St Ives will once again mark the start of the festive season in the most magical way possible, with Santa making his grand entrance to the town by lifeboat!
Photograph: St Ives BID
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 at 5.30pm on 5th December. When he disembarks from the boat and climbs aboard his sleigh, crowds will line the streets to create a guard of honour for the great man, as he takes a trip to Royal Square.
Children aged from four years old can also meet Santa and his elves at their grotto the next day.
This is just the start of a packed programme of Christmas events. With street performers and a range of activities throughout the day, there’s plenty to see and do in Fore Street on Super Saturday on 6th December. Artisan markets offering a tempting array of local produce and arts and crafts from local makers will be open at St Ives Rugby Club, the Salvation Army and the Island Centre, as well as the traditional Fair Mo market at St Ia Church.
And on the evening of the 6th, Phil Barnett and Friends will be entertaining us all with an evening of songs from the shows — Wicked, Les Mis, Six, Chicago, and many more. Curtain up at St Ives Theatre is 6pm.
Other events in December include a Christmas window display competition for shops, a treasure hunt around the town, a Christmas singalong for all the family and an evening of traditional carols by candlelight.
You can brave the wintry sea for the Boxing Day dip at Porthminster Beach, and on New Year’s Eve all are welcome to one of the UK’s largest fancy dress street parties, with a spectacular midnight fireworks display over the harbour to bring in 2026.
Visit stivesindecember.com for full details.
