After the restrictions of 2021, St Ives In December is set to return in full this year, with a host of events around town for locals and visitors alike.

Father Christmas on lifeboat
Photographs: St Ives in December

It all starts, of course, when Santa, as ever, arrives in town by lifeboat, on 7th December. Once ashore, he will be paraded around town on his sleigh, pulled by St Ives Youth Rugby Club. On arrival in Royal Square, they will meet the Local Hero — to be announced — who will be turning on the Christmas lights.

St Ives in December is asking the public to vote for the Local Hero. You can vote either by emailing hello@stivesindecember.co.uk or by using special post boxes at Wharf Post Office, St Ives Library, and the Guildhall reception.

Saturday, 10th December, will be Super Saturday, when Santa returns to town. He will be in his grotto at St Ives Library from 11am until 3.30pm. Around town, between 11am and 5pm, there will be an array of street entertainers, ahead of the lantern parade, which leaves Royal Square at 5.30pm. Please check social media before these events to confirm the timings.

Also back this year is the Christmas Window Competition for town businesses. You can vote in the same way and at the same locations as for the Local Hero.

St Ives in December is a volunteer group and all funds raised go towards having bigger and better events each year. Donations towards the celebrations are very welcome, especially as the group has seen its fundraising severely curtailed over the past two years. To make a donation, visit the organisation’s Go Fund Me page.

A spokesperson told St Ives Local: “Now restrictions have been removed we intend to make 2022 a great Christmas and 2023 a spectacular one!”

You can follow St Ives in December on Facebook and Instagram, and check out the website.