At Christmas time we don't necessarily associate Santa's sleigh with the water. However this year Boatshed have some top tips on having festive fun by the waterside and a couple of chances to dress your vessel up and take part in the events.

If you know of more waterside activities over the festive holiday's drop me a line and i'll add them to the schedule - marieparton@boatshed.com

Festival of Chimes and Lights in Port Orchard

Activities throughout the day include Jingle Bell run, library events, tree lighting (5:15ish), hayrides, pet parade and costume contest, lighted boat display in the marina, choirs singing, free movie and much more. We hear Santa will be in town as well. And boaters, be sure to decorate your vessel and you may receive free moorage for the night of the 5th.

When: Saturday December 5th
Where: Port Orchard Marina, 707 Sidney Pkwy, Port Orchard, WA 98366, USA.
Cost: None mentioned
Click here for more information.

Christmas on the Quay

Flotilla of Lights includes traditional carols, seasonal snow, competitions and goodies for sale for that perfect stocking filler. Plus the Flotilla of Lights organised by Poole Harbour Commissioners will light up Poole’s quayside as illuminated boats take to the waves to parade alongside Poole Quay, lighting the water with their Christmas light displays vying for the Jenkins Marine Trophy awarded to the best dressed boats.

When: 6th December from 5pm – 7pm
Where: Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ
Cost: Free
Click here for more information.

Family Christmas magic at Albert Dock

The dock comes alive with outdoor live music, street theatre and dance. Check the link below as every weekend has a different schedule

When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Nov 28th – Dec 20th from 12-4pm
Where: Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AF
Cost: Free, although some activities may cost
Click here for more information.

Santa Specials

Get into the spirit and enjoy a magical Christmas trip down the canal. These trips are designed mainly for adults and include a ploughman’s lunch, mince pie, wine and tea or coffee …. plus a Christmas Surprise.

When: December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 15th at 11.45am
Where: Chichester Canal Centre, Canal Basin, Canal Wharf, Chichester PO19 8DT
Cost - £18.50 per person - bookings can be taken for individuals or groups up to 28.
Bookings by telephone to Val Owen on 01243 377405, 09.30am to 5.00pm
Click here for more information.

Santa sails into Retford

Santa started his rounds extra early this year when he arrived in Retford by boat. He was aboard the Seth Ellis, one of the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s tripboats. You too can join Santa on one of the Trust’s Santa Special Cruises.

When: 21st Nov – 24th Dec
Where: Chesterfield Canal
Cost - £6 per person or £45 for a private charter with up to 12 guests
Suitable for the whole family, booking essential
Click here for more information.

Father Christmas Canal Boat trips

Enjoy a magical trip down the canal to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.
Children receive a present from Santa and there are festive refreshments for everyone.

When: 28th Nov – 24th Dec
Where: Chichester Canal Centre, Canal Basin, Canal Wharf, Chichester PO19 8DT
Cost - £12 per person - Suitable for the whole family, booking essential
Click here for more information.

Brighton Marina Yacht Club Christmas Carols

Come along and join in for a sing along with mulled wine and mince pies. The RNLI will have their RIB all decorated too.

When: Sunday December 13th at 4.30pm
Where: Brighton Marina Yacht Club
Cost: £4 per person - with 50p going to the RNLI.

Christmas on the Quay

Festive celebrations on Lymington Town Quay will return for a second year running on Sunday 20th December, culminating in a very special guest arriving by boat!

When: Sunday December 20th from 3pm
Where: Town Quay Lymington.
Cost: Free
Click here for more information.