicitly in the invitation that it is an open boat. Otherwise half your colleagues will be standing on the quay in a blazer.
Cruising in the dark
From mid-December it is dark by half past four. That is no drawback: the city centre is lit up and the reflection in the water is the finest part of the winter route.
A departure around five o'clock combines the best of both: you leave at dusk and cruise back in the dark. For most companies that is also the most convenient moment, straight after work.
The sloop has lighting on board. Your own battery-powered Christmas lights are welcome, as long as they are secured and can't fall into the water.
Combining it with the city centre is the obvious move. After mooring you walk straight into town, where the shopping streets and the bars and restaurants are open in December.
When we don't sail
When there is ice on the canal. An electric sloop doesn't sail through ice and the damage to the hull would be considerable. If the canal freezes over, the cruise is off and we look for an alternative date together.
In storms or an orange weather warning. Strong wind on an open boat is neither comfortable nor safe.
In persistent heavy rain. Drizzle is fine; an afternoon of pouring rain is not.
In all these cases we get in touch well in advance, so you can inform your colleagues in time. An alternative date in January is usually the best plan: New Year's drinks are a fine replacement for cancelled Christmas drinks.
How to plan it
- Book in September or October. December is our busiest month and the good dates go first.
- Choose a departure around five o'clock, so you leave at dusk and cruise back in the dark.
- State explicitly in the invitation that it is an open boat and warm clothing is needed.
- Keep the cruise to an hour and a half in cold weather.
- Request a custom quote and agree an alternative date in case the weather spoils things.
Book Christmas drinks in Zwolle
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll think along about the duration, the boat and the programme. No obligation, and usually an answer within a day.
Request a tailored quoteWhatsApp +31 6 34274760Or email info@rondjegrachtzwolle.nl
Matching packages
- Drinks Cruise
From € 32,50 p.p.
The basis for Christmas drinks, with mulled wine and hot chocolate added to the drinks package on request.
- Drinks & Luxury Sharing Platter
From € 49,50 p.p.
In December the drinks usually fall after work, and then you want something substantial to eat.
- Business Morning Cruise
From € 30,00 p.p.
For a Christmas breakfast or a morning cruise with hot chocolate and cake, alcohol-free.
Tailored quote
Calculate the price for christmas drinks
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Frequently asked questions about christmas drinks in Zwolle
Do you sail in December and January too?
Yes, the sloop sails all year round as long as the canal is free of ice. We don't sail when there is ice on the water, in storms or in persistent heavy rain. In that case we get in touch well in advance and find an alternative date together.
Isn't it too cold for Christmas drinks on an open boat?
With a coat, a blanket and mulled wine in your hands it is perfectly doable, and the contrast between the cold outside and the warmth on board is exactly what makes the cruise fun. We do recommend an hour and a half rather than two in December, and mention in the invitation that it is an open boat.
Can you provide mulled wine and hot chocolate?
Yes, we arrange that within the drinks package on request. Beer, wine, soft drinks and wintery snacks are possible too. We settle the exact details with the quote.
How far in advance should we book Christmas drinks?
Preferably in September or October. December is our busiest month for business cruises, and the attractive dates and times are often taken by November.
May we decorate the boat for Christmas?
Absolutely. Your own Christmas decorations and battery-powered lights are welcome, as long as everything is secured and can't fall into the water.
Is your question not listed? Check the general FAQ or get in touch.
