When Do Celebrity Cruise Ships Decorate For Christmas?

Christmas decorations on cruise ships typically begin as soon as Thanksgiving and continue to be added throughout the cruises. The crew creatively installs these decorations late at night, creating a winter wonderland with dazzling lights and beautifully adorned Christmas trees. Cruise ships usually start decorating shortly after Thanksgiving, providing about a month window for passengers to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Christmas arrives every year on December 25, but the exact dates when holiday celebrations occur on cruise ships can vary. Each cruise line will have its own unique Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees covered in trimmings and ornaments. From Thanksgiving until Christmas, decorations are added each night while most passengers are asleep, and special holiday dinners, shows, and performances are offered.

Carnival cruises typically decorate by early December, and in some cases by Thanksgiving. Carnival’s Christmas cruises feature holiday wreaths, Christmas trees, lights, and signs proclaiming the holiday season. Festive spring decorations and Easter services are also available on board.

After Thanksgiving, ships are decked out in Christmas cheer through the first week of January. New Year’s Eve is usually the end of the last designated Merrytime cruise, depending on the timing. Overall, cruise ships celebrate the holiday season with a mix of sights, sounds, foods, and traditions, making it an enjoyable experience for passengers.