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Christmas Meets Coastal Culture at Surfing Santas 2024
On Christmas Eve, Cocoa Beach comes alive with the quirky, festive spectacle of Surfing Santas, a tradition now in its 16th year. Starting at 7:30 a.m. on December 24 at 3 Minutemen Causeway, hundreds of surfers in Santa suits will ride the waves, delighting a crowd of thousands in this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration.
What began as a playful idea in 2009 with just 10 surfers has transformed into an iconic event. Last year, 227 Surfing Santas hit the waves, drawing over 10,000 spectators from across the globe. Attendees enjoy a warm, beachside Christmas experience, complete with lively street parties, local food vendors, and stops at nearby favorites like Coconuts on the Beach.
Surfing Santas has become a cornerstone of Cocoa Beach’s holiday season, not just for its spectacle but for its economic and community impact. Visitors from outside Brevard County significantly boost the local economy, spending an average of $197 per person. The event’s media reach is staggering, with coverage reaching 994 million people in 2022 and generating $3.53 million in earned media value for Brevard County.
This year, the event introduces a partnership with WhoWePlayFor, a non-profit dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac death in young people. Free Electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings will be offered to participants aged 10 to 35, and attendees can also join an effort to set a world record for the most people trained in CPR/AED in a single day. Additional collaborations with local charities, including Grind for Life and the Florida Surf Museum, have helped Surfing Santas raise over $200,000 for non-profits.
The idea for Surfing Santas came from George Trosset Sr., who decided to surf as Santa after seeing a holiday-themed Honda commercial. Over the years, the event has grown through strategic partnerships and innovative media campaigns, supported by the Space Coast Office of Tourism. This includes sharing high-quality footage with media outlets shortly after the event concludes, ensuring it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Surfing Santas phenomenon isn’t just a fun day at the beach—it’s a cherished tradition for attendees, with 80% planning to return the following year and many purchasing event merchandise. For those traveling to Cocoa Beach, overnight spending averages $173 per visitor, further underscoring its value to the local community.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Surfing Santas offers an unforgettable blend of Florida’s beach culture and holiday cheer. Mark your calendar for December 24 and experience this unique Christmas tradition on the Space Coast.
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