Advertisement Surfing Santas return to Cocoa Beach for 16th year Updated: 6:17 PM EST Dec 23, 2024 By Mike Hanson The Surfing Santas are back in Cocoa Beach for the 16th annual holiday extravaganza on Christmas Eve, drawing thousands of spectators and participants from around the world. The event, known for its festive atmosphere and unique twist on traditional holiday cheer, will take place on Dec. 24, starting at 7:30 a.m. on the shores of Florida's Space Coast.What began as a family gathering on the beach in 2009 has evolved into a beloved holiday tradition. Each year, over 600 surfers don Santa Claus costumes and take to the waves, aiming to set a new record for the most Surfing Santas in one place. The event has become a major highlight of the holiday season, drawing massive crowds, with more than 10,000 spectators expected to attend this year."Surfing Santas has been called the 'Greatest Show on Surf,'" said event organizer George Trosset. "What started out as a simple, fun family day has exploded into one of the largest and most-talked-about holiday events. It's been amazing to watch it grow."Participants of all skill levels are invited to join in the fun. The event is free, and there are no age or ability requirements to participate. Surfers simply need to wear their most festive holiday attire, with prizes awarded for the best themed costumes. Spectators are also encouraged to dress up, adding to the holiday cheer.“This is a fun, family-friendly event,” said Peter Cranis, executive director of Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism. “Whether you're a surfing enthusiast or just looking for a memorable way to celebrate the holidays, Surfing Santas is a must-see. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy our Florida sunshine and get into the holiday spirit.”Since its inception, Surfing Santas has raised over $300,000 for charity, benefiting local organizations such as Grind for Life, which helps cancer patients with travel expenses for treatment, and the Florida Surf Museum, which preserves the state's surfing history. Proceeds also support local school sports teams.This year marks the first time Orlando Health is serving as the event's presenting sponsor. As part of their East Region expansion, Orlando Health has partnered with Surfing Santas to support the community event. Daniel Hodges, Orlando Health's Chief Financial Officer for the East Region and an avid surfer, will join in the festivities. Hodges will also take part in the Surfing Santas carpool karaoke, a pre-event activity leading up to the main surf event.In another new development, this year's Surfing Santas will host the world’s largest CPR/AED training event, in partnership with the nonprofit Who We Play For. The organization aims to train hundreds of people in life-saving techniques and set a new world record for simultaneous CPR and AED training.Event Details: When: Dec. 24, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to noon Where: 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (at the intersection with Route A1A North) Parking: Available in the downtown parking ramp and nearby area businesses Admission: Free; participation open to all COCOA BEACH, Fla. — The Surfing Santas are back in Cocoa Beach for the 16th annual holiday extravaganza on Christmas Eve, drawing thousands of spectators and participants from around the world. The event, known for its festive atmosphere and unique twist on traditional holiday cheer, will take place on Dec. 24, starting at 7:30 a.m. on the shores of Florida's Space Coast. Advertisement What began as a family gathering on the beach in 2009 has evolved into a beloved holiday tradition. Each year, over 600 surfers don Santa Claus costumes and take to the waves, aiming to set a new record for the most Surfing Santas in one place. The event has become a major highlight of the holiday season, drawing massive crowds, with more than 10,000 spectators expected to attend this year."Surfing Santas has been called the 'Greatest Show on Surf,'" said event organizer George Trosset. "What started out as a simple, fun family day has exploded into one of the largest and most-talked-about holiday events. It's been amazing to watch it grow." Participants of all skill levels are invited to join in the fun. The event is free, and there are no age or ability requirements to participate. Surfers simply need to wear their most festive holiday attire, with prizes awarded for the best themed costumes. Spectators are also encouraged to dress up, adding to the holiday cheer. “This is a fun, family-friendly event,” said Peter Cranis, executive director of Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism. “Whether you're a surfing enthusiast or just looking for a memorable way to celebrate the holidays, Surfing Santas is a must-see. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy our Florida sunshine and get into the holiday spirit.” Since its inception, Surfing Santas has raised over $300,000 for charity, benefiting local organizations such as Grind for Life, which helps cancer patients with travel expenses for treatment, and the Florida Surf Museum, which preserves the state's surfing history. Proceeds also support local school sports teams. This year marks the first time Orlando Health is serving as the event's presenting sponsor. As part of their East Region expansion, Orlando Health has partnered with Surfing Santas to support the community event. Daniel Hodges, Orlando Health's Chief Financial Officer for the East Region and an avid surfer, will join in the festivities. Hodges will also take part in the Surfing Santas carpool karaoke, a pre-event activity leading up to the main surf event.In another new development, this year's Surfing Santas will host the world’s largest CPR/AED training event, in partnership with the nonprofit Who We Play For. The organization aims to train hundreds of people in life-saving techniques and set a new world record for simultaneous CPR and AED training.Event Details: When: Dec. 24, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to noon Where: 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (at the intersection with Route A1A North) Parking: Available in the downtown parking ramp and nearby area businesses Admission: Free; participation open to all

Event Details: Event Details: This year marks the first time Orlando Health is serving as the event’s presenting sponsor. As part of their East Region expansion, Orlando Health has partnered with Surfing Santas to support the community event. Daniel Hodges, Orlando Health’s Chief Financial Officer for the East Region and an avid surfer, will join […]

Event Details:

This year marks the first time Orlando Health is serving as the event’s presenting sponsor. As part of their East Region expansion, Orlando Health has partnered with Surfing Santas to support the community event. Daniel Hodges, Orlando Health’s Chief Financial Officer for the East Region and an avid surfer, will join in the festivities. Hodges will also take part in the Surfing Santas carpool karaoke, a pre-event activity leading up to the main surf event.What began as a family gathering on the beach in 2009 has evolved into a beloved holiday tradition. Each year, over 600 surfers don Santa Claus costumes and take to the waves, aiming to set a new record for the most Surfing Santas in one place. The event has become a major highlight of the holiday season, drawing massive crowds, with more than 10,000 spectators expected to attend this year.
Since its inception, Surfing Santas has raised over 0,000 for charity, benefiting local organizations such as Grind for Life, which helps cancer patients with travel expenses for treatment, and the Florida Surf Museum, which preserves the state’s surfing history. Proceeds also support local school sports teams.

“Surfing Santas has been called the ‘Greatest Show on Surf,'” said event organizer George Trosset. “What started out as a simple, fun family day has exploded into one of the largest and most-talked-about holiday events. It’s been amazing to watch it grow.”
In another new development, this year’s Surfing Santas will host the world’s largest CPR/AED training event, in partnership with the nonprofit Who We Play For. The organization aims to train hundreds of people in life-saving techniques and set a new world record for simultaneous CPR and AED training.The Surfing Santas are back in Cocoa Beach for the 16th annual holiday extravaganza on Christmas Eve, drawing thousands of spectators and participants from around the world.
Updated: 6:17 PM EST Dec 23, 2024

When: Dec. 24, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to noon
Where: 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 (at the intersection with Route A1A North)
Parking: Available in the downtown parking ramp and nearby area businesses
Admission: Free; participation open to all