Is there any river cruise for dinner where we can see spectacular lights from the city?

You really don't want to do this. Decent food and dinner cruises - unless private charity events or similar - just don't mix. Take a boat ride to see the lights then have a nice dinner somewhere on land.

ok thanks--didn't know if it was a popular thing to do. where could i find a boat ride?

Check out Circle Line if you want a twilight harbor cruise. Or just take the free Staten Island ferry back and forth across the harbor, A round trip takes about 1.5 hours and the views coming back towards Manhattan are spectacular. But, this is a large commuter ferry - no tour guide or audio descriptions.

There are two free views that are spectacular.

Take the Staten Island Ferry after dark back and forth from Manhattan. As the ferry approachs the lights and as they grow, it is truly memorable.

The other view is from the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights. That is the view that has been used in movies and TV show thousands of times. There are many excellent palces to eat in Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO.

I took this cruise once, but was invited so did not have to pay the high price. It really was fun and the views are superb. But agree that it is expensive and food is not at top restaurant level; just in case you are set on a cruise, here is the info:

http://www.worldyacht.com/site/home.aspx

There is one dinner cruise that I know is worth taking, as I have been on it. I can highly recommend this one. And I am a stickler for good food when I am in NYC.

The Batueaux New York (leaves form Chelsea Piers) is a glass boat (all glass sides and top). We requested and got seating right up against the glass. The views are stunning. The boat is elegant, white tablecloth.

Food VERY good. Check out the menus at the link below. Btwn. the two of us we had lobster bisque, a "chef's intermezzo btwn the 1st and 2nd course that consisted of fennel salad w/goat cheese and truffle oil, English braised short ribs w/wild mushroon confit and smashed root veggies w/ a reduction sauce, pear seared citrus salmon w/ginger and clementine and side of wonderful veggie couscous, chocolate truffle tort and a tarimisu for desserts.

This was a spectacular cruise, w/great views of the NYC skyline and lights, good service, very good food. We were very glad we did this for dinner. It was relaxing, romantic, and the food was so good that we certainly didn't miss eating in a restaurant that evening.

http://www.bateauxnewyork.com/

There is also a band on board at dinner but they are not overwhelmingly loud or obtrusive. It was a nice addition.

The tripadvisor reviews are right on for this dinner cruise, and in line w/our positive experience.

You could also eat dinner at the River Cafe in Brooklyn, which has great views.