YOBS broke into Santa's narrowboat at the Boat Museum and used it as a toilet.
They also pulled down the Christmas tree and lights and stole some of the decorations, putting the boat out of action for a day.
Ellesmere Port police are now stepping up their patrols by the waterfront following the break-in at about 8pm on Tuesday, December 5.
A senior member of staff at the Boat Museum said youths seen hanging around were believed to have climbed over one boat to get to Santa's trip boat moored next to it and forced open one of its windows.
She said: 'They got into the trip boat and used it as a toilet.
'They also stole some of the decorations - lights which look like icicles - pulled some other lights down and pushed the Christmas tree over.
'The damage was found the next morning and has really upset us.
'The boat was decorated for Santa Cruises. It was out of commission the following day so it could be thoroughly cleaned and have the lights replaced.
'The police have been great and are going to do regular patrols at night.
'We are also repositioning where we keep this boat so it can't be accessed so easily and putting extra locks on.'
* In a separate offence, police say burglars caused 'a lot of flood damage' to premises on Meadow Lane, Ellesmere Port, on Monday, December 4.
They smashed a window to get in, then tried to remove copper piping by forcing radiators off the wall.
But they didn't turn off the water first.
They escaped empty-handed.
* Witnesses to either offence should call police on 0845 4580000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
