15 Festive Dinners and Shows in the USA Worth Travelling For

1.Hughes Brothers Christmas Show in Branson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · from $50Our pick

Spend about two hours at the Hughes Brothers Theatre for a family-run Christmas production of vocal harmonies, dancing, handbells, violin, comedy, costumes, and seasonal scenery. The second half gives Santa a central role in explaining the symbols of Christmas. Admission costs $50 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before showtime.

“Seeing a large family all cooperating and invested in a common endeavor to impact and bless the lives of so so many people is an incredible experience and picture of hope.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 37 reviews · from $552

Spend three hours aboard a climate-controlled New York harbor cruise with a reserved table, chef-prepared buffet, open bar, live DJ, and sparkling wine toast for those 21 and older. You’ll pass landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge, then watch New Year’s Eve fireworks from the water, weather permitting.

“The decoration and the atmosphere were amazing. Everyone was super friendly, the food was good. The music could have included more new songs, unfortunately only oldies were played, which meant that the dance floor was getting a little emptier. But overall it was a great experience, although it could have gone on a little longer, 3 hours went by way too quickly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 31 reviews · from $158

Spend Christmas Eve aboard Bateaux New York, a European-style glass-enclosed yacht leaving from Pier 61. Choose a casual two-hour brunch or semi-formal three-hour dinner, with a plated three-course meal, live music, reserved seating, and views of the Statue of Liberty, bridges, One World Trade Center, and the Manhattan skyline.

“Exceeded our expectations! Mel was super engaged and our waiter was, too! Grateful to have had the holiday experience - food delicious and playlist was well curated as well! Timed to the tee. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 29 reviews · from $146

Spend Christmas Day aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of New York, sailing from Chelsea Piers for a two-hour brunch or 2.5-hour dinner. You get a reserved table, seasonal buffet, skyline views, DJ entertainment, and access to outdoor decks. Brunch includes unlimited mimosas, while drinks at dinner cost extra.

“food wasn't the best but I must say angel made our night she looked after us 10/10 service and drink price was a bit much”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 26 reviews · from $199

Spend Christmas Eve aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of New York, sailing from Chelsea Piers for a 2 to 2.5-hour lunch or dinner. You’ll have a reserved table, seasonal buffet, coffee and tea, DJ music, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Manhattan’s riverside skyline.

“We picked the activity to spend Christmas Eve. We're celebrating in the best way Since we got on the cruise, the service was great, and so was the food and the night views. Recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Magic of Christmas Show at Las Vegas Magic Theater on Las Vegas Blvd

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Spend about 70 minutes at the Las Vegas Magic Theater for a Christmas-themed magic show performed just feet from the audience. The 40-seat room keeps the action personal, with volunteers called up for interactive tricks. Popcorn and non-alcoholic drinks are included, and you can choose your seating section. The show is family-friendly, though the theater is small and the Christmas theme may feel light to some.

“Wonderfully intimate magic show. Amazing illusions and slight of hand that will make you wonder. Great customer service and personal touches.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.New York Pier 15 New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 13 reviews · from $496

Spend New Year’s Eve aboard a City Cruises boat from Pier 15, with a buffet dinner, DJ, dancing, top-shelf drinks for ages 21 and over, views of Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center, and a sparkling wine toast at midnight. The four-hour cruise ends where it begins, weather permitting.

“Slecht eten en drinken, onervaren personeel, tafeltjes stonden belachelijk dicht bij elkaar waardoor je nauwelijks kon bewegen. Prijs kwaliteit verhouding helemaal scheef! Voor 400 dollars pp mag je echt meer kwaliteit krijgen!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Christmas Eve Lake Michigan Gourmet Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12 reviews · from $193

Board the Odyssey Lake Michigan at Navy Pier for a 2.5-hour Christmas Eve cruise with a private table, plated three-course dinner, DJ entertainment, and views of Willis Tower and Navy Pier. Semi-formal dress is encouraged. Coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included, while cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra.

“Improved- food is hot not cold… soda was very flat and syruppy Not sat near the door -everyone kept opening and shutting the door - it was cold. I wore my puffer jacket for the meal Many songs were in Spanish”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 11 reviews · from $273

Spend New Year’s Eve aboard a City Cruises vessel departing from Navy Pier at 9:30 p.m. You’ll get a freshly prepared buffet, live DJ music, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, Lake Michigan views, fireworks if weather allows, and a Champagne toast at midnight. Smart casual dress is required, and the cruise returns to its starting point.

“Horrible check-in instructing and meeting point. Security was awful, but the servers and everything were fine. The issue was to get into a bout”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7 reviews · from $95

Spend Christmas Day aboard a San Diego bay cruise with a chef-prepared brunch or dinner, holiday decorations, music, and a reserved table. You’ll pass the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge, use the rooftop deck, and enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, water, or brunch mimosas. Allow two to three hours at Pier 1.

“Loved it all! But more entertainment could be added!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 6 reviews · from $140

Spend Christmas Eve aboard City Cruises’ Odyssey, a viewing-friendly boat departing Pier 4 at The Wharf. Choose a two-hour buffet brunch with unlimited mimosas or a three-hour plated dinner with private-table service, then step outside for Potomac views of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

Check availability →Read our full review

12.San Francisco: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $184

Spend Christmas Day aboard a City Cruises yacht with a chef-prepared brunch or dinner, table service, holiday decor, live entertainment, and clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz. Brunch includes free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available to buy.

“Awesome 😎 Great food, buffet, mimosas, staff available took pictures, lots of sight seeing above decks. Would definitely recommend 👍”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Marina Del Rey: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · from $143

Spend Christmas Eve aboard a climate-controlled yacht in Marina del Rey with a holiday buffet, music, harbor views, and open-air deck access. Choose brunch with free-flowing mimosas, champagne, and sparkling cider, or dinner with turkey, salmon, tri tip, and seasonal desserts. The cruise lasts 2 to 2.5 hours and includes a table for your party.

“Le buffet était plutôt bon La coupe de champagne d'accueil La vue sur les lumières du port L'ambiance plutôt conviviale”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.San Diego: New Year’s Eve Early Buffet Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $155

Board at Pier 1 Hornblower Landing for a 2.5-hour New Year’s Eve yacht cruise with a holiday buffet, reserved group seating, San Diego Bay views, and DJ music. Soda, coffee, tea, and water are included. Wine, beer, cocktails, and full-bar service cost extra. Captain Roy greets passengers at boarding.

“Very nice. The food was good. Staff attentive. The boat needs some touching up.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Washington DC New Year’s Day Premier Brunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $1,000

Spend about two hours aboard a City Cruises vessel on the Potomac, with a freshly prepared buffet, unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea, plus a DJ. You’ll see Washington landmarks illuminated from the water, including the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The cruise begins and ends at 580 Water St SW.

“The crew made the dining and travel experience awesome. Great service and the meal was excellent. Dessert was delicious. Kudos to the DJ for setting the ambience and making it special and fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review