SANTA swapped his sleigh for a lifeboat as he sailed into town for Walton's Christmas on the Quay event on Sunday.
The RNLI made sure he arrived in style at Walton and Frinton Yacht Club - despite an early morning call-out for the crew just hours earlier.
The multi-million pound Irene Muriel Rees lifeboat sailed up the Backwaters before dropping Santa and his elves off at the quay.
Excited youngsters had the chance to meet Father Christmas at the clubhouse and visitors could also have a look around the lifeboat.
There were also craft and gift stalls, and artist lesley Lord gave a demonstration.
A yacht club spokesman said: "Due to the tides this year we had to choose a Sunday which possibly led to a smaller turnout than usual, but despite this we had a lovely day with plenty for visitors to see, eat and drink.
"We would like to express our thanks to the lifeboat and its crew who managed to get Father Christmas and his elves to the quay on time despite being called out until 4.30am on the Sunday morning."
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