St Nicholas stepped ashore on the coast and launched the seasonal festivities in Harwich.
More than 300 people welcomed him and companion Black Peter when they arrived by lifeboat at the Ha'penny Pier.
The Rev Erwin Lammens was thrilled to see so many people turn out for the continental tradition.
He said: "There were even more people than last year and it is wonderful to see the town embrace this tradition."
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