Brand new for 2026, we have a unique collection of books which celebrate Santa arriving by Lifeboat, honour the contribution of our local crew and give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the magic and wonder for the whole Christmas period, wherever you live and whether you can be there in person on the night or not.

Local author, E.L. Kent presents a traditional illustrated storybook telling the story of the night. Alongside the storybook, we also have two colouring books - one for young children aged 2-6 and another for older children.

Enjoy the story, and then let your own imagination come alive as you complete the illustrations yourself.

All proceeds from the books go to help keep Santa afloat for years to come.

We're thrilled to offer them to you for delivery via Amazon, or locally stocked in shops around town.

These books are perfect Christmas presents, or to enjoy together over the holidays.

Join us in experiencing the legend. You'll be helping to keep the tradition alive.

Long, long ago, before Santa wore his famous red suit, he was St Nicholas, protector of fishermen and friend of children. And of all the harbour towns that loved him, none loved him more than St Ives, where a small stone chapel keeps watch over the town below. Santa never forgot that kindness — and every Christmas, he repays it in the most magical way.

This beautifully illustrated storybook retells the legend of Santa's Arrival by Lifeboat in whimsical Victorian prose, with sepia-toned pictures and a trail of red sparkles lighting the pages. Watch the lifeboat Nora Stachura launch into the winter night, sail out to meet Santa, and bring him safely home to a harbour full of cheering.

A magical Cornish Christmas story for children aged 5 to 12 — and for anyone of any age who believes that kindness always comes home.

Available in paperback or on Kindle

Every Christmas, Santa makes a special trip to the seaside town of St Ives in Cornwall, riding the waves with the lifeboat crew before stepping ashore to greet the children waiting on the harbour. Now your little one can colour the whole adventure!

Inside you'll find 36 big, bold scenes to colour: Santa surfing, sandcastles on the beach, the lighthouse, the lifeboat, a cheeky seagull with his chips, and a very special Christmas arrival.

Every picture is printed single-sided, so felt-tips and crayons won't spoil the picture on the next page — perfect for ages 2 to 6.

Available in A4 paperback

This fine-line colouring book retells that Cornish legend in 40 detailed scenes, each drawn from the real streets, harbour and lifeboat of St Ives. On the left of every spread sits a softly washed picture showing how the scene might look; on the right is the very same drawing in clean, intricate line art, waiting to be brought to life. There are cosy cottages and fishing boats, fairy lights strung across Fore Street, a sleigh ride over the moonlit sea, the launch of the lifeboat, and the night Santa finally steps ashore. At the back of the book, all forty finished pictures appear again in full colour — a little gallery of the whole journey.

Perfect for children aged 7 and over who have outgrown simple colouring books, and for anyone who loves Cornwall at Christmas.

Available in A4 Paperback or Hardback

We are thrilled to announce that the books are available in four locations around St Ives. Buying locally enables us to support local stores and maximises the donation to St Ives in December. Here is the current list of our partners, we are very grateful for their support:

Tide & Flame, St Andrew's Street

Post Office, Chy An Chy (Fore Street)

RNLI Shop, The Wharf

St Ives Library, Gabriel Street