COCOA BEACH, FL — The 16th annual Surfing Santas event transformed Cocoa Beach into a sea of red and green on a chilly and foggy Christmas Eve morning, as hundreds of Santas traded their traditional sleighs for surfboards. The unique holiday spectacle, which began in 2009 as a family outing, has now become one of the Space Coast’s most cherished traditions, drawing thousands of spectators to watch the festive surfing extravaganza.
The event kicked off at 7:30 a.m. with an invocation and the traditional Hawaiian Christmas carol, “Mele Kaliki Maka,” setting a joyous tone for the day. By 10 a.m., the beach was dotted with hundreds of Santas, elves, and even a few Grinches, all ready to paddle out into the waves. The crowd, estimated at around 10,000 strong, cheered as participants showcased their holiday spirit and surfing skills.
This year’s costume contest was a highlight, featuring categories for babies, kids, groups, men, and women, with winners determined by the applause from the crowd. The creativity was on full display, with costumes ranging from traditional Santa suits to more inventive outfits inspired by snowmen, reindeer, and gingerbread characters. The winners of the costume contest were not officially announced by press time, but the event’s vibrancy was palpable as spectators and participants alike enjoyed the festive judging process.
