Quick answer
Gateway Clipper hosts holiday party charters for up to 400 guests on riverboats dressed for the season. The Holiday Event Dinner Package is $75 per person plus a 24% service charge and 7% PA sales tax and includes three hours of vessel time, holiday décor, a cruise director and a uniformed bartender.
Looking for the most unique way to celebrate the season with your closest friends, family or colleagues? Look no further. Let our first-class crew sail you past the city lights as you dine, drink and dance the night away aboard a riverboat dressed for the holidays.
Why host your holiday party on the river
- A unique destination. Pittsburgh's three rivers, our riverboat fleet and the city lit up for the season, all around you.
- Food and beverage in one place. A cocktail reception, a holiday dinner menu, a full bar and custom cocktails. Just come aboard ready for a good time.
- Planning made easy. One events team for everything, and five boats for up to 400 guests. Minimums vary by vessel, and some packages have a per-person minimum. For a full quote, including minimums, fill out our request form and a sales manager will contact you.
- Multiple boarding locations. Board at Station Square, Point State Park, the North Shore, the Sixth Street Bridge or the Convention Center. See our boarding locations.
- Entertainment taken care of. Add a DJ, photo booth or trivia, and we'll even book them for you.
The Holiday Event Dinner Package
Our holiday charter package is $75 per person, plus a 24% service charge and 7% PA sales tax. Every holiday party package includes:
- Three hours of vessel usage
- A riverboat with elegant holiday décor
- A professional cruise director
- A uniformed bartender
- A licensed captain and crew
- Spectacular views of Pittsburgh
The holiday dinner menu starts with appetizers like a cheese display, spinach spanakopita and chicken skewers in a spicy peach glaze, followed by a dinner buffet with pork loin in a balsamic fig glaze, cranberry port wine roasted chicken and seasonal sides, and éclairs and cheesecakes for dessert. Food is prepared by our culinary team and brought aboard. See the full menu on our holiday parties page. Terms and conditions apply; menu and pricing are subject to change.
Office party or family gathering
A holiday charter works for a company party, a client thank-you, a department outing or a big family get-together. Charter the whole boat, or, on the Three Rivers Queen, rent a single deck for a mid-sized group. For more ideas for company events, see corporate events.
Smaller group? Join a public holiday cruise
Not ready for a whole boat? Bring your group aboard one of our public holiday dinner cruises instead:
- Friday nights: the Holiday Sparkle Dinner
- Saturday nights in December: the Holiday Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise
Our Group Sales team can reserve a block of seats for your group at (412) 355-7951.
Book early
Holiday dates in November and December are popular, so reach out as soon as you have a date in mind. Sketch your party in a couple of minutes with Plan Your Event, or contact our events team at info@gatewayclipper.com or (412) 355-7965. We reply within 1–2 business days.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a holiday party on the Gateway Clipper?
The Holiday Event Dinner Package is $75 per person, plus a 24% service charge and 7% PA sales tax. Terms and conditions apply, and menu and pricing are subject to change.
What is included in a holiday party charter?
Three hours of vessel usage, a riverboat with elegant holiday décor, a professional cruise director, a uniformed bartender, a licensed captain and crew, and views of Pittsburgh.
What if our group is too small for a whole boat?
Smaller groups can join a public holiday dinner cruise instead: the Holiday Sparkle Dinner on Friday nights or the Holiday Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise on Saturday nights in December. Call our Group Sales team at (412) 355-7951 to reserve a block of seats.
Where do holiday party cruises board?
Our home dock is Station Square. Charters can also board at Point State Park, the Sixth Street Bridge, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center or the North Shore, so your team can walk from work or the hotel.
