Around 1,200 cycling Santas descended on central London on Saturday (December 14) adding a splash of colour to the capital as part of a fundraising event to support a children’s charity.
Onlookers gazed on in amazement as the army of Santas cycled down Pall Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Dressed in red Santa suits, some as elves with faces painted green, they toured the capital to collect money.
The event marked the 10th edition of annual Santa cruise, set up by BMX cycling enthusiast Stephane Wright, who got the idea for the event after receiving support from the Echo charity after his son was hospitalised after suffering a heart attack aged only six months.
On London’s, Oxford Street, the cycling Santas squeezed past London black cabs and buses standing out from the crowd of pre-Christmas shoppers on one of the busiest days of the year.
Event organizer Rebecca Milburn reflected on the event’s journey, saying, “Santa in the City began nine years ago with just 450 participants dressed as Santa and has since grown into the remarkable spectacle it is today. This is more than just a run—it’s a celebration of community coming together to make a meaningful impact.”
This year’s official partner, Sarcoma UK, works to fund research and raise awareness about sarcoma. Louisa Morgan, the charity’s events manager, emphasized the event’s importance, saying, “We’re transforming Christmas cheer into a powerful force for change. With 15 people diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK, it’s vital to raise awareness about this devastating cancer and turn that awareness into action.”
The organizers encouraged public involvement, urging supporters to cheer on the runners during the grand finale, highlighting the power of collective spirit and festive joy.