Santas On A Bike

A bunch of jolly folk with white beards, red suits, ample bellies and plenty of ho-ho-hos, will be bringing a spectacular dose of festive cheer to the A38 this December whilst raising money for Children’s Hospice South West along the way.

Santa’s helpers revving up for children’s charity

There are plenty of ways you can tell that Christmas is on its way; the twinkling lights, the smell of hot mince pies, supermarkets playing Mariah Carey on repeat...

And, of course, a cavalcade of Santas riding motorbikes down the Devon Expressway!

Santas on a Bike returns to Plymouth on Saturday 5 December 2026, making a few startled motorists on the east-bound carriageway do a double-take, and bringing a spectacular dose of festive cheer to the A38, the Parkway and over the Tamar into Cornwall.

More importantly it raises much-needed funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) along the way.

The event is part of the annual rides taking place around the South West. The organisers are expecting hundreds of Santas, snowmen, elves and reindeer, with bikes festooned in Christmas decorations.

And we can watch them go by.

A Christmas ride with a serious purpose

Behind all the beards, flashing lights and festive bike decorations is a charity doing some incredibly important work.

CHSW has three hospices - in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset - providing care for babies, children and young people living with life-limiting conditions, while also supporting their families.

Its care includes hospice stays, emergency care, palliative and end-of-life care, as well as support for siblings and families following bereavement.

And for families around Plymouth, Little Harbour is a particularly important place.

The hospice - at Porthpean, near St Austell - opened its doors in December 2011. It's designed as much as a home-from-home as a hospice, giving families somewhere to stay, rest and spend time together away from the pressures of everyday care.

Support when it’s needed

There are bedrooms for children, accommodation for parents and siblings, play and therapy facilities, a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms and gardens, including spaces specifically designed for children and teenagers.

Little Harbour is also there for families when they need more than a short break.

CHSW provides respite, palliative and end-of-life care, emergency stays, home support and bereavement support.

So when that procession of Santas makes its way through the South West, there's a lot more behind it than Christmas costumes, revving engines and Rudolph getting a day off!

The route

There are lots of vantage points where you can wave to the Santas as they pass through Plymouth. Here’s the intended itinerary with approximate timings.

11:00am Bikes and riders meet at Lee Mill Industrial Estate

12:25pm Depart Lee Mill

12:30pm Ivybridge

1:00pm Saltash

1:45pm Liskeard

2:00pm Lostwithiel

2:15pm Par Market

2:30pm Charlestown

And then on to the finish at Little Harbour Children’s Hospice! 🎅🏍️

Santas on a Bike - Plymouth
📅 Saturday 5 December 2026
🎅 Hundreds of festive riders
🏍️ Motorbikes, trikes, quads and scooters
❤️ Raising money for Children's Hospice South West

The Plymouth ride is one of a number of events and you can find out full details by visiting the Santas on a Bike Website

All photos courtesy Santas On A Bike

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