Experience the Magic of Santa's Arrival by Lifeboat
Join Us for a Festive Celebration in St Ives
A unique community tradition where Santa makes his grand entrance by lifeboat, bringing joy and excitement to St Ives.
Stick around for a Santa’s Magical “Wicked” Weekend of festivities themed around good and evil, pink and green, Glinda and Elphaba.
5th - 7th December 2025
Experience the Magic of Santa's Arrival by Lifeboat
Join Us for a Festive Celebration in St Ives
A unique community tradition where Santa makes his grand entrance by lifeboat, bringing joy and excitement to St Ives.
Stick around for a Santa’s Magical “Wicked” Weekend of festivities themed around good and evil, pink and green, Glinda and Elphaba.
5th - 7th December 2025
Your Magical Weekend Guide
Friday 5th December
Santa arrives by Lifeboat:
We say “Thank You” to our brilliant Lifeboat Crew for all their hard work
Santa Arrives on the Harbour
Procession to Royal Square
Illuminations Switched On Royal Square
Saturday 6th December
Santa’s Magical “Wicked” Weekend:
Magical Markets
A celebration of all things “Wicked” with street entertainers and other attractions
A Wicked Inspired Evening with Glinda & Elphaba:
All Weekend
Santa’s Grotto:
Traditional Santa’s Grotto for children aged 4 to 14.
Experience the wonder of a meeting with the real life Santa Claus.
Have you been naughty or nice? Make sure to be good, he’ll know………
Friday 5th: Santa's Spectacular Arrival
This December, St Ives will once again kick off the festive season in the most magical way possible – with Santa arriving by Lifeboat! Supported by the RNLI, this much-loved tradition brings the community together for an unforgettable celebration.
This year, the tides are perfectly aligned with Santa’s schedule for a special Friday night arrival, meaning no school in the morning!
This promises plenty of festive cheer, and the event is set to be bigger and better than ever. It’s an event which the whole family can enjoy, so come along and be part of the fun
Upcoming Events
Santa’s arrival marks the start of Christmas festivities in St Ives. We have a range of events throughout the month to bring Christmas alive.
Here are just a few of the highlights. A full event calendar will be published later in the year.
Stay in touch as this page is updated, or join us on our socials for more information.
Santa's Arrival
Witness the magical moment as Santa arrives by lifeboat, marking the start of our festive celebrations.
Friday 5th December 2025
FREE
Procession to Royal Square
Provide an honour guard for Santa as he takes to his sleigh for the short journey to Royal Square.
Friday 5th December 2025
FREE
Illumination Ceremony, Royal Square
2025’s Local Hero Award Winner switches on the lights with Santa’s help.
Friday 5th December 2025
FREE
Personal Appearances by Santa
Personal appearances by Santa to our lead sponsor venues. Expect Santa surrounded by his elves, and a lot of ho ho ho.
Friday 5th December 2025
FREE
Christmas Market Extravaganza
Four markets to choose from – local produce, arts and crafts.
6th December 2025
FREE
Santa's Magical "Wicked" Weekend
Are you team Glinda or Elphaba? St Ives goes team pink or team green. With street performers and a range of activities throughout the day.
6th December 2025
FREE
A Wicked Inspired Evening with Glinda & Elphaba
Phil Barnett and Friends entertain you with an evening of songs from the shows. Great fun for all the family and afterwards you will get the chance to meet Glinda and Elphaba!
6th December 2025
FREE
Santa's Grotto
Come and meet the big man himself, share your wishes for Christmas and hang out in the Elves’ grotto.
For children from 4 to 14
5th, 6th, 7th December 2025
£10 per child
Window Competition
Our shops compete for the best Christmas window competition. Take a stroll through St Ives and let us know your favourites
Throughout December 2025
FREE
Treasure Hunt
Follow the clues to find each of the treasures hidden around town. Return your form for entry to our prize draw.
Throughout December 2025
FREE
Carols by Candlelight
Join us for an evening of traditional carols sung by candlelight.
TBC December 2025
FREE
Boxing Day Swim
Join us all on Porthminster beach for a Boxing Day dip. It’s a great way to clear the cobwebs.
26th December 2025
FREE
New Year's Eve Street Party
Celebrate the end of the year with one of the UK’s largest fancy dress street parties. Come and soak up the atmosphere, stay for the spectacular midnight fireworks display over the harbour.
31st December 2025
FREE
What Our Visitors Say
“Watching Santa arrive by lifeboat is a magical moment for my family. It’s a tradition we look forward to every year!”
Emily R.
John T.
Sarah L.
Join the Team
St Ives in December is run entirely by volunteers and there are a myriad of tasks which need your help. If you can lend a hand, with planning, logistics, social media or with marshalling/fundraising on the night, we’d love to hear from you. Many hands make light work, and if we all do a little, together we’ll achieve a great result. Let us know where your skills lie and what you would be willing to offer.
Sponsor Us
St Ives in December relies on donations and we’re asking local businesses to help with the cost of making a weekend to remember. With early December normally being a quiet time in St Ives, the celebration weekend offers a real boost to retail and hospitality. We want to give local people the opportunity to enjoy their town and invite visitors to join us. Click here to get started.
Get in Touch with Us
Contact Our Team
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our events or want to get involved, reach out to us for more information.