The festive spirit of Christmas took to the waves this year as coastal communities around the globe embraced the Surfing Santas phenomenon, adding their own unique flair. The annual event in Cocoa Beach, Florida, held on December 24, 2025, featured surfers dressed as Santa Claus and other festive characters, including a standout appearance by a surfer in a Mrs. Claus outfit.
The tradition began in 2009 when a local surfer and his family paddled out in costumes, and it has since blossomed into one of Cocoa Beach’s most beloved holiday celebrations. The event this year included thrilling spectacles such as a Santa parachuting from a helicopter into the Atlantic Ocean and a playful “surf-off” themed around the rivalry between SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Participants and spectators enjoyed nearly perfect weather, with a sunny sky and temperatures reaching 24 degrees Celsius. The event attracted larger crowds than ever, as both locals and tourists came together to celebrate the holiday season in a unique way.
Across the globe, similar celebrations took place, showcasing the universal appeal of holiday cheer. In Thessaloniki, Greece, dozens of Santas participated in the “Santa SUP” event, paddleboarding on the Thermaikos Gulf on December 21, 2025. This gathering highlighted the festive spirit as participants donned red suits while gliding across the water.
In Scotland, surfers dressed as Santa were spotted riding the waves near Newburgh, not far from Edinburgh, on December 23, 2025. Among them was instructor and lifeguard Finn Clark, who embraced the cold conditions to bring holiday joy to the North Sea.
The enthusiasm continued in the Netherlands, where hundreds of red-suited surfers took to the waves at Scheveningen Beach for the annual “Surfin’ Santas” event on December 21. Large crowds gathered along the coast to witness the spectacle, demonstrating that the message of holiday cheer transcends regional differences and resonates worldwide.
Whether participants opted for boardshorts or wetsuits, the underlying theme remained consistent: the joy of the season is best shared, even on surfboards. This global celebration of Surfing Santas serves as a reminder that holiday spirit can be found in the most unexpected places, uniting diverse communities through the shared love of surfing and festive fun.
