Provo River Christmas Cruise with Clas Ropes

Posted in Christmas Activities
Updated November 14, 2026

Every Christmas season, you can ride the Provo River Christmas Cruise on the Clas Ropes property. This is a simple, yet fun, cruise where they actually pull you along in the boat using overhead ropes. The Provo River Christmas Cruise takes you on a short section of the river. There are lights all along the river and even lights strung all the way across. They pull you one way, and then back the other way while Christmas music plays in the background.

There are chairs and benches to sit on while you glide down the river.

The boats run every 15-30 minutes, and luckily they have a movie playing while you wait for your cruise. We recommend purchasing tickets online so that you can guarantee your seat. The weekend can sell out. It gets very chilly out on the water, so make sure to layer up in snow clothes. And bring blankets for extra warmth on very cold nights.

This is the ticket office for check-in, and also the hot chocolate location!

As you head down to the dock, there are lights lighting the path. Children under 12 are required to wear a life jacket, which they provide for the kids, so you will stop and put life jackets on the little ones. Once everyone is on board, the cruise director will start pulling the boat down the river. It is so interesting that they pull the boat using ropes instead of rowing or some other means.

There are lots of cute decorations and lights around the grounds.

It is fun to check all the lights out on the way to the boat.

We had a great cruise director who had us share traditions, and told us the history of Clas Ropes. We also had a quiet moment of reflection as we cruised past the Nativity. The highlight of the trip was when Santa rowed up in a canoe. He high-fived all the kids and left his hat which was full of candy. Our boys were excited to see Santa out on the river.

The lights are stunning as they reflect upon the water.

We also love that you cruise right under the lights.

The director pulls the boat through the river.

It really is a fun way to enjoy the Christmas lights.

My boys enjoyed the ride. It was their first time on a boat and so that was exciting to them. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes. Check their website for current pricing. It was definitely a different and fun way to see the lights and Santa. We had a great time on the Provo River Christmas Cruise.

In October, there is a Halloween Cruise and they put jack ‘o’ lanterns all along the river and tell spooky stories. We enjoy this cruise, too!

Tips for Families

Dress warm. Boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and layers. Blankets are great for covering legs and sitting on to help keep the heat in.
Buy tickets online beforehand. This way you are guaranteed a spot on the boat when you want to go.
Bring hot chocolate. We stopped and grabbed hot chocolate at the gas station on the way to the Provo River Cruise, But if you forget, bring a few dollars to buy some at Clas Ropes while you’re waiting. It will keep you warm.