Christmas Events & Santa's Arrival

Experience magical Christmas events in St Ives, Cornwall! Join us for Santa’s lifeboat arrival and festive fun for the whole family.

Santa's On His Way......

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  • Entertainment
  • Family
  • For Children
  • Free
  • Markets
  • Theatre
  • Sport
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    December 2025

    Friday 5th
    December

    Santa by Lifeboat

    Date 5th DecemberTime 6:00 pm - 7:00 pmVenue The WharfLocation Wharf Road, TR26 1LF St Ives Organizer St Ives In DecemberCategory Entertainment, Family, For Children, Free
    Witness the magical moment as Santa arrives by lifeboat, marking the start of our festive celebrations. Lifeboat launch is slightly updated to 6:15pm, with a presentation to the lifeboat crew just ahead of that.  With music from Lee Davids.
    Friday 5th
    December

    Procession to Royal Square

    Date 5th DecemberTime 6:00 pm - 6:30 pmVenue The WharfLocation Wharf Road, TR26 1LF St Ives Organizer St Ives In DecemberCategory Entertainment, Family, For Children, Free
    Storm Troopers provide an honour guard for Santa as he takes to his sleigh for the short journey to Royal Square.
    Friday 5th
    December

    Personal Appearances by Santa

    Date 5th DecemberTime 8:00 pm - 9:00 pmVenue The WharfLocation Wharf Road, TR26 1LF St Ives Category Entertainment
    Personal appearances by Santa to our lead sponsor venues. Expect Santa surrounded by his elves, and a lot of ho ho ho.
    Saturday 6th
    December

    Markets, Markets, Markets!

    Date 6th DecemberTime 10:00 am - 5:00 pmCategory Markets
    If you love artisan markets – local produce, arts and crafts from local makers, we’ve got an extravaganza for you. There’s two to choose from, both right in the heart of the town and full of local makers and artisans: St Ives institution, FairMo is at St Ia Church, b and another at the Salvati...
    Saturday 6th
    December

    Santa Super Saturday Street Entertainment

    Date 6th DecemberTime 11:00 am - 5:00 pmVenue Fore StreetLocation Fore Street, TR26 1HE St Ives Organizer St Ives In DecemberCategory Entertainment, Family, For Children, Free
    St Ives is going to be packed for the weekend of 6th December. Celebrating Santa's arrival on the Friday night, followed by Street Entertainment on Saturday afternoon. We have music from St Ives Concert Orchestra and St Ives Ukelele band, stilt walkers, elves, a flying elephant ride, a children's sn...
    Saturday 6th
    December
    Santa grotto

    Santa Grotto

    Date 6th DecemberTime 11:00 am - 4:00 pmVenue LibraryLocation Gabriel St, TR26 2LX Saint Ives Category For Children
    Come and meet the big man himself, share your wishes for Christmas and hang out in the Elves’ grotto. For children from 0 to 14yrs, £5 per child, no need to book, just turn up, first come, first served. The Library is also providing face-painting and badge-making to make your visit extra special ...
    Saturday 6th
    December

    Phil and Friends Evening of Songs from the Shows

    Date 6th DecemberTime 6:00 pm - 8:30 pmVenue St Ives TheatreLocation Lower Stennack, Saint Ives TR26 1QG, TR26 1QG St Ives Organizer St Ives In DecemberCategory Entertainment, Family, Theatre
    Phil Barnett and Friends entertain you with an evening of songs from the shows. A “Wicked” evening of songs from The Greatest Showman, Wicked, Disney, Les Mis, Six, Chicago & many more!
    Come along & meet Glinda, Elphaba & other princesses before the show & during the interval.
    ...
    Friday 26th
    December

    Boxing Day Swim

    Date 26th DecemberTime 11:30 am - 12:30 pmVenue Porthminster BeachLocation The Warren, TR26 2EA St Ives Organizer St Ives In DecemberCategory Sport
    Join hardy locals on Porthminster beach for a Boxing Day dip. It’s a great way to clear the cobwebs.

    Note: this is a community tradition which takes place spontaneously, not organised by the St Ives in December committee. Sea swimming can be hazardous and is undertaken at your own risk. The wat...
    Wednesday 31st
    December

    New Years Eve Street Party

    Date Dec 31, 2025 - 1st JanuaryTime 5:00 pm - 12:30 amVenue The WharfLocation Wharf Road, TR26 1LF St Ives Category Entertainment, Family, Free
    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.