Santa Arrives by Boat in These 9 Seaside Holiday Destinations

To get to a remote Pacific archipelago, Santa has to trade his flying reindeer-drawn sleigh for surfing into town on Waikiki’s famous waves. He makes his dramatic annual arrival on the shores of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort by an elf-paddled canoe decorated in glittering tinsel. It’s one of the most anticipated holiday events across the islands. Hula dancers sway to Christmas jingles and adorn the girls and boys with themed leis. Kris Kringle comes donned in holiday digs, too: head to toe in traditional Hawaiian palaka print, cut-off pants, and flip-flops.

Petaluma’s Christmas season kicks off with Mr. and Mrs. Claus sailing up the city’s namesake river on a Linde Marine tugboat decked out in holiday cheer. The onboard professional chorus entertains crowds of families as the boat cruises south past the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country before docking at historic downtown Petaluma’s River Plaza. Santa’s ship is greeted by costumed Nutcracker dancers who merrily pass out candy canes to kiddos who can’t wait to share their wish lists with Santa.

Mystic’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is a beloved decades-long tradition that begins with Santa’s arrival aboard the Cross Sound Ferry’s Tug Boat, the John Paul. Dozens of other festively dressed vessels follow Mr. Claus’ ship down the Mystic River where they’re judged by spectators for their creativity and Christmas spirit. After disembarking, the big guy in red joins in caroling and poses for pictures as the town lights up its Mystic River Park Christmas tree. There are great views from the Whaler’s Inn.

Coastal Christmases are a sure thing for Cape Cod’s seaside towns, and there are a few options to catch Mr. Claus on the water. Yarmouth’s yearly Santa Run begins at Bass River Beach and heads north, stopping at public and private docks along the way to Wilbur Park. In Orleans, Santa sails into the Yacht Club to join Mrs. Claus and local families for a festive pancake breakfast. This event kicks off the Cape’s annual Winterfest—a huge celebration with crafts, theater, themed walks, concerts, a Santa Stampede, and, of course, the lighting of the iconic Lobster Pot Tree in Provincetown. Finally, don’t miss Ole St. Nick’s arrival on shore in stunning Falmouth Harbor.

This magical winter wonderland is renowned worldwide for being a quintessential Christmas town. Snow, towering pines, and thousands of twinkling lights make it vacation-perfect. Kennebunkport celebrates over four decades of what they call the Christmas Prelude, an 11-day event that includes an awesome fireworks display, caroling at a monastery, street performers, an illuminated labyrinth, and a very unique visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus—the couple arrives together at the riverside Nonantum Resort in a true Maine lobster boat.

In a long yuletide tradition, Mr. Claus and a crew of elves make their way into Bayfield via the Ferry from Madeline Island. After crossing Lake Superior’s chilly winter waters, Santa emerges on the mainland and tells the tale of his long maritime journey from the North Pole. Families gather at the shoreside pavilion for treats, warm drinks, photo ops, and, of course, to share their holiday present hopes.