Florida’s Cocoa Beach Brings Holiday Cheer With Surfing Santas And Coastal Christmas Lights
Every Christmas Eve, something magical happens where the Atlantic Ocean meets holiday spirit in Cocoa Beach.
Hundreds of Santas, elves, and reindeer trade their sleighs for surfboards and paddle out into the waves while thousands of spectators cheer from the shore.
This isn’t a fever dream or a tropical hallucination but the annual Surfing Santas event, a beloved tradition that has transformed a quiet beach morning into one of Florida’s most unique holiday celebrations.
Since 2009, this quirky gathering has grown from a family idea into a global phenomenon that combines coastal culture with Christmas cheer while raising money for worthy causes.
The Origins That Started It All
George Trosset and his family started this wild tradition back in 2009 with a simple idea.
They wanted to create a fun Christmas Eve memory that honored their love of surfing and the holiday season.
What began as a small family gathering quickly caught the attention of locals who thought the concept was brilliant.
By the second year, word had spread through social media and local news outlets, drawing more participants.
Each year, the event grew exponentially as surfers from across Florida and beyond heard about the festivities.
Now, more than fifteen years later, it has become a globally recognized tradition that attracts international visitors.
I met a couple from Scotland who told me they planned their entire Florida vacation around attending this event.
The Trosset family’s simple idea transformed into something that brings together thousands of people every December 24th.
Their vision of combining beach culture with holiday cheer created a tradition that feels both uniquely Floridian and universally heartwarming.
Perfect Location At Coconuts On The Beach
Coconuts on the Beach serves as the perfect home base for this annual celebration.
Located right where the Minutemen Causeway meets the Atlantic, it offers easy beach access and convenient facilities.
The restaurant opens early on Christmas Eve, providing breakfast options for hungry spectators and participants alike.
I grabbed coffee and breakfast sandwiches there before heading down to the sand, and the staff seemed genuinely excited about the event.
Their bathrooms become essential facilities when thousands of people descend on this stretch of beach.
The venue’s proximity to downtown Cocoa Beach means parking is available in the nearby parking ramp, though it fills quickly.
We arrived around 7:00 a.m. and still had to circle a few times before finding a spot.
The location also provides a natural gathering point where families can meet up before dispersing along the beach.
After the surfing ends, Coconuts becomes a perfect spot to warm up and reflect on the morning’s festivities.
Hundreds Of Costumed Surfers Take The Waves
Watching hundreds of Santas paddle out into the Atlantic Ocean creates a surreal visual spectacle.
Some wear full red velvet suits that become heavy and waterlogged, while others opt for Santa themed rash guards.
Elves in green tights and pointy hats balance on longboards next to reindeer with antler headbands.
I even spotted someone dressed as the Grinch, which felt perfectly on theme in a rebellious way.
The diversity of costumes shows the creativity and enthusiasm participants bring to this event every year.
Not everyone who paddles out is an expert surfer, and that’s part of the charm.
Beginners wobble on their boards while experienced surfers perform tricks, all united by festive costumes and holiday spirit.
My son kept pointing out his favorites, including a Santa riding a bright yellow board shaped like a banana.
The sight of all those costumed figures bobbing in the waves remains one of my favorite Christmas memories.
Thousands Of Spectators Line The Shore
The beach becomes packed with spectators who arrive early to claim prime viewing spots along the sand.
Families spread out blankets, set up beach chairs, and position themselves for the best photo opportunities.
We staked our claim near a lifeguard stand, which gave us a slightly elevated view of the action.
Children run along the water’s edge, squealing with delight every time a Santa successfully rides a wave.
Grandparents snap photos on their phones while teenagers film videos for their social media accounts.
The atmosphere feels like a combination of a surf competition, a costume party, and a family reunion.
I overheard conversations in multiple languages, confirming that people travel from around the world for this event.
One family from Ohio told me they make it an annual tradition, planning their entire Christmas around this beach gathering.
The collective energy of thousands of people sharing this unique experience creates an unforgettable holiday moment.
Supporting Wonderful Charitable Causes
Proceeds from the event support Grind for Life, an organization that helps cancer patients with travel expenses for treatment.
The Florida Surf Museum also benefits, preserving the rich surfing history that makes this state’s beach culture so special.
Knowing my participation and t-shirt purchase contributed to these causes made the experience even more meaningful.
Volunteers set up donation stations along the beach, and I watched people cheerfully drop cash into collection buckets.
The event demonstrates how a fun community gathering can also make a real difference in people’s lives.
One volunteer told me they’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for these worthy organizations.
Cancer patients have shared stories about how Grind for Life assistance removed financial barriers to their treatment.
The charitable component transforms what could be just a quirky spectacle into something with genuine heart and purpose.
It feels good to laugh, celebrate, and support important causes all at the same time.
Epic Costume Contest Brings Extra Competition
A costume contest adds an extra layer of competition and creativity to the morning’s festivities.
Participants register their outfits, and judges evaluate costumes based on originality, execution, and holiday spirit.
I watched a young boy dressed as the Silver Surfer with a Santa hat win his age category, beaming with pride.
One woman constructed an elaborate Christmas tree costume complete with working lights powered by a hidden battery pack.
The judges clearly have a tough job selecting winners from such an impressive array of creative entries.
Prizes are awarded for various categories, encouraging both kids and adults to go all out with their designs.
My daughter immediately started planning next year’s costume, inspired by what she saw on that stage.
The contest happens before the main surfing event, building anticipation and giving spectators entertainment while waiting.
Winners receive trophies, gift certificates, and most importantly, bragging rights for creating the most memorable holiday costume.
My First Encounter With Surfing Santas
I remember pulling into the parking lot at 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, just as dawn broke over the ocean.
My kids were bouncing in their seats, already wearing the elf costumes we’d bought specifically for this adventure.
We had driven down from Orlando the night before, staying at a beachside hotel so we could experience the Surfing Santas event without rushing.
Nothing could have prepared me for the sight that greeted us when we walked onto the sand.
Dozens of people were already gathering, many dressed in full Santa suits despite the warm Florida weather.
Surfboards lined the beach like colorful sentries, and the energy felt electric even before the sun fully rose.
My daughter grabbed my hand and pointed at a woman dressed as a Christmas tree, complete with ornaments dangling from her costume.
That moment, standing on that beach south of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, I knew we had stumbled onto something truly special.
The event hadn’t even officially started, yet the joy was already contagious.
Live Music Amplifies The Festive Atmosphere
Live bands set up near the beach, filling the air with holiday music mixed with classic beach rock.
The soundtrack ranges from traditional Christmas carols to upbeat surf rock that gets people dancing in the sand.
I found myself tapping my feet to a reggae version of Jingle Bells that somehow worked perfectly.
Musicians clearly enjoy performing for such an enthusiastic and festive crowd wearing Santa hats and elf ears.
Between songs, band members crack jokes about surfing in velvet suits and the absurdity of Christmas at the beach.
The music creates a party atmosphere that extends beyond just watching people surf in costumes.
Kids dance near the stage while parents sway with coffee cups in hand, everyone moving to the rhythm.
One guitarist wore reindeer antlers, fully embracing the spirit of the event while shredding impressive solos.
The combination of ocean waves, live music, and holiday cheer creates a sensory experience unlike any traditional Christmas celebration.
Family Friendly Fun For All Ages
This event welcomes families with children of all ages, creating memories that last long after Christmas morning.
Toddlers build sandcastles decorated with shells while older kids wade in the shallow water watching surfers.
Parents don’t have to worry about inappropriate content or environments, making it stress free holiday entertainment.
I saw grandparents holding infants, teenagers taking selfies, and everyone in between enjoying the spectacle together.
The welcoming atmosphere encourages participation regardless of surfing ability or costume quality.
My family met another group from Tampa, and our kids instantly became friends, playing together in the sand.
Food vendors offer kid friendly options, and the bathroom facilities at Coconuts make managing young children easier.
Unlike some holiday events that cater primarily to adults, this one genuinely celebrates family togetherness.
We left feeling like we’d experienced something special as a unit, creating a new tradition for our family.
Early Arrival Secures Best Viewing Spots
Arriving early makes a significant difference in your overall experience at this popular event.
Parking fills up rapidly after 7:00 a.m., with latecomers forced to park far from the beach access.
We learned this lesson the hard way our first year, arriving at 8:30 and missing prime spots.
The downtown parking ramp offers convenient options, but spaces disappear quickly as thousands of people converge on the area.
Early birds also get first pick of merchandise, especially the limited edition t-shirts that sell out fast.
Popular colors and sizes vanish within the first hour, leaving only slim pickings for late arrivals.
Beach real estate becomes precious as more spectators arrive, making it harder to find good viewing angles.
I recommend arriving by 7:00 a.m. or earlier to park easily, buy merchandise, and secure a comfortable spot.
The early morning beach atmosphere is magical anyway, with soft light and fewer crowds initially.
Post Surf Street Party Extends The Celebration
After the surfing concludes, the Surfin’ Mingle street party keeps the festive energy going strong.
Food trucks line the streets offering everything from tacos to ice cream, perfect for hungry families.
Unique vendors set up booths selling handmade crafts, perfect for last minute holiday shopping with a local flavor.
We bought hand painted ornaments featuring surfing Santas, which now hang on our tree every year.
The street party atmosphere feels more relaxed than the crowded beach, giving families space to decompress.
Live entertainment continues in the streets, with performers juggling, making balloon animals, and spreading holiday cheer.
My kids loved exploring the different vendor booths, finding treasures while I enjoyed a food truck lunch.
This extension of the event prevents the abrupt ending that often leaves you wanting more from special experiences.
We spent another two hours at the street party before finally heading home, exhausted but completely satisfied with our Christmas Eve adventure.
