Ahoy there, Santa Claus!

Santa Claus made an early arrival to Docklands last month.

And, rather than travelling by sleigh, Santa took a distinctly Docklands mode of transport, arriving by boat.

Some 20 lucky children were invited to join Santa on board the Lady Cutler on November 21 after winning a Harbour Town competition.

After the boat docked at Melbourne City Marina, Santa was joined by Mrs Claus, a band of elves, Cinderella, the gingerbread man and a bag-pipe band for a grand Christmas parade from the waterfront through to Harbour Town.

The parade ended at Harbour Town’s enchanted forest, where Santa will be available for photos until Christmas Eve.