Don't Miss The World Famous Surfing Santas Event Happening Christmas Eve On Cocoa Beach - 2022 Guide
top of page
  • Writer's pictureGotta Go Orlando

Don't Miss The World Famous Surfing Santas Event Happening Christmas Eve On Cocoa Beach - 2022 Guide

We can guarantee that there is no other beach having as much fun on Christmas Eve as Cocoa Beach right here in Central Florida.


Every year, on the morning of December 24th, hundreds of Surfing Santas come together in the heart of Cocoa Beach for a morning of family fun on the beach, a surf event like no other!


The fun starts at 8 a.m. beachside at Coconuts on the Beach, 2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, with the festivities going on until 12 noon, and admission is free.


Surfing Santas Christmas Eve  Cocoa Beach

Hundreds of surfers and thousands of spectators dressed in holiday-themed outfits are expected to participate this year, with live music, Hawaiian dance demonstrations, and the ever popular costume content.



If you don't want to surf, thousands of spectators come and enjoy the holiday atmosphere and entertainment - you can join in with the annual Surfing Santas costume contest that's open to all in attendance.


Anyone can participate by dressing in the christmas-themed outfit of their choice, and prizes will be awarded for best babies, children, groups, men, and women!


Surfing Santas At Cocoa Beach

Surfing Santas is the Space Coast’s most anticipated holiday event, and this is your chance to take to the waves with hundreds of holiday revelers for a Florida Christmas celebration you'll never forget.


Once you’ve experienced Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach you’ll never want to spend your Christmas anywhere else.


Surfing Santas At Cocoa Beach

Surfing Santas is traditionally held on December 24, at Cocoa Beach, with the event bringing hundreds of surfers dressed up as Santa to the city’s beach.


It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the holidays, having lots of holly jolly fun with friends and family.


Surfing Santas At Cocoa Beach

The event started as a small family outing in 2009 and has grown to become a must experience event that raises thousands of dollars every year for local charities.


In addition to catching the waves, the event also features costume contests, live music, performances, photo opportunities, and more.


Surfing Santas At Cocoa Beach

Are you ready for this year's COSTUME CONTEST?


The contest is beginning promptly at 8:30 am. Dress up in your favorite winter themed outfit – snowman, Santa and Mrs. Claus, gingerbread man, reindeer, elves – for your chance to win prizes.


The more creative the costume, the better your chances of winning.


The crowd can participate in the contest by giving applause for their favorite costume, with the crowd favorites determining the winners.


There are five categories: babies (0-3), kids (4-15), groups (2 people or more), men (16+), and women (16+).


Winners will receive a 2-night hotel stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Port Canaveral, a gift bag with products from Sun Bum along with other fun prizes. Additionally, the grand prize winner gets a free full-day boat rental, including a tank of fuel from Carefree Boat Club at Anchorage Yacht Basin (Melbourne Florida only)!


There are no rules, so anything goes…well almost!


This is a family-friendly event, so please keep that in mind.




Surfing Santas is kind of a big deal, and it gets bigger every year. If you want to plan out your best holiday experience, here are a few tips.


Arrive Early Surfing Santas is one of Cocoa Beach’s biggest events, and parking near Minutemen Causeway in Downtown Cocoa Beach can get a bit complicated as the morning rolls on.


Where To Park in Cocoa Beach for Surfing Santas

Surfing Santas takes place at the end of Minutemen Causeway in the heart of Downtown Cocoa Beach. There is limited street parking in this area.


The Cocoa Beach Parking Garage is a great option for visitors. You’ll definitely want to arrive early, or utilize rideshare services to ensure a hassle-free arrival in Cocoa Beach!


Metered parking is available throughout Cocoa Beach. Check out this website for a comprehensive list of all the parking spaces in Cocoa Beach, and the opportunity to download the Passport Parking Mobile App for a seamless parking experience.


Hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley The Cocoa Beach Trolley (Route 9) is a local bus route that transports locals and visitors alike to top spots between Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach.


For $1.50/rider you can ditch the car at your hotel and enjoy a stress-free ride to Coconuts on the Beach!


Dress Up! The costume contests are half of the FUN!


Surfing Santas Party Christmas Eve Cocoa Beach

Pack Light Surfing Santas starts at 8 am and ends at 12 pm. There is so much to do and see on the beach, you probably won’t need your normal beach-day setup.


A backpack with a few towels to sit on and some holiday treats to munch on should be just enough. Don't forget your sunscreen and a hat though!


Plan ahead for Food While many restaurants stay open to feed the Surfing Santas crowd, some do close their doors or limit hours on Christmas Eve.


Buy the T-shirt Surfing Santas is, at its heart, a charitable event. Every year the organization donates thousands of dollars to The Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life.


When you snag some Surfing Santas swag you're giving back to two incredible causes.


It's a souvenir that won't be available after this year either, stash one or two of these under the tree and remember this year's Space Coast Holiday getaway for years to come.


Surfing Santas At Cocoa Beach

Win the Truck!

This year Surfing Santa's is upping the ante and raffling off an SUV for Grind for Life and the Florida Surf Museum!


For the first time ever, you can enter a raffle to win a 1996 Toyota Hilux “Surf” SUV!


Tickets are available here, or at select locations in and around the Cocoa Beach, FL area.


Surfing Santas At Cocoa Beach

Santa keeps a timely schedule on Christmas Eve, arrive bright and early!







bottom of page