The fine print (with a wink)
Santa Details
The Santa Paddle is part of the bigger, merrier Marblehead Christmas Walk and Holiday Stroll, hosted over several days by the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce. We paddle every year on the Sunday of that weekend.
Nudge nudge, wink wink
Please don't confuse us with Santa's official arrival on a lobster boat — that's on Saturday. This distinction matters! We don't want to confuse all those nice children showing up with their long lists. Just imagine their faces if 20+ Santas came paddling in at once. “Wait… which one gets my list?!”
Sunday Agenda
10:30–10:45am
Santa Paddlers arrive and prep at the Pleon Yacht Club, 42 Foster St.
11:00am
Launch paddleboards and kayaks from the Pleon ramp (feet will get wet!). Group photo on the water.
11:30am
Families and friends meet the Santas at the Town Landing. Group photo in front of The Landing Restaurant.
11:30am–12:30pm
Food and drink at The Landing Restaurant — invite your cheering squad inside to celebrate!
12:30pm
Santa Paddlers head back to the Pleon.
Seriously, though
Paddler safety comes first.
Experienced paddlers only. Every Santa Paddler must follow these three rules:
1
Wear a wetsuit and a personal flotation device — no exceptions.
2
Pick a Santa buddy and paddle together as a team.
3
Stay with the group so every Santa is accounted for and can help each other.
Cheer, celebrate, say thanks
Family and friends: meet at the Marblehead Town Landing to cheer the Santas in, then join us at The Landing Restaurant at 11:30am to celebrate.
Be sure to thank The Landing Restaurant for their generous support, food and hospitality — and look for the event on the Discover Marblehead website.
Pro Santa tips
Buy your suit early
Santa suits sell out faster than cookies on Christmas Eve. There are plenty on Amazon.
Check the weather
Look at the forecast ahead of time. The harbor has opinions in December.
Car-paddling is totally legit
Conditions not ideal? It's very common for Santas to safely “paddle” to The Landing by car.
Remember: the Santa Paddle is about raising funds for the Marblehead Food Pantry, celebrating the holidays and having fun. There is absolutely no requirement to paddle — especially in rough conditions.