Brighton & Hove’s much-loved Santa Bus is back for its 22nd year, promising a month of festive sparkle, family fun and community fundraising. Running from Monday, November 24 to Tuesday, December 23, the illuminated bus will tour a different neighbourhood every evening, complete with Santa himself waving from aboard.
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Families can track the bus in real time using the online Santa Tracker, making it easy to catch a glimpse as it passes by. Each night’s route begins between 5pm and 5.30pm and finishes between 7.30pm and 8.30pm, depending on traffic. Cancellations are rare – the Santa Bus has only been halted three times in the past twenty years due to severe weather.
Beyond its seasonal charm, the Santa Bus is a major fundraising effort. Since it first took to the streets, it has raised more than £453,000 for local causes, and this year organisers hope to reach the £500,000 milestone. Donations will support 12 charities and community organisations, including the Mayor’s chosen charities: Allsorts, Brighton Women’s Centre, Hove and Adur Sea Cadets, and Rockinghorse.
Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Amanda Grimshaw BEM, said: “This much-loved festive tradition brings joy to the streets of Brighton & Hove while shining a light on the vital work our charities do every day. I’m really looking forward to joining Santa, the charity teams, and the amazing volunteers to help spread cheer and raise much-needed funds for our community.”
Local businesses can also play a role by becoming official Santa Bus Collection Points. Residents are encouraged to come out, give Santa a wave, and contribute what they can.
Ed Wills, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Buses, said: “The Santa Bus brings joy to thousands of people and helps raise vital funds for local charities doing incredible work. We’re proud to continue this tradition and hope to reach our £500,000 fundraising milestone this year.”
Full route maps, live tracking, and donation links are available online, along with this year’s Santa Bus launch film.
Website: Brighton and Hove Buses
