Santa arrives by lifeboat in St Ives on Wednesday 9 December 2026, opening the town’s December programme. The event runs from 6pm to 7pm at The Wharf on Wharf Road.
The RNLI supports the arrival and entry is free. The exact launch time can shift slightly as the Harbour Master and Coxswain finalise the plan closer to the date, so check the time again before travelling.
Visitor information
Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026.
Time: 6pm to 7pm. The precise launch time depends on tides and harbour conditions, so it can be adjusted nearer the date.
Venue: The Wharf, Wharf Road, St Ives, TR26 1LF. Any procession route or additional town-centre activity has not yet been published for 2026.
Admission: Free. Donations may support the volunteer-run programme, but there is no general entry ticket on the current listing.
The confirmed 2026 event is Santa’s arrival by lifeboat; the organiser has not yet said whether the town lights switch-on happens at the same event. Check the organiser’s calendar nearer 9 December for the final launch time, harbour instructions and any programme additions.
Where to stay
See St Ives visitor information and places to stay in St Ives when planning around the 9 December event.
