Why choose a noisy café or the familiar office canteen this year when you can also end the year magically on the historic canals? Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam are becoming increasingly popular, but you may be worried about winter cold, drafts on the water or the rules around catering and reservations. That is completely understandable, because no one is waiting for stale colleagues or stress about logistics during the busiest holiday month of the year.
Fortunately, a festive cruise can be surprisingly comfortable and relaxed. In this article you will discover how to organize an atmospheric, comfortably warm and Carefree Christmas drink on the water for your team or company, including a hospitable skipper and clear all-in catering. We cover everything you need to know about covered saloon boats, suitable group sizes and smart planning, so that you can enjoy an unforgettable winter drink together undisturbed.
Key Points
- Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam offer the ultimate combination of a fairytale illuminated canal decor and complete privacy for your company.
- Find out which covered saloon boats and well-heated vessels ensure optimal comfort, so that cold and drafts do not get any chance.
- Get clear insight into all-inclusive drink packages and tasteful winter catering, from festive mulled wine to luxurious drinks.
- Use a handy step-by-step plan to capture the most popular December dates in a timely manner and seamlessly align dietary wishes.
- Experience the convenience of a fully catered private package with a professional skipper, allowing you to experience the entire event without logistical headaches.
Why a Christmas drink on a boat in Amsterdam is the ultimate company outing
Het organiseren van een geslaagd eindejaar evenement brengt vaak flinke uitdagingen met zich mee. Veel bedrijven belanden standaard in overvolle restaurants of rumoerige cafés, waar collega’s noodgedwongen over aparte tafels verspreid raken. **Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam ** bieden hét perfecte alternatief. Vanaf het water beleef je de omgeving op een ongeëvenaarde manier, terwijl je geniet van pure exclusiviteit met jouw eigen team.
During a cruise at Event op het Water, the whole group stays comfortably together in one stylish space from start to finish. This strengthens the dynamic enormously; colleagues from different teams naturally get into conversation with each other in a relaxed, informal setting. Plus, you benefit from Ultimate Convenience. A professional skipper and friendly service take all practical matters off your hands, so that you and your colleague’s carefree toast to the past year.
The unique magic of winter waters
In december, the historic waterways turn into a fairy-tale setting. From the ship you have a breathtaking view of the monumental facades along the waterfront. The historic arch bridges are festively illuminated with thousands of warm lights, the glow of which sparkles on the dark water surface.
The water exudes a special tranquility in the winter months. Where the boats are teeming in the warmer months, you can enjoy a serene and intimate sailing experience in december. As the atmospheric landscape glides past the windows, a warm Christmas atmosphere immediately emerges that no traditional banquet hall can match.
Exclusivity and privacy for your team
The main advantage of a private cruise is the complete absence of other bar guests or disturbing ambient noise. You share the ship exclusively with your own colleague’ s. this privacy offers unique possibilities that are simply missing in a public catering establishment:
- Personal speeches: Give an inspiring year-end speech or celebrate anniversaries without having to compete with restaurant rumour.
- Interactive entertainment: Organize a fun year-end quiz or play an informal pub quiz led by your own team.
- Real connection: Because everyone can move freely on the Event ship on the Water, spontaneous meetings arise between colleagues who speak to each other less often on the work floor.
With an exclusively booked ship you combine a breathtaking view with the warmth of a living room. No queues at a crowded bar, no noise from other groups, but a private party that revolves entirely around your team.
The best vessels for winter Christmas drinks on the water
The fear of cold or drafts is a common concern when organizing winter cruises. Fortunately, that fear is not needed for anything. Modern ships for Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam are specially designed to keep out wind and weather. Thanks to professional canopies, central heating and comfortable sanitary facilities, your team enjoys a comfortable drinking environment, regardless of the outside temperature.
Classic saloon boat vs covered sloop
The choice of vessel largely determines the appearance of your drink. Classic saloon boats breathe historic allure with wooden details, comfortable sofas and central heating. While you enjoy a glass of wine protected behind large windows, the historic city center, which is known worldwide as a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, glides past you. This type of boat lends itself perfectly to a chic and stylish atmosphere.
Zoek je juist een ontspannen, informele opzet? Dan is een overdekte en verwarmde sloep een verrassend knus alternatief. Deze sloepen worden in het najaar voorzien van op maat gemaakte overkappingen met transparante vensters, krachtige kachels en warme fleecedekens. Beide typen boten garanderen een tochtvrije en droge vaart, zodat niemand met een winterjas aan tafel hoeft te zitten. Twijfel je nog over welk vaartuig het beste bij jouw borrel past? Lees dan meer over het sloep huren of salonboot in Amsterdam voor borrels, zodat je een weloverwogen keuze maakt op basis van sfeer, groepsgrootte en gewenste beschutting.
Matching capacity and facilities to the group size
To ensure the right atmosphere, precisely match the size of the boat to the group size. An oversized saloon boat quickly feels empty, while an overly compact space hinders freedom of movement. For large companies, spacious party ships offer a solution, complete with space for a dance floor or presentation screen.
When selecting the vessel, always pay attention to the following facilities:
- Sanitary: Check in advance whether the boat has a well-accessible and hygienic toilet on board.
- Sound system: A qualitative audio system makes it possible to play background music or use a microphone for speeches.
- Wardrobe and walk-in space: Guests should be able to neatly hang their heavy winter coats and simply walk along the bar.
Are you unsure which type of ship best suits your plans? Take a look at the boat offer of Event on the water to see exactly which ship fits the size of your team.
Catering and drink packages for your floating Christmas drink
A successful end-of-year event comes with good food and drinks. At Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam it's all about relaxation and pampering. No one wants to deal with complicated receipts or empty glasses. By opting for a fully catered package with professional service on board, everyone enjoys a carefree evening, while the skipper silently navigates The Dark water.
Winter drinks that create atmosphere
Get on board and warm up immediately with a steaming cup of spicy mulled wine or hot chocolate with whipped cream. So & # 8217; n winter welcome immediately sets the right tone for the party. Then an all-inclusive Hollands bar assortment with beer, quality wines and soft drinks will ensure that your guests lack nothing.
The big advantage of such & #8217;n fixed arrangement is financial clarity in advance. You prevent unexpected calculations after the end of the trip. Do you want to mark the moment extra festively? Then add a round of prosecco or champagne to jointly sound on the achieved successes of the past working year.
Snacks and dinner concepts on the water
The culinary interpretation on a saloon boat or heated sloop is surprisingly versatile. Depending on the desired setup, you can choose from several tasteful options:
- Traditional drink classics: Crispy Amsterdam bitterballs, mini cheese soufflés and flames served with coarse mustard remain undisputed favorites during an informal drink.
- Luxury wine boards: Richly filled dishes with matured cheeses, fine charcuterie, marinated olives and fresh breadcrumbs with spreads give the cruise an exclusive look.
- Walking dinners en stamppot: Do you want to combine drinks with a full meal? Opt for handy courses that you eat standing up, or surprise your team with steaming winter stew.
Do not forget to take stock of special dietary requirements and allergens in advance. Professional ship caterers serve tasty vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free snacks with the same ease. This way, every team member feels genuinely appreciated during this festive end of the year.

Step-by-step plan for organizing the perfect Christmas drink
A successful end-of-year meeting on the water requires structured preparation. Because Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam with last-minute plans, you run the risk that the most beautiful vessels are already occupied. With this clear step-by-step plan, you can keep an overview and effortlessly organize a relaxing outing for the whole company.
Timing and early booking in december
December is considered the absolute peak month in the port and on the canals. Especially the Thursday and Friday afternoons between St. Nicholas and Christmas are filling up quickly. Therefore, start setting a date as early as early autumn. Are you looking for more flexibility in time slots or boat selection? Then consider a nice Wednesday drink or opt for a trip directly after the working day at the end of the afternoon.
Boarding locations and route planning
A smooth arrival and departure immediately set the tone of the evening. When planning the quay, consider the following practical points:
- Accessibility by public transport: Preferably choose a boarding place within walking distance of Amsterdam Central station, such as the Oosterdokskade or the Stationsplein.
- Deviating disembarkation point: If necessary, let the Tour end near a cozy restaurant or a train and metro station, so that everyone can easily find their way home.
- Atmospheric sailing routes: Agree in advance with the skipper that the route leads along attractively lit canal belts, iconic bridges and calmer waters such as the Amstel.
Program and entertainment on board
For an informal Christmas drink, a sailing time of one and a half to two and a half hours is ideal. This duration offers plenty of time to relax without the energy fading away. Make sure you put together a festive music playlist on your phone beforehand. Almost every modern ship has a bluetooth connection, with which you can easily manage your own background music.
Also build in a short official moment. Halfway through the cruise, plan fifteen minutes in which the management will take the floor for a thank you speech, or combine the trip with the festive presentation of the Christmas packages on board.
Wil je direct zeker zijn van een verwarmde salonboot op jouw gewenste voorkeursdatum? Vraag een vrijblijvende offerte aan bij Event op het Water en leg jullie winterse vaartocht vandaag nog vast.
Carefree sailing with an exclusive private package of events on the Water
The organization of a corporate outing involves the necessary responsibility, especially in a busy festive month like december. Who is looking for a successful Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam, finds an experienced partner in Event op het Water who takes care of the entire process. Here you sail exclusively with your own company; individual ticket sales or unknown fellow passengers are excluded. This guarantees a private, confidential atmosphere in which your team is central.
From the first moment of contact, experienced sailing specialists actively think along about the content of your cruise. From determining the most convenient boarding location to matching an all-in drink package and tasty winter snacks: all elements are seamlessly connected for a carefree afternoon or evening on the canals.
Why choose an event on the Water
A flawless execution stands or falls with the right facilities and expert guidance. An arrangement is distinguished by bright advantages:
- Certified skipper: Each tour is led by an experienced and hospitable captain. No one on your team has to hold the helm themselves or worry about navigating through busy waters.
- Winter-resistant comfort: The ships are equipped with powerful heating systems and professional canopies, which keep out cold, wind and rain.
- Flexible group capacity: Whether you are organizing an intimate drink for a small team or planning a large-scale corporate event, the diverse fleet offers a suitable vessel for every group size.
Request your quote for the holidays
Planning your end-of-year party doesn't have to be a time-consuming task. By communicating clear wishes in advance about the desired date, the number of people and specific catering preferences, you will quickly receive a clear and transparent proposal. This way you know exactly where you stand, without unexpected costs or surprises afterwards.
Let go of the logistical worries and opt for a festive end to the year that will stay with colleagues for a long time. Book your ultimate winter experience today via Event on the Water and ensure your team an atmospheric Christmas drink on the water.
Ready for a magical end to the year on the water?
Organizing an end-of-year party doesn't have to be stressful. With Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam opt for a festive setting in which intimacy, atmosphere and relaxation come together. Thanks to comfortably heated and covered winter boats, your team is guaranteed to be comfortably warm, while the historic canals and sparkling party lights form the perfect winter decor. With 100% private private cruises including a professional skipper and fully catered all-inclusive catering, you don't have to worry about anything.
Don't wait too long with plans, because the popular sailing dates in december quickly get booked up. Give your colleagues a special year-end experience and celebrate the successes achieved in style on the canals. Request a free quote for your Christmas Party and make your company outing a party that everyone will remember for a long time!
Frequently asked questions about Christmas drinks on a boat
Isn't it too cold on a boat during a Christmas drink in december?
No, absolutely not. The vessels used for winter events are specially designed to keep out the cold. Classic saloon boats have central heating and closed windows, while covered sloops are equipped with powerful heaters and warm fleece blankets. So you get on board in a cozy, draft-free space where you can relax without a winter jacket and enjoy a steaming glass of mulled wine.
How long does an average Christmas drink on the water last?
Most teams opt for a cruise of one and a half to two and a half hours. This time is just long enough to catch up, enjoy snacks and drinks and make a short speech. Would you like to combine the drinks with an extensive dinner concept or Interactive entertainment on board? Then the arrangement can be smoothly extended to three hours or more.
Can we play music ourselves during the cruise?
Yes, that is almost always possible. The ships have a modern audio system with a simple bluetooth connection. So you can easily connect your own smartphone to play your favorite party songs or subtle background music. Because it is a completely private tour,you decide the musical atmosphere and the desired volume within the applicable port rules.
What happens if it rains heavily or snows on the sailing day?
Bad weather does not pose any obstacle to Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam. All winter vessels are professionally covered and equipped with closed windows or transparent sides. Precipitation or snow makes the experience inside extra intimate and comfortable. From a warm seat you can see the festively illuminated canal houses and arch bridges reflected attractively on the dark water.
Are there toilets on board the boats?
Yes, almost all ships that are suitable for a winter drink have a neat and easily accessible toilet on board. This is standard for saloon boats and larger vessels. If you choose a specific sloop variant, always check this in advance when requesting a quote. This way you can be sure that your colleagues’s are provided with all the necessary comfort during the entire trip.
From which group size can I rent a private boat for a Christmas drink?
Private Christmas drinks on a boat in Amsterdam can already be organized for intimate teams from about 10 people. Thanks to a versatile fleet, there are suitable vessels for every group size, up to large corporate events for hundreds of employees. Because all cruises are exclusively private and are carried out including a certified skipper, your company always enjoys optimal privacy and personal attention.
Where can we best get off in Amsterdam for our drinks?
The most practical boarding locations are within walking distance of Amsterdam Central station, such as the quays around the Stationsplein or the Oosterdokskade. As a result, colleagues travel effortlessly by train, metro or tram to the jetty. In addition, various alternative Quays are available throughout the center. In consultation with the skipper, you can easily choose a departure and end point that fits perfectly with your day planning.
Can we accommodate vegetarians and guests with allergies?
Certainly, the catering options are very flexible. Experienced ship caterers effortlessly serve tasteful vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or halal snacks and plates. It is advisable to take stock of dietary requirements and allergies in advance with the team and to inform them in good time when booking. The kitchen ensures that everyone on board can fully enjoy fresh, festive delicacies.